Local Schools Near Lakeside by Watermark, Winter Garden, 34787

Lakeside by Watermark is a community located in Winter Garden, FL, with the ZIP code 34787. Winter Garden is part of Orange County, and the area is served by the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near the Lakeside by Watermark community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, 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 verifying the most current information directly with the schools or district.

Location Context

Lakeside by Watermark is situated near the intersection of Avalon Road and Hartzog Road in Winter Garden, close to the Horizon West area. This location is near several new and established schools due to the rapid growth of the region. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable driving distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from this community.

Public Schools Near Lakeside by Watermark

Public schools in this area are zoned based on address, so you’ll need to confirm zoning with Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) using their School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website). Below are the schools most likely to serve the Lakeside by Watermark community based on proximity and zoning patterns in Horizon West/Winter Garden.

Elementary Schools

1. Water Spring Elementary School

   • Address: 16000 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 8/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Niche.com: A- (based on academics, teachers, and diversity)
   • Overview: Water Spring Elementary is a newer school in the Horizon West area, built to accommodate the growing population. It has a strong reputation for academic performance and offers various programs like STEM initiatives.
   • Additional Info: Check OCPS for zoning, as this school often serves nearby communities like Lakeside by Watermark.

2. Keene’s Crossing Elementary School

   • Address: 5240 Keenes Pheasant Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   • ** - Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 7/10
   • Niche.com: B+
   • Overview: This school serves parts of the Winter Garden and Windermere areas and is known for a solid academic foundation and active parent involvement.
   • Additional Info: Zoning may vary; confirm with OCPS.

   Middle Schools

   1. Water Spring Middle School (Opening in 2024 or later, check OCPS for updates)
   2. Address: Near Water Spring Elementary (exact location TBD)
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: Not yet available (new school)
   6. Overview: This is a planned middle school to serve the Horizon West area, including communities like Lakeside by Watermark. It aims to alleviate overcrowding at nearby middle schools.
   7. Additional Info: Until it opens, students may be zoned for Bridgewater Middle School.

3. Bridgewater Middle School

   • Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 7/10
   • Niche.com: A-
   • Overview: Bridgewater Middle School is well-regarded for its academic programs, extracurriculars, and sports. It serves a large portion of the Horizon West area.
   • Additional Info: Likely the current zoned middle school for Lakeside by Watermark until Water Spring Middle opens.

   High Schools

   1. Horizon High School
   2. Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating:
   6. GreatSchools.org: 6/10 (note: newer school, ratings still developing)
   7. Niche.com: B+
   8. Overview: Horizon High School opened in 2021 to serve the growing Horizon West community. It offers advanced placement (AP) courses, career academies, and modern facilities.
   9. Additional Info: This is likely the zoned high school for Lakeside by Watermark due to proximity.

4. West Orange High School (Alternative zoning possibility)

   • Address: 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   • Niche.com: B
   • Overview: A larger, established high school with a wide range of programs, including AP courses, athletics, and arts. It serves a broader area of Winter Garden.
   • Additional Info: Some nearby areas may still be zoned for West Orange High, so confirm with OCPS.

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   Private Schools Near Lakeside by Watermark

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a 10-15 mile radius of Lakeside by Watermark. These schools often require applications and tuition.

5. Foundation Academy

   • Address: Multiple campuses; closest is 1259 Ocoee Apopka Rd, Apopka, FL 32703 (South Campus)
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating:
   • Niche.com: A (highly rated for academics and college prep)
   • Overview: A Christian-based private school with a strong academic reputation, offering small class sizes and a variety of extracurriculars.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; approximately $10,000-$15,000 per year (check directly with the school).
   • Additional Info: Known for personalized education and faith-based curriculum.

6. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Address: 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating:
   • Niche.com: A+ (top-rated private school in the area)
   • Overview: Part of the Nord Anglia Education network, this school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, rigorous academics, and global learning opportunities.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$30,000 per year (varies by grade; confirm with school).
   • Additional Info: Highly competitive admissions; known for college placement success.

7. Montverde Academy

   • Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
   • Distance: Approximately 12-15 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   • Grade Levels: PK-12 (boarding and day school options)
   • Rating:
   • Niche.com: A+ (nationally recognized)
   • Overview: An elite private school with a focus on academics, athletics (: A prestigious institution known for its basketball program and rigorous academics, offering boarding for upper grades.
   • Tuition: Approximately $25,000-$50,000 per year (varies by grade and boarding status).
   • Additional Info: Internationally recognized, especially for sports and college prep.

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   Charter Schools Near Lakeside by Watermark

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Availability depends on enrollment and lottery systems.

8. Imagine Schools South Lake Campus

   • Address: 2750 Hartwood Marsh Rd, Clermont, FL 34711
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Lakeside by Watermark
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 6/10
   • Niche.com: B-
   • Overview: A charter school focusing on character development and academic achievement with a family-oriented approach.
   • Additional Info: Enrollment via application; check availability.

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   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche.com are based on test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, teacher quality, or specific programs. Visiting schools or attending open houses is recommended.
   • Zoning: Orange County Public Schools frequently adjusts zoning due to rapid growth in Horizon West. Use the OCPS School Finder (on their website) or call the district at (407) 317-3200 to confirm zoning for Lakeside by Watermark.
   • Growth Area: Horizon West, including Lakes