Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

Summary:

Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is a public middle school in Fort Myers, Florida, serving 1,007 students in grades 6-8 and part of the Lee County School District, which is ranked 50 out of 68 districts in the state.

While Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School outperforms the district and state averages in several subject areas, particularly in End-of-Course (EOC) exams, it has a more diverse student population compared to nearby schools, with a higher percentage of African American (30.98%) and Hispanic (35.95%) students. However, the school's chronic absenteeism rate is higher at 28.9%, and it has a higher percentage of students (50.55%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a larger proportion of students from low-income families. Despite these challenges, the school's statewide ranking has been declining, from 417 out of 956 Florida middle schools in 2012-2013 to 863 out of 1,196 in 2023-2024, suggesting it may be facing difficulties in maintaining its academic performance compared to other schools in the state.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Three Oaks Middle School and Cypress Lake Middle School, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School lags behind in terms of statewide rankings and test scores in various subjects. Addressing the factors behind the school's high chronic absenteeism rate and providing additional resources and support to students from low-income families could be crucial in improving the school's overall performance and helping it regain its competitive edge within the Lee County School District.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 4750 Winkler Avenue Ext
       Fort Myers, FL  33966


(239) 334-1357

District: Lee

SchoolDigger Rank:
863rd of 1,196 Florida Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,326 Help


Students who attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School usually attend:

High:    Cypress Lake High School
    Dunbar High School
    Estero High School
    Fort Myers High School
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  20.2 Help
Number of students:  1,007

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
35.9%
African American:
31.0%
White:
24.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  50.5% Help


 See top rated Florida middle schools

 Compare Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School ranks worse than 72.2% of middle schools in Florida. It also ranks 14th among 17 ranked middle schools in the Lee School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 30.13. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (35.9%), African American (31%), White (24.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 50.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is 20.2. 13 middle schools in the Lee School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School employs 49.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is $9,326. 15 middle schools in the Lee School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School 863rd of 1196 Florida public middle schools. (See Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School in the ranking list.)

Lee:

SchoolDigger ranks Lee 50th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools FL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 73.90 140th 593 76.4%
2005 69.68 170th 602 71.8%
2006 75.89 150th 675 77.8%
2007 66.65 248th 736 66.3%
2008 62.06 305th 740 58.8%
2009 59.89 336th 780 56.9%
2010 58.81 374th 839 55.4%
2011 59.35 389th 891 56.3%
2012 55.27 413th 897 54.0%
2013 55.95 417th 956 56.4%
2014 47.03 532nd 999 46.7%
2016 40.47 587th 997 41.1%
2017 46.12 547th 1031 46.9%
2018 49.56 523rd 1035 49.5%
2019 46.76 594th 1099 46.0%
2021 53.60 505th 1136 55.5%
2022 43.00 638th 1148 44.4%
2023 45.20 630th 1177 46.5%
2024 30.13 863rd 1196 27.8%
See the entire list of Florida Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    






Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Open Quote The Principal and administrators are fully engaged, the Counselors are involved and teachers care! The theater program is the best and we like to call this school OUR BEST KEPT SECRET. Close Quote


by a citizen
Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Open Quote As a parent who is raising two young boys in a very global and diverse society it is important for my kids to have an educational experience at a school that promotes diversity and develops a culture that emphasizes respect, tolerance, and acceptance. Dunbar Middle meets all of those expectations and much more. They have some of the most dedicated and caring teachers that I have ever been around (and I am a teacher as well). They pride themselves on doing what is best for their students and involving parents and the community in their students education. The building is clean, bright and well taken care of. Academically, the school is technology driven, and has the resources to meet your child's needs despite whatever level they may be at. They have programs to support struggling students and have one of the best gifted programs in the county. I definitely recommend Dunbar Middle, as a parent and a teacher!!!! Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Open Quote Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle is comprised of some of the hardest working, engaging, caring and passionate educators in Lee County. They provide a safe, supportive and respectful environment for their students and demonstrate on a daily basis, their commitment to providing an educational experience that is relevant, rigorous and dynamic for their students. I highly recommend sending your students to this school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 240 161 2 30 0 n/a n/a 0 433
1989 225 159 1 29 0 n/a n/a 0 414
1990 295 153 2 36 0 n/a n/a 0 486
1991 433 183 4 75 2 n/a n/a 0 697
1992 548 200 9 84 0 n/a n/a 0 841
1993 590 192 10 94 2 n/a n/a 0 888
1994 551 169 8 84 1 n/a n/a 0 813
1995 620 189 21 103 3 n/a n/a 0 936
1996 620 189 21 103 3 n/a n/a 0 936
1997 628 243 20 152 2 n/a n/a 0 1045
1998 690 280 19 167 2 n/a n/a 0 1158
1999 549 260 22 113 2 n/a n/a 0 946
2000 529 294 19 101 3 n/a n/a 0 946
2001 617 291 22 118 3 n/a n/a 0 1051
2002 648 292 27 169 2 n/a n/a 0 1138
2003 648 292 27 169 2 n/a n/a 0 1138
2004 664 279 22 184 3 n/a n/a 0 1152
2005 638 275 21 198 6 n/a n/a 0 1138
2006 545 243 18 168 2 n/a n/a 0 976
2007 424 255 21 147 1 n/a n/a 34 882
2008 427 293 34 168 2 n/a n/a 47 971
2009 393 265 40 163 3 n/a n/a 35 899
2010 363 270 45 199 1 n/a n/a 30 908
2011 318 257 41 170 1 1 22 0 810
2012 313 284 35 199 1 0 23 0 855
2013 320 324 34 233 1 0 31 0 943
2014 300 354 22 257 1 1 32 0 967
2015 258 335 20 264 0 1 31 0 909
2016 231 326 30 259 1 1 24 0 872
2017 237 347 34 293 2 1 30 0 944
2018 237 345 41 321 1 1 27 0 973
2019 264 363 41 317 1 1 31 0 1018
2020 266 354 48 326 1 1 21 0 1017
2021 269 330 53 319 2 1 21 0 995
2022 250 317 54 337 2 2 34 0 996
2023 243 312 42 362 3 1 44 0 1007

