Serving 999 students in grades 6-8, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 52% (which is equal to the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 999 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School serves the southwest part of Fort Myers, FL, covering an attendance area of approximately 185.5 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance to the edge of the zone being about 8.4 miles and the furthest edge extending up to 15.9 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School's student population of 999 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
999 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Motto
To ensure that each student achieves his/her own highest personal potential.
School Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is 0.70, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1766 out of 3662 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
52%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
5%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
40%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
31%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
21%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.8%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
46%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
2%
5%
Showing 2010–2020. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy and White
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School's ranking?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is ranked #1766 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School often compared to?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fort Myers Middle School, Cypress Lake Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School?
999 students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School students are Hispanic, 31% of students are Black, 21% of students are White, 5% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School offer ?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School part of?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School is part of Lee School District.
School Calendar
View the Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Spring Break
March 22, 2027 (Monday)
Last Day for Students
May 27, 2027 (Thursday)
School Reviews
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