Mission & History

The Community School of Naples is committed to academic excellence. We provide our students with a broad range of personal opportunities within a caring and respectful environment.

The School prepares students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners who strive to realize their full potential.

In support of our vision, we apply innovative thinking and technology within a rigorous curriculum; focus on involved citizenship in the world at large; and rely on the commitment of our parents, the dedication of great teachers and the involvement of our students.

                                                                            - The Community School of Naples' Mission Statement

The Community School of Naples, an independent, PK-12 college preparatory day school, was launched in 1982 by a group of parents seeking to establish a private school close to home. Recruited by word-of-mouth, the original student body consisted of fewer than 50 students who began K-8th grade classes in a rented church space. In 1985, The Community School grew to more than 90 students. Twenty-eight acres of land on Pine Ridge Road was donated and $3 million was raised to construct the first five classroom buildings. Today, CSN has more than 700 students and a $40 million, 110-acre campus with 18 buildings. Our most recent improvements to the campus, include a state-of-the art Upper School building, a 55,000 square foot field house and new athletic fields.

Essential elements of the school’s educational program include a comprehensive curriculum focused on academic rigor; opportunities in athletics and the arts, both fine and performing; and character development. These elements ensure that each student experiences a challenging education only an independent, college preparatory school can provide. CSN is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. A 20-member Board of Trustees governs the school.

The Community School has educated more than 2500 students since its opening. Each member of our graduating classes has been accepted to college, with many attending our nation’s most selective and highly competitive schools.

The Community School of Naples is fundamentally committed to maintaining a coeducational student body that is representative of the Southwest Florida area. Consequently, the school is open to all qualified students regardless of race, color, creed or financial ability. Since 1985, The Community School has raised in excess of $20 million for its financial aid program, and approximately 25 percent of our students benefit from this assistance each year.