Local Schools Near Howell Heights, Winter Park, 32789

Howell Heights is a community located 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 the schools near Howell Heights, 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 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 verifying the most current data directly with the schools or district.

Location Context

Howell Heights is situated in central Winter Park, near landmarks like Lake Howell and Howell Branch Road. The community is close to several schools, with many within a 1-5 mile radius. Winter Park is known for its family-friendly environment and access to highly-rated schools.

Public Schools Near Howell Heights, Winter Park, FL 32789

Public schools in this area are managed by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). I’ve listed schools that are zoned for or near the Howell Heights area based on proximity and zoning maps (subject to change; confirm zoning with OCPS).

1. Lakemont Elementary School

   • Address: 901 N Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792
   • Distance from Howell Heights: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Lakemont Elementary is a well-regarded school in Winter Park with strong academic performance and a focus on community involvement. It often receives high marks for test scores and student progress.
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities. Check the OCPS website for zoning details, as this is a likely elementary school for Howell Heights residents.

2. Maitland Middle School

   • Address: 701 N Thistle Ln, Maitland, FL 32751
   • Distance from Howell Heights: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Maitland Middle serves many Winter Park students and is known for a solid academic curriculum and diverse extracurricular options, including sports and arts.
   • Additional Info: Often paired with Winter Park High School for progression. Confirm zoning as middle school assignments can vary.

3. Winter Park High School

   • Address: 2100 Summerfield Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792
   • Distance from Howell Heights: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by Florida Department of Education (recent years)
   • Overview: Winter Park High is one of the top-rated high schools in the area, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and strong athletics. It has a reputation for college readiness and high graduation rates.
   • Additional Info: Highly competitive and well-resourced, with a diverse student body.

   Private Schools Near Howell Heights, Winter Park, FL 32789

   Winter Park has several private and charter school options for families seeking alternatives to public education. Here are some notable ones close to Howell Heights.

4. St. Margaret Mary Catholic School

   • Address: 142 E Swoope Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
   • Distance from Howell Heights: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but highly reviewed by parents on Niche (A- overall)
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a rigorous academic program with a focus on Catholic values. Known for small class sizes and a nurturing environment.
   • Additional Info: Tuition-based; requires application and often has a waitlist.

5. The Geneva School

   • Address: 2025 State Road 436, Winter Park, FL 32792
   • Distance from Howell Heights: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: A+ on Niche
   • Overview: A private Christian classical school emphasizing a liberal arts education. It’s highly regarded for academic excellence and character development.
   • Additional Info: Tuition-based with a selective admissions process.

6. Trinity Preparatory School

   • Address: 5700 Trinity Prep Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792
   • Distance from Howell Heights: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: A+ on Niche
   • Overview: An elite private Episcopal school known for exceptional academics, college placement, and extracurricular programs. It’s one of the top private schools in Central Florida.
   • Additional Info: High tuition costs; competitive admissions.

   Charter Schools Near Howell Heights

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Options near Howell Heights include:

7. Aloma High Charter School

   • Address: 495 N Semoran Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792
   • Distance from Howell Heights: Approximately 3 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated due to its alternative focus; reviews vary
   • Overview: An alternative high school for students needing flexible learning environments or credit recovery.
   • Additional Info: Enrollment may have specific requirements; contact the school for details.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. Florida also assigns letter grades (A-F) to public schools based on state assessments, which can be found on the Florida Department of Education website.
   • Zoning: School assignments for public schools depend on exact address. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website) to confirm which schools serve Howell Heights specifically.
   • Transportation: OCPS provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines. Private schools may offer limited or no transportation.
   • Special Programs: Many schools in Winter Park offer magnet programs, gifted education, or special needs support. Winter Park High’s IB program, for instance, is a draw for many families.

   How to Research Further

   1. Orange County Public Schools (OCPS): Visit www.ocps.net for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   2. GreatSchools.org: Provides detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data for public and some private schools.
   3. Niche.com: Offers parent and student reviews, along with rankings for both public and private schools.
   4. School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private institutions.
   5. Florida Department of Education: Check school performance reports and state grades at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within Howell Heights or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, arts focus), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you’d like information on preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources near Howell Heights, I’m happy to assist!