Local Schools Near Independence, Horizon West, 34787

The community of Independence in Horizon West, FL (ZIP code 34787) is located in Orange County, near the town of Winter Garden. This area is part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which serves a large number of students in the region. Horizon West is a rapidly growing area, and Independence is one of its well-known master-planned communities. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Independence, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often 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.

Overview of Schools Near Independence, Horizon West, FL (34787)

Since Independence is a specific neighborhood within Horizon West, I’ll focus on schools that are zoned for or located close to this community. Many schools in this area are relatively new due to the rapid development of Horizon West. I’ll list elementary, middle, and high schools, along with their approximate distance from Independence, ratings (primarily from GreatSchools.org on a 1-10 scale), and some additional context. If a school is not yet rated (common for newer schools), I’ll note that as well.

Elementary Schools

1. Independence Elementary School

   • Location: 6255 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Independence: Approximately 0.5–1 mile (within or adjacent to the Independence community)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, as of recent data)
   • Details: This is the primary elementary school serving the Independence community. It opened in 2015 to accommodate the growing population in Horizon West. The school focuses on a strong academic foundation and community involvement. It has received positive feedback for its modern facilities and dedicated staff. Check the OCPS zoning map to confirm if your specific address is zoned for this school.
   • Grades: K-5
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies by year)

2. Keene’s Crossing Elementary School

   • Location: 5240 Keenes Pheasant Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance from Independence: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another nearby option for families in Horizon West, this school is highly rated for its academic performance and parent involvement. It serves a slightly broader area of Horizon West and Windermere. Zoning may depend on your exact address.
   • Grades: K-5
   • Enrollment: Around 900-1,000 students

3. Water Spring Elementary School

   • Location: 16000 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Independence: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated yet due to being a newer school (opened around 2019), but early feedback is positive.
   • Details: This school was built to address the growing population in Horizon West. It serves areas near Independence and other nearby communities. Check zoning for eligibility.
   • Grades: K-5
   • Enrollment: Around 700-800 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Bridgewater Middle School
   2. Location: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   3. Distance from Independence: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is the primary middle school serving the Independence area and much of Horizon West. It offers a variety of programs, including advanced academics and extracurricular activities. The school has a good reputation for preparing students for high school.
   6. Grades: 6-8
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,400-1,500 students

4. Horizon West Middle School (Under Construction/Planned)

   • Location: Near Horizon West (exact location TBD, expected to open in the coming years)
   • Distance from Independence: Likely within 5 miles
   • Rating: Not applicable (not yet open)
   • Details: Due to the rapid growth in Horizon West, OCPS has plans for additional schools, including a new middle school. This may eventually serve Independence residents, reducing overcrowding at Bridgewater Middle. Check OCPS updates for the latest on opening dates and zoning.

   High Schools

   1. Windermere High School
   2. Location: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   3. Distance from Independence: Approximately 5-6 miles
   4. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is the zoned high school for most of the Horizon West area, including Independence. Opened in 2017, it’s a modern facility with strong academic programs, athletics, and arts. It has quickly gained a reputation as one of the better high schools in Orange County.
   6. Grades: 9-12
   7. Enrollment: Around 3,000-3,500 students (one of the larger high schools due to area growth)

5. Horizon High School

   • Location: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Independence: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated yet (opened in 2021), but initial reviews are positive.
   • Details: This is a newer high school built to alleviate overcrowding at Windermere High. Depending on zoning, some Independence residents may be assigned here. It offers modern facilities and a focus on technology and innovation.
   • Grades: 9-12
   • Enrollment: Around 2,000 students (growing)

   Private and Charter Schools

   In addition to public schools, there are private and charter options near Independence for families seeking alternatives: 1. Foundation Academy (Private) - Location: Multiple campuses; closest is at 1259 Windermere Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 - Distance from Independence: Approximately 5-6 miles - Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools, but highly regarded in the community (check Niche.com for parent reviews) - Details: A Christian-based private school offering education from preschool through high school. Known for smaller class sizes and a faith-based curriculum. - Grades: K-12 - Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates

6. Hope Charter School (Charter)

   • Location: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
   • Distance from Independence: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A public charter school option for families in the area. It offers an alternative to traditional public schools with a focus on individualized learning.
   • Grades: K-8
   • Enrollment: Limited; lottery-based admission

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics. However, they don’t capture everything about a school, such as culture, teacher quality, or specific programs. Niche.com and parent reviews can provide additional perspectives.
   • Zoning: School assignments in Orange County are based on residential zoning maps, which can change due to growth in Horizon West. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website) to confirm which schools serve your specific address in Independence.
   • Growth and New Schools: Horizon West is one of the fastest-growing areas in Central Florida, and OCPS is continuously building new schools to keep up with demand. Check the OCPS website for updates on new school openings or rezoning plans.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services for zoned students, but distances and routes vary. Private and charter schools may not provide transportation.

   How to Research Further

   • Orange County Public Schools (OCPS): Visit www.ocps.net for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34787) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed reviews and rankings for schools in the Winter Garden/Horizon West area.
   • School Visits: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at the schools.
   • Community Feedback: Local forums or social media groups for Horizon West or Independence residents often share insights about schools.

   If you have a specific address within Independence or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, extracurriculars), let me know, and I can refine the information further. Would you like me to focus on a particular school or aspect, such as academic programs or after-school activities?