Local Schools Near Hickory Hut, Horizon West, 34787

Horizon West, FL, is a rapidly growing community in Orange County, near the zip code 34787, which includes areas like Hickory Hut. This area is known for its family-friendly environment and access to quality schools. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Hickory Hut community in Horizon West, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Public Schools Near Hickory Hut, Horizon West, FL (34787)

Horizon West falls under the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which serves the area. Below are some of the closest public schools to the Hickory Hut community, along with their ratings and key details. Since Hickory Hut is a specific neighborhood or subdivision, I’ve focused on schools within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles) in Horizon West and nearby Winter Garden.

Elementary Schools

1. Water Spring Elementary School

   • Address: 16000 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Horizon West areas like Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is a newer school built to accommodate the growing population in Horizon West. It has a strong focus on STEM education and community involvement. Parents often praise the modern facilities and dedicated staff.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies yearly).

2. Keene’s Crossing Elementary School

   • Address: 5240 Keenes Pheasant Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Known for high academic performance and a supportive environment, this school serves many families in the Horizon West and Windermere areas. It often receives high marks for teacher quality and parent involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students.

3. Independence Elementary School

   • Address: 6255 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another school built to serve the expanding Horizon West community, it offers a variety of programs including gifted education and extracurricular activities.
   • Enrollment: Around 900 students.

   Middle Schools

   1. Bridgewater Middle School
   2. Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Hickory Hut.
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This school is well-regarded for its academic programs, sports, and arts offerings. It serves a large portion of the Horizon West area and has a reputation for preparing students for high school.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,400 students.

4. Horizon West Middle School (Opening in 2024 or later, check status)

   • Address: Under construction, exact location TBD but planned for Horizon West.
   • Distance: Likely within 2-3 miles of Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: Not yet available (new school).
   • Details: Due to rapid growth in Horizon West, OCPS is building new schools, including this middle school to alleviate overcrowding at Bridgewater Middle.

   High Schools

   1. Horizon High School
   2. Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-4 miles from Hickory Hut.
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on early data as it’s a newer school)
   6. Details: Opened in 2021, Horizon High School was built to serve the Horizon West community. It offers advanced placement (AP) courses, career academies, and modern facilities. As a newer school, its ratings are still developing but early feedback is positive.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,000 students and growing.

5. Windermere High School

   • Address: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A well-established high school with strong academic and athletic programs. It serves students from Horizon West and Windermere, offering a variety of AP and honors courses.
   • Enrollment: Around 3,000 students.

   Private Schools Near Hickory Hut, Horizon West, FL (34787)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable distance of Horizon West. These schools often have smaller class sizes and specialized curricula, though tuition costs apply.

6. Foundation Academy - South Campus

   • Address: 15304 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: K-6 (South Campus); another campus nearby serves 7-12.
   • Rating: Highly rated by parents on Niche (A- overall)
   • Details: A Christian-based private school emphasizing academic excellence and faith-based education. Known for strong community values and individualized attention.
   • Tuition: Approximately $10,000-$12,000 per year (varies by grade).

7. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Address: 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: A+ on Niche
   • Details: A prestigious private school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and a global curriculum. It’s part of the Nord Anglia Education network and has excellent facilities for academics, arts, and sports.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$25,000 per year (varies by grade).

8. Montverde Academy

   • Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: PK-12 (boarding and day school options)
   • Rating: A+ on Niche
   • Details: An internationally recognized private school known for its rigorous academics and elite athletics, especially basketball. It attracts students from around the world.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$50,000 per year (day vs. boarding).

   Charter Schools Near Hickory Hut, Horizon West, FL (34787)

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

9. Hope Charter School

   • Address: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Hickory Hut.
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A smaller charter school with a focus on personalized learning and character development. It’s an option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   • Enrollment: Around 400-500 students.

   School Zoning and Additional Notes

   • Zoning: School assignments in Orange County are based on residential address. To confirm which public schools your child is zoned for near Hickory Hut, use the OCPS School Finder tool on their website (ocps.net) by entering your specific address.
   • Growth in Horizon West: Due to the rapid development in Horizon West, new schools are being built regularly. Check with OCPS for updates on openings or rezoning, as boundaries may shift.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, or other platforms are useful but subjective. They may not reflect the full experience of a school. Visiting schools, talking to parents, and reviewing recent Florida Department of Education report cards can provide a fuller picture.
   • Transportation: OCPS provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines. Private and charter schools may have limited or fee-based transportation options.

   How to Research Further

   • Orange County Public Schools Website: ocps.net (for zoning, enrollment, and school performance data)
   • GreatSchools.org: For detailed ratings and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: For rankings and community feedback on both public and private schools.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or open houses