Below Average
#3157 of 3,778 schools in FL
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School
Middle School · LEE
4750 WINKLER AVENUE EXT, Fort Myers, FL 33966
Enrollment
995
Student-Teacher
22.1:1
Score
4.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
995
Student-Teacher
22.1:1
Score
4.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Florida schools
#3,157 of 3,778
In Fort Myers
#27 of 44
public schools
In district
#71 of 110
LEE
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Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School
Middle School in Fort Myers · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Southwest Florida Christian Academy
1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is a public middle school in Fort Myers, FL, part of LEE. Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School serves approximately 995 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 22.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #3,157 of 3,778 schools in FL.
Structured state assessment records for Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School show 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.5 · Below Average
- District avg 5.4
- FL avg 5.9
What Parents Should Know
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School runs 22.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
33% of students at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School — Students at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
53.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 33 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.2/10.
How Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School Compares
See how Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
4750 WINKLER AVENUE EXT, Fort Myers, FL 33966
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. TREELINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is JAMES STEPHENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.1/10, 3.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, COUNTY WIDE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD PROGRAMS (rated 6.0/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fort Myers, see our Fort Myers schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.9 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 33966 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$86,812
Median Home Value
$362,400
Median Rent
$1,743/mo
Population
11,901
College Educated
44.4%
Homeownership
64%
Avg Commute
21.8 min
Poverty Rate
5.4%
Median Age
42.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CHARGER ACADEMY Jacksonville, FL | 4.5 |
| ELIZABETH COBB MIDDLE SCHOOL Tallahassee, FL | 4.5 |
| HOBBS MIDDLE SCHOOL Milton, FL | 4.5 |
| KATHLEEN MIDDLE SCHOOL Lakeland, FL | 4.5 |
| LEGACY MIDDLE Orlando, FL | 4.5 |
| MILLENNIUM MIDDLE SCHOOL Sanford, FL | 4.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School serve?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 995 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is 22.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School rank in FL?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School ranks #3,157 of 3,778 schools in FL.
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School has 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School a charter school?
No, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School a Title I school?
No, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School?
53.5% of students at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 995
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 45
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 53.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Lee County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 33.0%
- Phone
- (239) 334-1357
Resources & Links
District
LEE- District Enrollment
- 100,064
- Schools in District
- 120
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,108
- District Rank
- #71 of 110
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
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