Local Schools Near Lakes of Windermere, Horizon West, 34786

The community of Lakes of Windermere is located in Horizon West, FL, within the 34786 ZIP code, which falls under Orange County. Horizon West is a rapidly growing area near Orlando, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and proximity to good schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Lakes of Windermere, 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. Note 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.

Public Schools Near Lakes of Windermere (Horizon West, FL 34786)

Public schools in this area are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which serves the region. The schools listed below are zoned for or near the Lakes of Windermere community. I’ve included approximate distances based on mapping tools, but zoning can depend on specific addresses within the community—check the OCPS School Finder tool (available on their website) for exact assignments.

1. Bay Lake Elementary School

   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades K-5)
   • Location: 12005 Silverlake Park Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from Lakes of Windermere
   • GreatSchools Rating: 9/10 (as of recent data)
   • Niche Rating: A (2023 data)
   • Overview: Bay Lake Elementary is a highly regarded school in the Horizon West area, known for strong academic performance and a focus on STEM education. It serves many families in the Windermere area and has received positive feedback for its teachers and facilities.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A (based on state assessments)

2. Horizon West Middle School (Opening in 2024 or recently opened, depending on timeline)

   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Location: Near Seidel Rd, Horizon West, FL (exact address may vary as it’s new)
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from Lakes of Windermere
   • Ratings: Not yet available due to the school being new. However, OCPS middle schools in the area generally perform well, and this school is expected to serve the growing Horizon West population with modern facilities.
   • Overview: This school was built to accommodate the rapid growth in Horizon West. Check the OCPS website for updates on zoning and performance once data is available.

3. Bridgewater Middle School (Alternative Middle School Option)

   • Type: Public Middle (Grades 6-8)
   • Location: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Lakes of Windermere
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Niche Rating: A-
   • Overview: Bridgewater Middle School serves students in the Windermere and Winter Garden areas. It has a solid reputation for academics and extracurriculars, though some families note class sizes can be large due to area growth.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B

4. Windermere High School

   • Type: Public High (Grades 9-12)
   • Location: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles from Lakes of Windermere
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Niche Rating: A
   • Overview: Windermere High School is a relatively new school (opened in 2017) and has quickly gained a strong reputation for academics, sports, and arts programs. It serves much of the Horizon West area and is known for preparing students for college and careers.
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A

   Private Schools Near Lakes of Windermere

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Lakes of Windermere. Private school ratings are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and Niche data since they don’t receive state grades like public schools.

5. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Location: 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Approximate Distance: 4-5 miles from Lakes of Windermere
   • Niche Rating: A+ (2023 data)
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000–$30,000 per year (varies by grade; check school website for current rates)
   • Overview: Windermere Prep is a prestigious private school offering a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It’s part of the Nord Anglia Education network and is known for excellent academics, global connections, and strong extracurriculars. Highly rated by parents for college preparation.

6. The Crenshaw School

   • Type: Private (Grades K-12)
   • Location: 2342 Hempel Ave, Gotha, FL 34734 (near Windermere)
   • Approximate Distance: 6-7 miles from Lakes of Windermere
   • Niche Rating: A-
   • Tuition: Approximately $10,000–$15,000 per year (confirm with school)
   • Overview: A smaller private school with a focus on personalized learning and a Christian-based curriculum. It’s a good option for families seeking a faith-based education with smaller class sizes.

7. Foundation Academy

   • Type: Private (Grades PK-12)
   • Location: Multiple campuses; closest is 15304 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles from Lakes of Windermere
   • Niche Rating: A
   • Tuition: Approximately $12,000–$18,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Overview: A Christian private school with a strong academic and spiritual focus. It offers a variety of sports and arts programs and is well-regarded by families in the area for its community feel and college prep.

   Charter Schools Near Lakes of Windermere

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Availability depends on lottery systems or application processes.

8. Hope Charter School

   • Type: Charter (Grades K-8)
   • Location: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
   • Approximate Distance: 8-10 miles from Lakes of Windermere
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Niche Rating: B+
   • Overview: A smaller charter school with a focus on individualized learning. It’s an option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools, though it’s a bit farther from Horizon West.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche ratings (A+ to D-) incorporate parent reviews, academics, and extracurriculars. Florida School Grades (A-F) are based on state assessments and graduation rates for public schools.
   • Zoning Changes: Horizon West is a fast-growing area, and school zoning can shift as new schools open (like Horizon West Middle). Use the OCPS School Finder tool or contact the district (407-317-3200) to confirm zoning for your specific address in Lakes of Windermere.
   • School Tours and Reviews: Ratings provide a snapshot, but visiting schools, meeting staff, and reading recent parent reviews on platforms like Niche or local forums can give deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically offer bus services for zoned students; private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.

   Conclusion

   The Lakes of Windermere community in Horizon West, FL (34786), benefits from access to highly rated public schools like Bay Lake Elementary and Windermere High School, both of which have strong academic reputations. Private options such as Windermere Preparatory School offer premium education with international curricula for those seeking alternatives. With new schools opening to accommodate growth, families in this area have a variety of choices. If you have a specific address within Lakes of Windermere, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools, or if you’re looking for more details on a particular school (e.g., programs, class sizes), let me know!