James Stephens Elementary School

Summary:

James Stephens Elementary School is a public elementary school in Fort Myers, Florida, serving 454 students in grades PK-5 as part of the Lee District, which is ranked 50 out of 68 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating.

Despite spending significantly more per student ($15,243) than nearby schools like Ray V. Pottorf Elementary and Bayshore Elementary, James Stephens consistently underperforms academically, with only 28% of 3rd graders proficient in English Language Arts compared to 48% in the Lee District and 55% statewide. The school also has a very high chronic absenteeism rate of 42.2%, much higher than surrounding schools and the state average. This is likely a significant factor in the school's poor academic performance, as students who are chronically absent miss valuable instructional time.

Further, James Stephens has a significantly higher percentage of minority students (40.97% African American and 48.46% Hispanic) compared to nearby schools, as well as a very high percentage (65.42%) of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage. These demographic challenges may contribute to the academic struggles the school faces, and suggest that targeted interventions and support, such as additional funding for academic programs, social-emotional learning, and family engagement initiatives, could be beneficial in helping James Stephens improve student outcomes.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

1333 Marsh Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33905

(239) 337-1333

District: Lee

SchoolDigger Rank:
1944^th of 2,256 Florida Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $15,243

Students who attend James Stephens Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Harns Marsh Middle School
	Lehigh Acres Middle School
	Oak Hammock Middle School
	Varsity Lakes Middle School
High:	Dunbar High School
	East Lee County High School
	Lehigh Senior High School
	Riverdale High School

Student/teacher ratio: 22.0

Number of students: 541

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

46.0%

African American:

45.5%

White:

5.5%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 70.1%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details James Stephens Elementary School ranks worse than 86.2% of elementary schools in Florida. It also ranks 49^th among 58 ranked elementary schools in the Lee School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 18.49. (See more...)

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

Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (46%), African American (45.5%), White (5.5%). (See more...)

Compare Details 70.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at James Stephens Elementary School is 22. 43 elementary schools in the Lee School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare James Stephens Elementary School employs 24.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at James Stephens Elementary School is $15,243, which is the 7^th highest among 58 elementary schools in the Lee School District.

Schooldigger Rankings:

James Stephens Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Lee:

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

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Rank History for James Stephens Elementary School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	FL State Percentile
2011	7.35	1914^th	1985	3.6%
2012	7.03	1919^th	1984	3.3%
2013	9.17	1944^th	2029	4.2%
2014	7.29	2004^th	2064	2.9%
2016	3.56	2061^st	2087	1.2%
2017	15.10	1909^th	2112	9.6%
2018	12.47	1959^th	2118	7.5%
2019	18.01	1888^th	2182	13.5%
2021	13.31	2043^rd	2247	9.1%
2022	22.69	1770^th	2219	20.2%
2023	26.81	1688^th	2240	24.6%
2024	18.49	1944^th	2256	13.8%

See the entire list of Florida Elementary School Rankings!

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

Data source: Florida Department of Education

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Enrollment information for James Stephens Elementary School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2010	93	328	1	196	0	n/a	n/a	13	631
2011	115	490	4	275	0	0	10	0	894
2012	62	420	1	242	1	0	11	0	737
2013	46	436	0	209	0	0	14	0	705
2014	41	434	2	201	1	0	13	0	692
2015	35	309	2	179	0	0	7	0	532
2016	69	324	2	238	0	0	12	0	645
2017	31	175	2	118	0	0	10	0	336
2018	39	164	3	166	3	0	14	0	389
2019	34	207	0	212	3	0	16	0	472
2020	45	184	0	219	2	0	15	0	465
2021	25	164	0	207	1	0	16	0	413
2022	29	165	0	214	2	0	20	0	430
2023	33	186	0	220	3	0	12	0	454
2024	30	246	0	249	1	0	15	0	541

