The private schools frequently mentioned among Korean parents in Fort Myers are Bishop Verot Catholic High School and Canterbury School. The tuition for Bishop Verot is $16,995 per year for the highest grade level, with a college acceptance rate of 99 percent according to the school's data and 93 percent according to Niche.

It is reported that the total amount of scholarships awarded to graduates exceeds $13 million each year. Scholarships are typically grants based on academic performance or special talents, while grants based on income are often referred to as financial aid. Many schools operate both types of support, so it's advisable to check both when applying.

Canterbury School has a tuition level of $25,600 per year, which is higher than Bishop Verot. However, it is rated among the top 20 percent of private schools in Florida based on average ACT scores and the number of AP courses offered. Having many AP courses means there are more opportunities to experience college-level classes while still in high school.

Both schools have different curriculum directions that reflect their tuition differences. While Bishop Verot offers relatively accessible tuition with solid college acceptance rates, Canterbury expands its advanced course options with a higher tuition. Depending on a child's personality and budget, one may be a better fit than the other.

Both schools emphasize small class sizes, which allows teachers to pay closer attention to each student's learning pace. If considering applying, it's a good idea to check the open house schedule to observe actual classes.

GreatSchools ratings are given on a scale from 1 to 10 and are primarily used as a reference when comparing nearby public schools rather than private schools. When choosing a private school, it's more accurate to look at Niche reviews and individual school college data together.

Now looking at home prices, according to Zillow, the average home value in Fort Myers is $309,562 as of the end of June 2026, which is a 7.3 percent decrease from a year ago. Based on actual transactions, the median sale price as of August 15 is $348,000, down 6.2 percent compared to the previous year. Both indicators show a downward trend, suggesting that the recent market has cooled off.

Along with mortgage rates, Florida's unique homeowners insurance premiums also make up a significant portion of total housing costs. Comparing estimates from various insurance companies in advance can help with budgeting.

This downward trend may indicate more room for negotiation from a buyer's perspective, but it is difficult to determine whether this will continue in the future. The increase in insurance premiums during hurricane season has been cited as one of the factors affecting the market in Southwest Florida in recent years, so it is advisable to obtain insurance estimates before viewing properties.

Expanding the commuting area to include Cape Coral or Estero near Fort Myers may provide more options. However, as commuting times increase, the convenience should also be weighed.

Florida's lack of a state income tax is attractive to families moving from other states, but it is essential to also consider the burden of property insurance and property taxes to accurately gauge the cost of living. Property tax rates vary by county, so be sure to check the recent tax bill for any properties of interest.

When considering school district ratings, refer to GreatSchools or Niche, but since school district boundaries often change, it's wise to verify the assigned school before signing a contract.