Local Schools Near Forest Hills, Winter Park, 32789

Forest Hills is a neighborhood in Winter Park, FL, within the 32789 ZIP code. Winter Park is known for its excellent schools, many of which are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Forest Hills community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information as of the latest updates. Ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, parent reviews, college readiness), so I’ll note the general consensus and provide a brief overview of each school. Keep in mind that ratings and school performance can change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for firsthand information.

Public Schools Near Forest Hills, Winter Park, FL (32789)

Public schools in this area are primarily managed by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). The Forest Hills neighborhood is zoned for specific schools based on address, but families can sometimes apply for school choice programs or magnet schools. Below are the schools typically associated with this area:

1. Lakemont Elementary School

   • Location: 901 N Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approximately 1-2 miles from Forest Hills)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Niche 2023)
   • Overview: Lakemont Elementary is often the zoned elementary school for parts of Forest Hills. It is well-regarded for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and community involvement. The school has a focus on STEM education and offers various extracurricular activities. Parent reviews frequently highlight the supportive environment and high student achievement.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Check the OCPS School Finder tool with your specific address to confirm zoning.

2. Maitland Middle School

   • Location: 701 N Thistle Ln, Maitland, FL 32751 (approximately 2-3 miles from Forest Hills)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B+ (Niche 2023)
   • Overview: Maitland Middle serves many students from the Winter Park area, including Forest Hills. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, including advanced placement options for high-achieving students. The school is known for its arts programs and extracurriculars like band and sports. Some parents note class size as a concern, but overall, it maintains a positive reputation.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 800-900 students

3. Winter Park High School

   • Location: 2100 Summerfield Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approximately 2-3 miles from Forest Hills)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A- (Niche 2023)
   • Overview: Winter Park High School is a highly rated public school with a strong academic reputation, particularly in college preparatory programs like AP and IB (International Baccalaureate). It has a diverse student body and offers numerous extracurriculars, including competitive sports teams and clubs. The school consistently ranks among the top high schools in Orange County for graduation rates and test scores.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 3,000-3,400 students

   Private Schools Near Forest Hills, Winter Park, FL (32789)

   Winter Park and the surrounding area are home to several prestigious private schools, many of which attract families from Forest Hills due to their proximity and reputation.

4. The Geneva School

   • Location: 2025 FL-436, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approximately 3-4 miles from Forest Hills)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated; A+ (Niche 2023)
   • Overview: The Geneva School is a private Christian school offering a classical education model. It emphasizes critical thinking, liberal arts, and character development. It is known for small class sizes, rigorous academics, and a strong sense of community. Tuition is significant, but many families praise the individualized attention and college placement success.
   • Tuition: Approx. $10,000-$15,000 per year (varies by grade; check for current rates)

5. Trinity Preparatory School

   • Location: 5700 Trinity Prep Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approximately 4-5 miles from Forest Hills)
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: A+ (Niche 2023); consistently ranked among the best private schools in Florida
   • Overview: Trinity Prep is an elite independent school with a focus on college preparation. It offers a wide range of AP courses, arts, and athletics, and has a reputation for sending graduates to top universities. The campus is modern and expansive, and the school fosters a competitive yet supportive environment.
   • Tuition: Approx. $25,000-$30,000 per year (check for current rates and financial aid options)

6. St. Margaret Mary Catholic School

   • Location: 142 E Swoope Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 (approximately 1-2 miles from Forest Hills)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Well-regarded; A- (Niche 2023)
   • Overview: This Catholic school provides a faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and moral development. It serves families in Winter Park and surrounding areas, offering a tight-knit community and strong parent involvement. The curriculum includes core subjects, religion, and extracurriculars.
   • Tuition: Approx. $8,000-$12,000 per year (varies; check for parish discounts)

   Charter and Magnet Options

   • Glenridge Middle School (Magnet Program)
   • Location: 2900 Upper Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32814 (approximately 3-4 miles from Forest Hills)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A- (Niche 2023)
   • Overview: Glenridge offers a magnet program focused on performing arts and technology, attracting students from across the district. Admission may require an application or lottery, depending on availability. It’s a popular choice for families seeking specialized middle school education.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics (scale of 1-10). Niche ratings (A+ to F) incorporate parent reviews, academic performance, and extracurricular offerings. Ratings are subjective and should be one of many factors in choosing a school.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Forest Hills. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the Orange County Public Schools website) to confirm your zoned schools.
   • School Tours and Open Houses: Many schools, especially private and charter options, offer tours or virtual open houses. Contact schools directly for schedules.
   • Transportation: Public schools provide bus services for zoned students within certain boundaries. Private schools may offer limited transportation or require parent coordination.

   Conclusion

   The Forest Hills community in Winter Park, FL (32789), benefits from access to highly rated public schools like Lakemont Elementary, Maitland Middle, and Winter Park High, as well as esteemed private options such as Trinity Preparatory School and The Geneva School. Ratings for these schools generally range from good to excellent, reflecting strong academic performance and community support. However, I encourage you to verify zoning, explore school-specific programs (e.g., IB, STEM, arts), and consider your child’s unique needs when making a decision.

   If you have a specific address in Forest Hills or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports focus), I can help narrow down the options further. Let me know if you’d like more details on a particular school or assistance with contacting them!