Local Schools Near Colony, Pine Hills, 32818

The community of Colony in Pine Hills, FL, falls within the 32818 ZIP code in Orange County. Pine Hills is a suburban area near Orlando, and there are several schools in and around this ZIP code that serve the local community. Below, I’ll provide a list of schools near the 32818 area, including public and private options, along with their ratings and relevant details. School ratings are typically based on sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information through the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) website or other resources.

Public Schools Near 32818 (Pine Hills, FL)

Public schools in this area are managed by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). Here are some of the schools serving the 32818 ZIP code or nearby areas:

1. Hiawassee Elementary School

   • Address: 6800 Hennepin Blvd, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: Hiawassee Elementary serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. It has programs for student support and community engagement, though test scores are below the state average.
   • Distance: Located within the 32818 ZIP code, very close to the Colony community.

2. Ridgewood Park Elementary School

   • Address: 3401 Pioneer Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 (near 32818)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school is just outside the 32818 area but serves some Pine Hills families. It has a focus on improving academic performance but struggles with lower test scores compared to district averages.
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central 32818.

3. Robinswood Middle School

   • Address: 6305 Balboa Dr, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Robinswood Middle is a local option for middle school students in the Pine Hills area. It offers various extracurricular activities but faces challenges with academic performance metrics.
   • Distance: Within the 32818 ZIP code, centrally located for Colony residents.

4. Evans High School

   • Address: 4949 Silver Star Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 (near 32818)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Evans High School is a community school with a focus on college and career readiness. It has faced challenges with graduation rates and test scores but offers programs like AP courses and athletics.
   • Distance: About 2-3 miles from the heart of 32818.

5. West Oaks Elementary School

   • Address: 905 Dorscher Rd, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another elementary option within 32818, West Oaks serves a diverse population and provides standard elementary education with some community support programs.
   • Distance: Within the 32818 area, easily accessible for Colony residents.

   Private Schools Near 32818

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes or specific religious or academic focuses. Here are a few near the 32818 area:

6. Irene’s Christian Academy

   • Address: 4917 N Pine Hills Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 (near 32818)
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews vary based on parent feedback.
   • Details: A small Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum. It focuses on individualized attention but may have limited extracurricular options.
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from central 32818.
   • Tuition: Contact the school for current rates (often ranges from $5,000-$8,000 annually for similar schools).

7. Orlando Baptist Temple Christian School

   • Address: 440 N Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811 (near 32818)
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; parent reviews suggest a focus on religious education.
   • Details: A faith-based school with a traditional curriculum rooted in Baptist teachings. Facilities and resources may be more limited compared to larger private schools.
   • Distance: About 3-4 miles from 32818.
   • Tuition: Estimated $4,000-$7,000 per year (verify with school).

8. Agape Christian Academy

   • Address: 2425 N Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; mixed parent feedback.
   • Details: Located directly in the 32818 area, this school offers a Christian-based education with an emphasis on moral values alongside academics.
   • Distance: Within the 32818 ZIP code, very close to Colony.
   • Tuition: Contact for specifics (often in the $5,000-$9,000 range annually).

   Charter Schools Near 32818

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with more flexibility than traditional public schools. Here are a couple of options:

9. Pinecrest Preparatory Charter School

   • Address: 8503 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32827 (farther from 32818 but within OCPS)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A higher-rated charter option, though it’s a bit of a drive from Pine Hills. It focuses on college preparatory education and has better test scores than many local schools.
   • Distance: Approximately 15-20 miles from 32818 (may not be practical for all families).

10. UCP Pine Hills Charter School

    • Address: 5800 Golf Club Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32808 (near 32818)
    • Grade Levels: PreK-5
    • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Details: This charter school serves students with and without disabilities, offering inclusive education and specialized support services.
    • Distance: About 2-3 miles from central 32818.

    Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

    • Ratings Context: The ratings provided (primarily from GreatSchools.org) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. However, a low rating doesn’t necessarily mean a school is a poor fit; factors like community involvement, teacher dedication, and specific programs may not be reflected in these scores. Visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
    • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within 32818. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website) to confirm which schools serve the Colony community based on your exact address.
    • Transportation: OCPS provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so check directly with them.
    • Demographics: Schools in the Pine Hills area often serve diverse, economically varied populations. Some schools may have higher percentages of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, which can impact resources and ratings.

    How to Research Further

    1. Orange County Public Schools Website: Visit www.ocps.net for zoning maps, school calendars, and detailed reports on public schools.
    2. GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (32818) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
    3. Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards for state-level data on performance and accountability.
    4. School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.

    If you have a specific address within the Colony community or prefer details on a particular school level (e.g., only high schools), let me know, and I can refine the information further. Additionally, if you’re interested in after-school programs, special education services, or other specific needs, I can assist with that as well!