Local Schools Near Lake Hancock Preserve, Winter Garden, 34787

Lake Hancock Preserve is a 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 Lake Hancock Preserve, 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. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information through the Orange County Public Schools website or visiting the schools.

Location Context

Lake Hancock Preserve is situated near Lake Hancock and the Horizon West area of Winter Garden, a rapidly growing region with new schools being built to accommodate the population increase. The community is close to major roads like Hartzog Road and Avalon Road, providing access to nearby schools.

Zoned Schools for Lake Hancock Preserve

Based on the location, the following schools are typically assigned to the Lake Hancock Preserve area (zoning can vary slightly, so confirm with Orange County Public Schools’ zoning tool or by contacting the district):

Elementary School

• Water Spring Elementary School
• Address: 16000 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
• Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Hancock Preserve
• Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10 (as of the latest data)
• Details: Water Spring Elementary is a relatively new school serving the Horizon West area. It focuses on a strong academic foundation with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs. The school has received positive feedback for its modern facilities and community involvement.
• Grades Served: K-5
• Contact: (407) 554-1800

Middle School

• Water Spring Middle School
• Address: 17055 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
• Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lake Hancock Preserve
• Rating (GreatSchools.org): Not yet widely rated due to its recent opening (opened in 2023); preliminary feedback is positive based on district performance.
• Details: This is a brand-new school designed to serve the growing Horizon West community. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced courses and sports.
• Grades Served: 6-8
• Contact: Check the Orange County Public Schools website for the latest contact information as it’s a new facility.

High School

• Horizon High School
• Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
• Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Lake Hancock Preserve
• Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10 (as of the latest data)
• Details: Horizon High School opened in 2021 to accommodate the growing population in Horizon West. It offers a variety of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurricular activities like athletics and arts. The school is still establishing its reputation, but early reviews highlight its state-of-the-art facilities.
• Grades Served: 9-12
• Contact: (407) 656-8484

Other Nearby Schools (Public)

If zoning changes or you’re considering school choice options (e.g., magnet programs or charter schools), here are additional nearby public schools within a reasonable distance:

• Independence Elementary School
• Address: 6255 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787
• Distance: About 5-6 miles
• Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
• Details: Known for strong academic performance and a supportive community environment.

• Grades Served: K-5

• Bridgewater Middle School

• Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
• Distance: About 6-7 miles
• Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
• Details: Offers a solid middle school curriculum with opportunities for advanced learning and extracurriculars.

• Grades Served: 6-8

• West Orange High School

• Address: 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
• Distance: About 8-9 miles
• Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
• Details: A well-established high school with a wide range of academic and athletic programs.
• Grades Served: 9-12

Private Schools Near Lake Hancock Preserve

For families considering private education, here are some notable options within a 10-15 mile radius:

• Foundation Academy
• Address: 1259 E Crown Point Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (South Campus)
• Distance: About 7-8 miles
• Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org; highly regarded in the community for its Christian-based education and strong academics.
• Details: Offers K-12 education with a focus on faith, academics, and extracurriculars.
• Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (approx. $10,000-$15,000/year).

• Contact: (407) 656-3677

• Montverde Academy

• Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
• Distance: About 10-12 miles
• Rating: Nationally recognized, especially for its athletics (basketball program) and academics.
• Details: A prestigious private boarding and day school for grades Pre-K-12, known for rigorous academics and competitive sports.
• Tuition: Approx. $20,000-$50,000/year (depending on boarding status).
• Contact: (407) 469-2561

Charter Schools Near Lake Hancock Preserve

Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple of options:

• Hope Charter School
• Address: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
• Distance: About 8-9 miles
• Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
• Details: Serves K-8 with a focus on individualized learning.
• Contact: (407) 656-4673

Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

• GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on a 1-10 scale, considering test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity. A rating of 7 or above is generally considered above average.
• School Zoning: The Horizon West area is experiencing rapid growth, and school zoning boundaries may shift. Use the Orange County Public Schools’ “Find My School” tool (available on their website) to confirm current assignments.
• New Schools: Many schools in this area, like Water Spring Middle and Horizon High, are new, so ratings may not fully reflect long-term performance yet. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide more insight.
• School Choice: Orange County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and other options if the zoned schools don’t meet your needs. Applications may be required.

How to Research Further

1. Orange County Public Schools Website: www.ocps.net – Check zoning, school calendars, and registration details.
2. GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings and parent reviews.
   1. Florida Department of Education: For state-level report cards and performance data.

3. School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports, or arts focus), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like me to dive deeper into a particular school or aspect of education in this area?