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 James Stephens Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	631	46.0	13.7	91.9
2011	894	50.1	17.8	89.5
2012	737	53.7	13.7	95.4
2013	705	53.0	13.3	95.2
2014	692	48.0	14.4	95.5
2015	532	44.0	12.0	94.2
2016	645	42.0	15.3	79.8
2017	336	33.0	10.1	81.5
2018	389	39.0	9.9	77.9
2019	472	30.8	15.3	67.6
2020	465	30.3	15.3	69.7
2021	413	25.5	16.1	64.6
2022	430	26.5	16.2	64.4
2023	454	26.5	17.1	65.4
2024	541	24.5	22.0	70.1

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 James Stephens Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	631	46.0	13.7	91.9
2011	894	50.1	17.8	89.5
2012	737	53.7	13.7	95.4
2013	705	53.0	13.3	95.2
2014	692	48.0	14.4	95.5
2015	532	44.0	12.0	94.2
2016	645	42.0	15.3	79.8
2017	336	33.0	10.1	81.5
2018	389	39.0	9.9	77.9
2019	472	30.8	15.3	67.6
2020	465	30.3	15.3	69.7
2021	413	25.5	16.1	64.6
2022	430	26.5	16.2	64.4
2023	454	26.5	17.1	65.4
2024	541	24.5	22.0	70.1

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 James Stephens Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$1,574 (13.6%)	$10,022 (86.4%)	$11,596
2019	$1,460 (13.8%)	$9,097 (86.2%)	$10,556
2020	$1,169 (10.3%)	$10,224 (89.7%)	$11,393
2021	$1,677 (13.6%)	$10,685 (86.4%)	$12,363
2022	$2,825 (19.8%)	$11,411 (80.2%)	$14,236
2023	$3,820 (25.1%)	$11,422 (74.9%)	$15,243

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on James Stephens Elementary 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 1888^th of 2182 Elementary schools	Ranks 1688^th of 2240 Elementary schools	11.2%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (James Stephens Elementary School)	39	20	19%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Lee)	58	48	10%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	53	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (James Stephens Elementary School)	40	43	3%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Lee)	61	56	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Florida)	62	58	4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (James Stephens Elementary School)	42	34	8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Lee)	55	52	3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	57	1%
4th Grade Mathematics (James Stephens Elementary School)	35	58	23%
4th Grade Mathematics (Lee)	62	59	3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	64	61	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (James Stephens Elementary School)	31	34	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Lee)	54	50	4%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	55	1%
5th Grade Mathematics (James Stephens Elementary School)	48	33	15%
5th Grade Mathematics (Lee)	58	51	7%
5th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	60	52	8%
5th Grade Science (James Stephens Elementary School)	36	41	5%
5th Grade Science (Lee)	50	50
5th Grade Science (Florida)	53	51	2%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	472	454	3.8%
African American	207	186	10.1%
American Indian	3	3
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	212	220	3.8%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	34	33	2.9%
Two or More Races	16	12	25%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	67.6%	65.4%	2.2%

