Local Schools Near Hickory Ridge, Pine Hills, 32818

Hickory Ridge is a neighborhood within the Pine Hills area of Orlando, Florida, with the ZIP code 32818. Pine Hills is a suburban community in Orange County, and there are several schools in and around this area that serve local families. Below, I’ll provide information on available schools (elementary, middle, and high schools) near the Hickory Ridge/Pine Hills area, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which uses a 1-10 scale based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website. I’ll also include approximate distances from the general Pine Hills 32818 area, though exact distances depend on the specific address within Hickory Ridge.

Elementary Schools Near Hickory Ridge, Pine Hills, FL (32818)

1. Hiawassee Elementary School

   • Address: 6800 Hennepin Blvd, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from central Pine Hills/Hickory Ridge
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: A public school serving grades PK-5 with a focus on core academics. It has a diverse student body, and performance is below the state average in reading and math proficiency based on recent test scores.
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school programs.

2. Pine Hills Elementary School

   • Address: 1006 Ferndell Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 (near the 32818 border)
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Hickory Ridge
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public school for grades PK-5. Test scores are below state averages, and the school serves a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
   • Additional Info: Part of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) with community support programs.

3. West Oaks Elementary School

   • Address: 905 Dorscher Rd, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Hickory Ridge
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades PK-5. Academic performance is below average, but the school offers a supportive environment with extracurricular options.
   • Additional Info: Focuses on literacy and STEM initiatives.

   Middle Schools Near Hickory Ridge, Pine Hills, FL (32818)

   1. Robinswood Middle School
   2. Address: 6305 Balboa Dr, Orlando, FL 32818
   3. Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Hickory Ridge
   4. Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: A public school serving grades 6-8. Test scores are below state averages in math and reading, and the school faces challenges with student progress.
   6. Additional Info: Offers magnet programs and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs.

4. Meadowbrook Middle School

   • Address: 6000 North Ln, Orlando, FL 32808 (near 32818)
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Hickory Ridge
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serves grades 6-8 with a focus on preparing students for high school. Academic performance is below average.
   • Additional Info: Part of OCPS with access to after-school programs.

   High Schools Near Hickory Ridge, Pine Hills, FL (32818)

   1. Evans High School
   2. Address: 4949 Silver Star Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 (near 32818)
   3. Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Hickory Ridge
   4. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: A public high school serving grades 9-12. It has a diverse student population and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs. Graduation rates and test scores are below state averages.
   6. Additional Info: Known for its community involvement and athletic programs.

5. Maynard Evans High School (Alternative Name for Evans High School)

   • Note: This is the same as Evans High School, often referred to by its full name. Included here to avoid confusion.

   Private and Charter Schools Near Hickory Ridge, Pine Hills, FL (32818)

   1. Innovations Middle Charter School
   2. Address: 2768 N Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32818
   3. Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Hickory Ridge
   4. Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; check Florida DOE for performance data.
   5. Details: A charter school serving grades 6-8, focusing on innovative learning strategies.
   6. Additional Info: Smaller class sizes compared to traditional public schools.

6. Agape Christian Academy

   • Address: 2425 N Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Hickory Ridge
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; private school ratings vary by source.
   • Details: A private Christian school serving grades PK-12 with a faith-based curriculum.
   • Additional Info: Emphasizes moral and academic development; tuition-based.

7. Orlando West Academy

   • Address: 3005 N Pine Hills Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 (near 32818)
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Hickory Ridge
   • Rating: Not widely rated; limited data available.
   • Details: A private school offering individualized learning for grades K-12.
   • Additional Info: Smaller enrollment with a focus on personalized education.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: The ratings provided (primarily from GreatSchools.org) are based on test scores, student growth, and sometimes equity factors. Schools in the Pine Hills area often serve communities with socioeconomic challenges, which can impact ratings. A lower rating does not necessarily reflect the quality of teachers or the potential for student success.
   • School Zoning: School assignments depend on specific addresses within Hickory Ridge/Pine Hills. You can verify zoning and potential school choice options through the Orange County Public Schools website (ocps.net) using their "School Finder" tool.
   • Other Options: Families in the 32818 area may also consider magnet programs, charter schools, or private schools outside the immediate vicinity for specialized education (e.g., arts, STEM). Additionally, Florida’s school choice program allows for open enrollment in some cases, subject to availability.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance data can change yearly. For the most current information, visit GreatSchools.org, the Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org), or contact Orange County Public Schools directly.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Parent Reviews: Check platforms like GreatSchools.org for parent and student feedback.
   • OCPS Resources: Use the Orange County Public Schools website for zoning maps, bus routes, and program details.
   • Community Input: Speak with local residents in Hickory Ridge or Pine Hills for firsthand experiences with nearby schools.

   If you have a specific address in Hickory Ridge or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, extracurriculars), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you'd like more details on a particular school or type of education!