SOUTHWEST FLORIDA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER is a public high school that is part of the LEE school district, located in FORT MYERS, FL with about 53 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 5 teachers, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER has a student/teacher ratio of about 10:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The SOUTHWEST FLORIDA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER, located at 2525 Ortiz Ave in Fort Myers, Florida, functions as a secure residential facility for youth who have been detained by the legal system. As part of a collaborative effort between the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the Lee County School District, the center is designed to provide temporary custody while ensuring that incarcerated youth maintain continuity in their academic progress. The facility operates under the oversight of the Lee County School District’s "Alternative Education" umbrella, which focuses on providing individualized instruction to students whose circumstances have led them to out-of-home placement.

The educational program at this facility is structured to meet the specific requirements of students in a high-security environment, often utilizing a combination of virtual learning platforms and direct instruction. Teachers at the center work to bridge the gap in a student's schooling by focusing on core subjects, credit recovery, and the development of essential academic skills. By prioritizing education during the detention period, the school aims to reduce the likelihood of recidivism and better prepare students for their eventual reintegration into their home schools or the broader community upon their release.

For more information, contact SOUTHWEST FLORIDA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER at (239) 332-6927 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.