Schools Near James Stephens Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				FAST English Language Arts (2024)			FAST Math (2024)			Statewide Science Science (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
James Stephens Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1333 Marsh Ave	Fort Myers	33905	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	Yes	(239) 337-1333	541	25	22.0	70.1%	30 (5.5%)	246 (45.5%)	249 (46.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	15 (2.8%)	18.5	1944^th of 2256 public elementary schools	13.8%		26.8	1688^th of 2240 public elementary schools	24.6%	256	28.0	16.0	19.0	48.0	57.0	26.0	31.0	$15,243	$3,820	$11,422
Early Childhood Learning Services	Public	PK	3650 Michigan Ave	Fort Myers	33916	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	No	(239) 332-2512	149	0		78.5%	9 (6.0%)	45 (30.2%)	92 (61.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.3%)								(n/a)
Edgewood Academy	Public	PK, KG-5	3464 Edgewood Ave	Fort Myers	33916	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	Yes	(239) 334-6205	618	30	20.6	68.8%	39 (6.3%)	210 (34.0%)	347 (56.1%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	19 (3.1%)	10.8	2132^nd of 2256 public elementary schools	5.5%		23	1804^th of 2240 public elementary schools	19.5%	328	31.0	24.0	26.0	46.0	33.0	26.0	26.0	$16,842	$3,843	$12,998
Tice Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	4524 Tice St	Fort Myers	33905	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	Yes	(239) 694-1257	518	27	19.3	62.4%	16 (3.1%)	23 (4.4%)	477 (92.1%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	20.4	1891^st of 2256 public elementary schools	16.2%		28.5	1647^th of 2240 public elementary schools	26.5%	244	25.0	29.0	38.0	35.0	40.0	59.0	41.0	$14,000	$2,664	$11,336
Franklin Park Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1320 Marsh Ave	Fort Myers	33905	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	Yes	(239) 332-1969	393	20	19.6	77.6%	16 (4.1%)	286 (72.8%)	83 (21.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	7 (1.8%)	13	2088^th of 2256 public elementary schools	7.4%		11.2	2117^th of 2240 public elementary schools	5.5%	29	15.0	19.0	36.0	15.0	19.0	55.0	35.0	$14,135	$2,699	$11,436
Orange River Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	4501 Underwood Dr	Fort Myers	33905	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	Yes	(239) 694-1258	733	40	18.3	65.2%	32 (4.4%)	65 (8.9%)	633 (86.4%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.3%)	23.9	1800^th of 2256 public elementary schools	20.2%		25.2	1739^th of 2240 public elementary schools	22.4%	61	39.0	29.0	34.0	49.0	44.0	50.0	41.0	$11,305	$2,068	$9,237
Manatee Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	5301 Tice St	Fort Myers	33905	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	Yes	(239) 694-2097	640	34	18.8	63.1%	56 (8.8%)	57 (8.9%)	517 (80.8%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (1.3%)	28.5	1662^nd of 2256 public elementary schools	26.3%		22.6	1809^th of 2240 public elementary schools	19.2%	147	29.0	31.0	47.0	46.0	53.0	53.0	39.0	$11,191	$2,495	$8,696
Edison Park Creative And Expressive Arts School	Public	PK, KG-5	2401 Euclid Ave	Fort Myers	33901	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	No	(239) 334-6232	432	25	17.2	49.8%	190 (44.0%)	110 (25.5%)	112 (25.9%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	17 (3.9%)	58.7	889^th of 2256 public elementary schools	60.6%		70.8	612^th of 2240 public elementary schools	72.7%	277	64.0	47.0	62.0	67.0	45.0	57.0	61.0	$11,918	$1,739	$10,178
Colonial Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3800 Schoolhouse Rd E	Fort Myers	33916	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	Yes	(239) 939-2242	655	29	22.5	69.3%	65 (9.9%)	237 (36.2%)	326 (49.8%)	5 (0.8%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (3.2%)	9.5	2163^rd of 2256 public elementary schools	4.1%		19.2	1924^th of 2240 public elementary schools	14.1%	239	31.0	20.0	22.0	42.0	30.0	36.0	16.0	$14,076	$3,239	$10,838
Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	4600 Challenger Blvd	Fort Myers	33966	Lee County	Lee	No	No	No	Yes	(239) 274-3932	652	37	17.6	58.6%	98 (15.0%)	197 (30.2%)	301 (46.2%)	22 (3.4%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	32 (4.9%)	32.7	1541^st of 2256 public elementary schools	31.7%		37.3	1407^th of 2240 public elementary schools	37.2%	134	45.0	39.0	50.0	58.0	42.0	42.0	44.0	$12,994	$2,430	$10,565

Frequently Asked Questions about James Stephens Elementary School

How many students attend James Stephens Elementary School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 541 students attended James Stephens Elementary School.

What schools do graduates of James Stephens Elementary School attend?

Students who attend James Stephens Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Harns Marsh Middle School
Middle : Lehigh Acres Middle School
Middle : Oak Hammock Middle School
Middle : Varsity Lakes Middle School
High : Dunbar High School
High : East Lee County High School
High : Lehigh Senior High School
High : Riverdale High School

What is the racial makeup of James Stephens Elementary School?

Students at James Stephens Elementary School are 46% Hispanic, 45% African American, 6% White, 3% Two or more races.

Is James Stephens Elementary School a good school?

James Stephens Elementary School ranks in the bottom 13.8% of Florida elementary schools.

What district is James Stephens Elementary School in?

Lee

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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.