Eleven schools within the School District of Lee County as well as five charter schools were designated as Schools of Excellence.

Among them was Trafalgar Middle School.

“I am extremely proud of the students, staff, and families that made this designation possible. Our dedication and commitment to student achievement is reflected in our daily academics, interventions, extensions, and servant leadership opportunities. Trafalgar Tiger Sharks embrace a culture of excellence that holds all stakeholders to high expectations,” Principal Leigh Ann Cain said.

Trafalgar Middle received the recognition as their school grade calculation is in the 80th percentile or higher for schools comprised of the same grade groups — elementary, middle, high and combination — for at least two of the last three school years.

During the 2022-2023 school year, Trafalgar earned points for students who achieved proficiency in Language Arts, math, civics, eighth grade science and algebra.

Cain said Trafalgar Middle School was at the 69 percentile.

“Trafalgar Middle School has been recognized as a School of Excellence since the program’ inception in 2017. We have a highly motivated and loyal staff that is committed to helping students master the benchmarks for academic success,” she said.

There were 10 other schools in the district that also achieved this designation. Those include Gulf Middle School, Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School, Fort Myers Beach Elementary, Pine Island Elementary, Pinewoods Elementary, Rayma C. Page Elementary, Three Oaks Elementary, Cypress Lake Middle School, The Sanibel School, and Fort Myers High School.

“I am deeply grateful for the state’s recognition of these schools,” Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Savage said in a prepared statement. “It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire educational community. Every school within our district shares in this honor, and it reflects the collective excellence of our principals, teachers, and students.”

In addition, five charter schools also earned the School of Excellence designation. They include The Island School, Oasis Charter Elementary-North, Oasis Charter Elementary-South, Oasis Charter Middle, and Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School.

The Oasis schools are part of the city of Cape Coral’s municipal charter school system.

The Florida Legislature created the Schools of Excellence in 2017. Those schools that initially qualify for the designation can retain it for up to three years. They may renew that designation.