Local Schools Near Country Lakes Estates, Winter Garden, 34787

Country Lakes Estates is a community located in Winter Garden, FL, within the 34787 ZIP code. Winter Garden is part of Orange County, and the area is served by the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which is one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Country Lakes Estates, including public schools zoned for the area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org (a widely used resource for school ratings) and other relevant information. Note that school zoning and ratings can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify current zoning with OCPS and check the latest ratings or reviews.

Location Context

Country Lakes Estates is situated in the western part of Winter Garden, near the intersection of Avalon Road and Hartwood Marsh Road, close to the border of Lake County. This location places it near several schools in the Winter Garden area, with some schools serving nearby communities as well. The schools listed below are within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from Country Lakes Estates.

Public Schools Near Country Lakes Estates

Public schools in this area are managed by Orange County Public Schools. The specific schools zoned for Country Lakes Estates can depend on the exact address, but based on general zoning maps and proximity, the following schools are likely to serve this community. I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (as of the latest available data, typically on a scale of 1-10) and some additional context. Ratings are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors.

Elementary Schools

1. Whispering Oak Elementary School

   • Address: 15300 Stoneybrook West Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Country Lakes Estates
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Whispering Oak Elementary is highly regarded for its academic performance and student growth. It serves many families in the Winter Garden area, including those near Stoneybrook West and surrounding communities. The school often receives praise for its dedicated staff and strong parent involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies by year)
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.

2. Keene’s Crossing Elementary School (Alternative or nearby option)

   • Address: 5240 Keenes Pheasant Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Country Lakes Estates
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: While slightly farther, this school serves parts of the greater Winter Garden/Windermere area and is another option for families near Country Lakes Estates. It’s known for a strong academic curriculum and community engagement.
   • Enrollment: Around 900 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Bridgewater Middle School
   2. Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Country Lakes Estates
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Bridgewater Middle School serves many students in the Winter Garden and Windermere areas. It offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs. Test scores are above average for the district.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,400 students
   8. Additional Info: Known for its focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs.

   High Schools

   1. West Orange High School
   2. Address: 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   3. Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Country Lakes Estates
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: West Orange High School is the primary high school serving the Winter Garden area. It has a large student body and offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like sports and arts.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,500-3,000 students
   8. Additional Info: The school has a diverse student population and a strong athletics program.

   Private Schools Near Country Lakes Estates

   For families seeking private or faith-based education, there are several options within a reasonable distance of Country Lakes Estates. Private school ratings are less standardized than public schools, but I’ve included general reputation notes and information from sources like Niche.com or parent reviews where available.

3. Foundation Academy - North Campus

   • Address: 1250 Tomyn Blvd, Ocoee, FL 34761
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Country Lakes Estates
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Type: Private, Christian
   • Rating/Reputation: Highly regarded (rated A on Niche.com)
   • Details: Foundation Academy is a well-known Christian school with multiple campuses. The North Campus serves students in the Winter Garden/Ocoee area. It emphasizes academic excellence and faith-based education.
   • Tuition: Approximately $10,000-$14,000 per year (varies by grade level)
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students across campuses

4. Montverde Academy (Nearby Elite Option)

   • Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Country Lakes Estates
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12 (boarding and day school)
   • Type: Private, Non-Sectarian
   • Rating/Reputation: Nationally recognized (rated A+ on Niche.com)
   • Details: Montverde Academy is an elite private school known for its rigorous academics and exceptional athletics programs, particularly basketball. It attracts students from across the country and internationally.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$50,000 per year (day vs. boarding)
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students

5. The Crenshaw School

   • Address: 2342 Hempel Ave, Gotha, FL 34734
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Country Lakes Estates
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Type: Private, Non-Sectarian
   • Rating/Reputation: Smaller school with positive reviews for personalized attention
   • Details: A smaller private school offering individualized learning plans and a family-like environment.
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000-$12,000 per year
   • Enrollment: Around 100-150 students

   Charter Schools Near Country Lakes Estates

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Here are a couple of options nearby:

6. Hope Charter School

   • Address: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Country Lakes Estates
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A smaller charter school with a focus on character education and academic achievement. Admission is typically by lottery.
   • Enrollment: Around 400-500 students

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning Verification: School zoning can vary even within a small area like Country Lakes Estates. To confirm which public schools your address is zoned for, use the Orange County Public Schools’ School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website at ocps.net) or contact the district directly at 407-317-3200.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are useful but not definitive. They often emphasize test scores, which may not reflect the full quality of a school. Visiting schools, speaking with parents, and reviewing recent performance data on the Florida Department of Education website (fldoe.org) can provide a fuller picture.
   • Transportation: OCPS provides bus transportation for public school students within zoning guidelines (typically if the student lives more than 2 miles from the school). Check with the district for specific bus routes near Country Lakes Estates.
   • Growth in the Area: Winter Garden is a rapidly growing area, and new schools may be planned or built in the coming years to accommodate population increases. Keep an eye on OCPS announcements for updates.

   Conclusion

   The Country Lakes Estates community in Winter Garden, FL (34787), has access to several well-rated public schools, including Whispering Oak Elementary (9/10), Bridgewater Middle (7/10), and West Orange High (6/10). Private school options like Foundation Academy and Montverde Academy offer alternatives for families seeking specialized or faith-based education. Charter schools like Hope Charter provide additional choices. I recommend verifying zoning with OCPS and visiting schools or attending open houses to find the best fit for your family.

   If you have a specific address within Country Lakes Estates or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, specific extracurriculars), I can help narrow down the options further. Let me know!