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Schools — Public, Charter & Homeschool Options
Where Montura kids go to school, bus routes, registration, and homeschool resources in Hendry County.
Montura families have several options for K–12 education. Most kids ride the bus into Clewiston to attend Hendry County public schools, but charter and homeschool paths are also available. Here's a plain-English rundown of where to enroll, what to bring, and what to expect.
Hendry County School District
Montura is served by the School District of Hendry County. The district office is at 111 S Bridge St, LaBelle, FL 33935 — (863) 674-4642. Bus transportation is provided for most Montura addresses; routes and stop times are set by the district transportation department each year.
Public Schools — Clewiston Side
Most Montura kids ride the bus east into Clewiston. Public schools on this side include Central Elementary (1000 S Deane Duff Ave, PK–5), Eastside Elementary (435 East Circle Dr, K–5), Westside Elementary (601 W Pasadena Ave, K–5), Clewiston Middle School (6–8), Clewiston High School (1501 S Francisco St, 9–12), and Clewiston Early Learning Center for PK. School assignment depends on your address — call the district to confirm zoning for your lot.
Public Schools — LaBelle Side
Hendry County's LaBelle-side public schools include Country Oaks Elementary (2052 Eucalyptus Dr NW, LaBelle), LaBelle Elementary, LaBelle Middle, and LaBelle High School. A few Montura families commute to LaBelle for specific programs or zoning. The Ahfachkee Day School (Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, K–12) also serves tribal students in the area.
Christian & Private Schools
Two long-running Christian schools serve Montura families locally: • Clewiston Christian School — 601 Caribbean Ave, Clewiston. Fully accredited PK3 through 12th grade, member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools. Offers AP courses. (clewistonchristian.org) • Harvest Academy Christian School — 370 Holiday Isles Dr, Clewiston. Christ-centered PK through 11th grade with a focus on affordability and Biblical character. (harvestacademy.net) Both schools accept Florida Step Up For Students scholarships (FES-EO / FTC), which can cover most or all of tuition for eligible families.
How to Register Your Child (Public School)
Bring (1) the child's birth certificate, (2) a current Florida physical exam (DH 3040 form) within the past 12 months, (3) a current Florida immunization record (DH 680 form), (4) proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or deed), and (5) the parent/guardian photo ID. Register at the school your address is zoned for, or at the district office if you're not sure.
Bus Transportation
Hendry County Schools runs buses into Montura. Stop locations and pickup times are published before the school year starts and updated through the year. Contact the district transportation office to confirm your stop. Be at the stop 5 minutes early — buses run on tight rural routes and can't wait.
Coming Soon — Montura's Own Charter Farm & Homesteading School
The Coalition is actively raising funds to launch the Montura Charter Farm & Homesteading School — a working-farm charter teaching agriculture, livestock care, food preservation, and land stewardship to Montura kids right here in the community. Donations support curriculum development, tools, fencing, and a teaching barn. See the What's Happening page for current fundraising progress, or email hello@monturacivic.com to volunteer or sponsor.
Homeschool in Florida
Florida is one of the easiest states to homeschool. File a Notice of Intent with the Hendry County School District within 30 days of starting. Keep a portfolio of your child's work and have an annual evaluation by a Florida-certified teacher, a nationally-normed test, or another statute-approved method. The Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA) has the current rules and free templates.
Free & Low-Cost Homeschool & Private School Scholarships
Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship – PEP (Personalized Education Program) gives qualifying homeschool families an education savings account each year for curriculum, tutoring, therapies, and approved materials. The FES-EO and FTC scholarships (also via Step Up For Students) can fund private school tuition at Clewiston Christian, Harvest Academy, and other approved schools.
Pre-K & Early Learning
Florida's Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) program is free for every 4-year-old in the year before kindergarten. Apply through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. Several Clewiston providers participate, including the Clewiston Early Learning Center.
Special Education & ESE Services
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan from another district or state, bring the most recent paperwork to enrollment. Hendry County's Exceptional Student Education (ESE) team can evaluate and place students; you have the right to request an evaluation in writing at any time.
Dual Enrollment & College Credit
High schoolers can take free college classes through Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) via dual enrollment. Tuition, fees, and books are free for eligible students. Talk to the high school guidance counselor early — registration deadlines are strict.
Helpful Links
- School District of Hendry County
- Hendry County Schools — List of All Schools
- Hendry County School District — (863) 674-4642
- Clewiston Christian School (PK3–12)
- Harvest Academy Christian School (PK–11)
- Florida Immunization & Physical Forms (DH 680 / DH 3040)
- Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA) — Homeschool
- Step Up For Students — Scholarships & PEP
- Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida (VPK)
- Florida SouthWestern State College — Dual Enrollment
Have information to add to this page? Email hello@monturacivic.com