Local Schools Near Highlands, Winter Springs, 32708

The community of Highlands in Winter Springs, FL (ZIP code 32708) is located in Seminole County, which is known for its highly-rated public school system. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Highlands community, 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 visiting the schools or checking the most current data for confirmation. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the Highlands neighborhood in Winter Springs.

Public Schools Near Highlands, Winter Springs, FL (32708)

Public schools in this area are part of the Seminole County Public Schools district, which is generally well-regarded in Florida.

1. Highlands Elementary School

   • Address: 1600 Shepard Rd, Winter Springs, FL 32708
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from the Highlands community
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by the Florida Department of Education (based on recent data)
   • Details: Highlands Elementary is a neighborhood school with a focus on academic achievement and community involvement. It often receives positive feedback for its teachers and family-friendly environment. Check the school’s zoning map to confirm if your address falls within its boundaries.

2. Indian Trails Middle School

   • Address: 415 Tuskawilla Rd, Winter Springs, FL 32708
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Winter Springs area and is known for strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. It has a good reputation for preparing students for high school.

3. Winter Springs High School

   • Address: 130 Tuskawilla Rd, Winter Springs, FL 32708
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Details: Winter Springs High School offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and sports programs. It serves a large portion of the Winter Springs community and has mixed reviews, with strengths in certain programs like arts and athletics.

   Private Schools Near Highlands, Winter Springs, FL (32708)

   There are also several private school options in or near Winter Springs for families seeking alternative education.

4. Willow School of Winter Springs

   • Address: 420 Platt St, Winter Springs, FL 32708
   • Type: Private (Grades K-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on Niche and parent feedback suggest a nurturing environment with small class sizes.
   • Details: This is a smaller private school with a focus on individualized learning and a Christian-based curriculum. Tuition and enrollment details can be obtained directly from the school.

5. Arbor School of Central Florida

   • Address: 3929 Red Bug Lake Rd, Casselberry, FL 32707
   • Type: Private (Grades K-12, specializing in students with special needs)
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: Not widely rated; known for specialized education programs.
   • Details: This school caters to students with learning differences, such as autism or ADHD, and offers tailored educational plans. It’s a good option for families seeking specialized support.

6. St. Luke’s Lutheran School

   • Address: 2021 W State Rd 426, Oviedo, FL 32765
   • Type: Private (Grades PK-8)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 4/5 (Niche); generally positive parent reviews.
   • Details: A faith-based school with a strong academic program and extracurriculars. It’s slightly farther from Highlands but still accessible for Winter Springs residents.

   Charter Schools Near Highlands, Winter Springs, FL (32708)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses.

7. Choices in Learning Charter School

   • Address: 893 E State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades K-5)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Highlands
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A-rated by the Florida Department of Education
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes personalized learning and has a strong academic reputation. Admission is often lottery-based, so check availability.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida Department of Education grades (A-F) are based on state assessments and other performance metrics. Niche provides user reviews and additional data. Ratings can differ across platforms, so consider visiting schools or speaking with current parents for firsthand insights.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within Highlands. Use the Seminole County Public Schools zoning tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve your location.
   • Transportation: Seminole County provides bus services for public school students within designated zones. Private and charter schools may have different transportation policies.
   • Extracurriculars and Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer sports, arts, STEM programs, and special education services. For example, Winter Springs High School has a notable performing arts program, while Indian Trails Middle School offers various clubs.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit the Seminole County Public Schools website (www.scps.k12.fl.us) for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   • Check GreatSchools.org or Niche.com for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Contact schools directly for open houses, tours, or enrollment details, especially for private and charter options.
   • Explore the Florida Department of Education website for official school performance reports.

   If you have a specific address within Highlands or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., gifted education, special needs support), let me know, and I can refine the search further!