Local Schools Near Hickory Hammock, Winter Garden, 34787

Hickory Hammock is a residential community located in Winter Garden, FL, within the 34787 ZIP code. This area falls under Orange County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools zoned for or near the Hickory Hammock community, along with their ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org (a widely used resource for school ratings) and other relevant sources. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Note that school zoning can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with Orange County Public Schools or the specific school for the most current assignments.

Location Context

Hickory Hammock is situated near the intersection of Avalon Road and Hartzog Road, close to the Horizon West area of Winter Garden. This location is part of a rapidly growing region with new schools being built to accommodate the population increase. The schools listed below are either zoned for Hickory Hammock or are in close proximity (within a 5-10 mile radius).

Zoned Schools for Hickory Hammock

Based on current zoning maps from Orange County Public Schools (as of the latest available data), the following schools are typically assigned to the Hickory Hammock community. I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and some additional context where available.

1. Whispering Oak Elementary School

   • Address: 15300 Stoneybrook West Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Hickory Hammock: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Whispering Oak Elementary is well-regarded for its academic performance and student growth. It serves many families in the Horizon West and Winter Garden areas. The school has a focus on STEM programs and community involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies by year)
   • Parent Feedback: Generally positive, with praise for teacher engagement and extracurricular options.

2. Bridgewater Middle School

   • Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Hickory Hammock: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Bridgewater Middle School serves the Horizon West area and is known for a strong curriculum and a variety of elective courses. It has a diverse student body and offers programs like band, sports, and clubs.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,400 students
   • Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews, with some citing large class sizes but others appreciating the school’s resources and activities.

3. Windermere High School

   • Address: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance from Hickory Hammock: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Windermere High School is a relatively new school (opened in 2017) built to accommodate the growing population in the area. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, athletics, and extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: Around 3,000+ students
   • Parent Feedback: Generally positive, with commendations for modern facilities and academic opportunities, though some mention overcrowding due to rapid growth in the area.

   Additional Nearby Schools

   If families are considering options beyond zoned public schools, there are other public, charter, and private schools in the vicinity of Hickory Hammock. Here are a few notable ones:

4. Water Spring Elementary School

   • Address: 16000 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Hickory Hammock: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A newer school in the Horizon West area, Water Spring Elementary serves many nearby communities. It focuses on personalized learning and technology integration.
   • Note: Zoning may vary; check with Orange County Public Schools to confirm eligibility.

5. Horizon High School

   • Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Hickory Hammock: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not yet widely rated due to being a new school (opened in 2021), but early feedback is positive.
   • Overview: This is one of the newest high schools in the area, built to alleviate overcrowding at Windermere High. It offers modern facilities and a focus on college and career readiness.
   • Note: Some Hickory Hammock students may be zoned here depending on updated boundaries.

6. Foundation Academy (Private)

   • Address: 125 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (multiple campuses)
   • Distance from Hickory Hammock: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly regarded in the community.
   • Overview: A private Christian school with a strong academic reputation and smaller class sizes. Tuition applies.
   • Parent Feedback: Often praised for individualized attention and faith-based education.

7. Montessori of Winter Garden Charter School

   • Address: 855 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Hickory Hammock: Approximately 6 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A public charter school offering a Montessori-based curriculum, focusing on hands-on learning and student independence.
   • Note: Admission may require an application or lottery system.

   School Ratings Summary

   • Elementary: Whispering Oak (8/10), Water Spring (7/10)
   • Middle: Bridgewater (7/10)
   • High: Windermere (8/10), Horizon (TBD but promising)
   • Private/Charter Options: Foundation Academy (highly regarded), Montessori of Winter Garden (6/10)

   Additional Notes

   • Zoning Changes: The Horizon West area, including Hickory Hammock, is experiencing rapid growth. Orange County Public Schools frequently adjusts zoning boundaries and builds new schools to manage capacity. Always check the latest zoning maps on the Orange County Public Schools website (ocps.net) or contact their zoning office.
   • School Performance: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on available data as of my last update (October 2023). These ratings can fluctuate yearly based on test scores and other metrics. For the most current information, visit GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Check with individual schools for bus stop locations near Hickory Hammock.
   • Extracurriculars and Special Programs: Many schools in this area offer magnet programs, sports, arts, and after-school activities. For example, Windermere High has a strong performing arts program, and Bridgewater Middle offers STEM electives.

   How to Verify Information

   • Orange County Public Schools: Visit ocps.net or call their main office at (407) 317-3200 for zoning and enrollment details.
   • School Websites: Each school has its own site with information on registration, programs, and events.
   • Community Feedback: Local forums or social media groups for Hickory Hammock or Horizon West often share parent experiences and updates on schools.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, preschool options, or interest in a particular school), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Would you like me to dive deeper into any specific school or aspect?