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Needs Improvement

#3596 of 3,777 schools in FL

Varsity Lakes Middle School

Middle School · LEE

801 GUNNERY RD N, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

Enrollment

1,257

Student-Teacher

22.9:1

Score

3.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Lehigh Acres

#12 of 14

public schools

Florida middle schools

#570 of 573

In district

#94 of 110

LEE

About Varsity Lakes Middle School

Varsity Lakes Middle School serves 1,257 students in grades 6-8 in Lehigh Acres, a growing community in Lee County. With 55 full-time teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22.9 to 1, providing a substantial learning environment for middle school students. The school is currently focusing on student development, with room for academic growth across core subjects.

In both English Language Arts and mathematics, 36% of students perform at proficient levels or above, indicating opportunities for continued improvement in student achievement. The school holds a state ranking that places it among Florida's developing middle schools. Varsity Lakes Middle School sits in the heart of a large suburban community where families enjoy a median household income of $69,061 and median home values around $240,900.

The surrounding 33971 ZIP code area is home to nearly 29,000 residents, creating a stable neighborhood environment for students and families. As a regular public school, Varsity Lakes Middle School serves an important role in the educational landscape of Lehigh Acres, welcoming students during these critical middle school years when academic foundations and social skills develop together. The school operates within Lee County's established suburban setting, providing educational services to families throughout this expanding Florida community.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Varsity Lakes Middle School is 22.9:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.4Fair40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-3.01 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.8Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32%
Reading/ELA Proficiency39%
Math vs. State Avg-23.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-15.4 pts
Overall Proficiency36%
Expected (poverty-adj.)42%
vs. Expected-6.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
Resources & Environment3.3Fair25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,788

Varsity Lakes Middle School — Students at Varsity Lakes Middle School score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

63.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 38.6%
School
State
52.5%
ELA Proficiency 39.8%
School
State
51.8%

Based on 10 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
52%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
39%
2024
Math
36.3%
ELA
36%

* 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: 3.4/10.

How Varsity Lakes Middle School Compares

See how Varsity Lakes Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.9/10
5th percentile in FL
Academic
4.8/10
4.8/10
Growth
3.4/10
Below average
Environment
3.3/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
63%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
55 teachers

Location

801 GUNNERY RD N, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Varsity Lakes Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. OAK HAMMOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 5.5/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Fort Myers), which scores notably higher. Additionally, HARNS MARSH MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 5.1/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lehigh Acres, see our Lehigh Acres schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.1 mi
School Distance Rating
LEHIGH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Lehigh Acres 0.3 mi 2.7
TORTUGA PRESERVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lehigh Acres 0.7 mi 5.0
GUNNERY ROAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lehigh Acres 1.4 mi 8.8
GATEWAY HIGH SCHOOL Fort Myers 2.4 mi 6.3
HARNS MARSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lehigh Acres 2.3 mi 5.1
SUNSHINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lehigh Acres 2.3 mi 4.9
HARNS MARSH MIDDLE SCHOOL Lehigh Acres 2.3 mi 5.1
PALM ACRES CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL Lehigh Acres 2.5 mi 4.6
GATEWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Myers 3.2 mi 4.9
CROSSPOINTE ACADEMY Fort Myers 3.3 mi 5.9
CROSSPOINTE ACADEMY, INC. Fort Myers 3.3 mi 6.8
TREELINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Myers 4.5 mi 5.1
BUCKINGHAM EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT CENTER Fort Myers 5.1 mi 4.6
GATEWAY CHARTER SCHOOL Fort Myers 5.2 mi 4.6
G. WEAVER HIPPS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lehigh Acres 4.9 mi 7.4
LEHIGH ACRES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Lehigh Acres 5.0 mi 6.2
OAK HAMMOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL Fort Myers 5.3 mi 5.5
MANATEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Myers 5.3 mi 6.1
FORT MYERS ACADEMY Fort Myers 5.1 mi
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER Fort Myers 5.1 mi 6.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 33971 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$72,784

Median Home Value

$271,900

Median Rent

$1,678/mo

Population

28,377

College Educated

14.7%

Homeownership

79.8%

Avg Commute

34.8 min

Poverty Rate

11.2%

Median Age

34.6

Community Profile

The community surrounding Varsity Lakes Middle School has a median household income of $72,784. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $271,900, with a median rent of $1,678/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.2%. The average commute in the area is 35 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
SHIELDS MIDDLE SCHOOL Ruskin, FL 3.9
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL Tampa, FL 3.9
KINLOCH PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL Miami, FL 4.0
STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL Tampa, FL 4.0
TWIN LAKES ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL 4.1
GULF MIDDLE SCHOOL New Port Richey, FL 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Varsity Lakes Middle School

What grades does Varsity Lakes Middle School serve?

Varsity Lakes Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Varsity Lakes Middle School?

Varsity Lakes Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,257 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Varsity Lakes Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Varsity Lakes Middle School is 22.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Varsity Lakes Middle School rank in FL?

Varsity Lakes Middle School is ranked #3596 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Varsity Lakes Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Varsity Lakes Middle School has a composite rating of 3.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Varsity Lakes Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Varsity Lakes Middle School has 38.6% math proficiency and 39.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Varsity Lakes Middle School a charter school?

No, Varsity Lakes Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Varsity Lakes Middle School a Title I school?

No, Varsity Lakes Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Varsity Lakes Middle School?

63.2% of students at Varsity Lakes 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable
County Safety
Elevated (730/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,257
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
55
Free/Reduced Lunch
63.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Lee County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

LEE
District Enrollment
100,064
Schools in District
120
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,108
District Rank
#94 of 110

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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