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 433 26.0 16.6 62.1
1989 414 27.0 15.3 58.7
1990 486 32.0 15.1 53.5
1991 697 40.0 17.4 45.2
1992 841 42.0 20.0 34.7
1993 888 42.0 21.1 37.5
1994 813 42.0 19.4 35.1
1995 936 53.0 17.7 36.6
1996 936 53.0 17.7 36.6
1997 1045 54.0 19.4 43.3
1998 1158 60.0 19.3 41
1999 946 61.0 15.5 48.4
2000 946 53.0 17.8 51.4
2001 1051 52.0 20.2 48.6
2002 1138 55.0 20.7 48.5
2003 1138 55.0 20.7 48.5
2004 1152 65.0 17.7 42.7
2005 1138 62.0 18.4 47.3
2006 976 55.0 17.7 44
2007 882 52.0 17.0 47.3
2008 971 56.0 17.3 53.8
2009 899 54.1 16.8 58.2
2010 908 52.0 17.4 66.2
2011 810 49.1 16.4 65.7
2012 855 48.8 17.5 68.4
2013 943 54.0 17.4 72.1
2014 967 57.0 16.9 75.8
2015 909 54.0 16.8 79.5
2016 872 57.0 15.2 62.2
2017 944 60.0 15.7 58.4
2018 973 66.0 14.7 60
2019 1018 60.8 16.7 53.8
2020 1017 56.2 18.0 51
2021 995 60.0 16.5 51.4
2022 996 54.0 18.4 48.5
2023 1007 49.8 20.2 50.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 433 26.0 16.6 62.1
1989 414 27.0 15.3 58.7
1990 486 32.0 15.1 53.5
1991 697 40.0 17.4 45.2
1992 841 42.0 20.0 34.7
1993 888 42.0 21.1 37.5
1994 813 42.0 19.4 35.1
1995 936 53.0 17.7 36.6
1996 936 53.0 17.7 36.6
1997 1045 54.0 19.4 43.3
1998 1158 60.0 19.3 41
1999 946 61.0 15.5 48.4
2000 946 53.0 17.8 51.4
2001 1051 52.0 20.2 48.6
2002 1138 55.0 20.7 48.5
2003 1138 55.0 20.7 48.5
2004 1152 65.0 17.7 42.7
2005 1138 62.0 18.4 47.3
2006 976 55.0 17.7 44
2007 882 52.0 17.0 47.3
2008 971 56.0 17.3 53.8
2009 899 54.1 16.8 58.2
2010 908 52.0 17.4 66.2
2011 810 49.1 16.4 65.7
2012 855 48.8 17.5 68.4
2013 943 54.0 17.4 72.1
2014 967 57.0 16.9 75.8
2015 909 54.0 16.8 79.5
2016 872 57.0 15.2 62.2
2017 944 60.0 15.7 58.4
2018 973 66.0 14.7 60
2019 1018 60.8 16.7 53.8
2020 1017 56.2 18.0 51
2021 995 60.0 16.5 51.4
2022 996 54.0 18.4 48.5
2023 1007 49.8 20.2 50.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018 $1,153 (13.4%) $7,450 (86.6%) $8,603
2019 $1,175 (13.8%) $7,328 (86.2%) $8,503
2020 $1,232 (14.5%) $7,264 (85.5%) $8,496
2021 $1,218 (14.0%) $7,483 (86.0%) $8,701
2022 $1,484 (16.9%) $7,283 (83.1%) $8,768
2023 $1,732 (18.6%) $7,594 (81.4%) $9,326

Data source: Florida Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 594th of 1099 Middle schoolsRanks 630th of 1177 Middle schools
 0.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)5452
 2%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Lee)5249
 3%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5452
 2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)4034
 6%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Lee)4733
 14%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Florida)5549
 6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)4547
 2%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Lee)5146
 5%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5248
 4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)4942
 7%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Lee)5743
 14%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Florida)5446
 8%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)5045
 5%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Lee)5747
 10%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5649
 7%
8th Grade Mathematics (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)5434
 20%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Lee)6049
 11%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Florida)4642
 4%
8th Grade Science (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)4644
 2%
   8th Grade Science (Lee)4643
 3%
   8th Grade Science (Florida)4844
 4%
End of Course Civics (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)7056
 14%
   End of Course Civics (Lee)6760
 7%
   End of Course Civics (Florida)7166
 5%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)9995
 4%
   End of Course Algebra 1 (Lee)6048
 12%
   End of Course Algebra 1 (Florida)6254
 8%
End of Course Geometry (Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School)100100
   End of Course Geometry (Lee)5041
 9%
   End of Course Geometry (Florida)5750
 7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students10181007
 1.1%
African American363312
 14%
American Indian13
 200%
Asian4142
 2.4%
Hispanic317362
 14.2%
Pacific Islander11
White264243
 8%
Two or More Races3144
 41.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients53.8%50.5%
 3.3%


Schools Near Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School ranks 863rd of 1196 Florida middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

Students at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School are 36% Hispanic, 31% African American, 24% White, 4% Two or more races, 4% Asian.

Students who attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School usually go on to attend Cypress Lake High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,007 students attended Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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