Local Schools Near Magnolia Gardens, Winter Park, 32789

Magnolia Gardens is a community located in Winter Park, FL, within the 32789 ZIP code. Winter Park is known for its excellent schools, many of which are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Magnolia Gardens, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information as of the latest updates. Ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, parent reviews, college readiness), so I’ll note the general consensus. Keep in mind that ratings and school performance can change over time, so I recommend verifying the latest data through the Florida Department of Education or visiting the schools.

Location Context

Magnolia Gardens is situated in Winter Park, near the heart of the city, close to landmarks like Rollins College and Park Avenue. Schools in this area are generally well-regarded due to Winter Park’s reputation for strong community investment in education. I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5 miles or less) from central Winter Park, as this covers most options families in Magnolia Gardens would consider.

Public Schools Near Magnolia Gardens, Winter Park, FL 32789

Public schools in this area are managed by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). Here are the primary schools serving the Winter Park area, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Zoning can vary, so I recommend using the OCPS School Finder tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve a specific address in Magnolia Gardens.

Elementary Schools

1. Lakemont Elementary School

   • Address: 901 N Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approx. 2-3 miles from central Winter Park/Magnolia Gardens)
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida Department of Education (based on recent data)
   • Details: Lakemont Elementary is known for strong academic performance, a supportive community, and extracurricular programs. It serves grades K-5 and often receives high marks for test scores in reading and math.
   • Parent Feedback: Parents often praise the dedicated teachers and family-friendly environment.

2. Brookshire Elementary School

   • Address: 400 Greene Dr, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approx. 1-2 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org; B-rated by the Florida DOE
   • Details: Brookshire serves grades K-5 and offers a solid curriculum with a focus on student engagement. It’s a neighborhood school with a diverse student body.
   • Parent Feedback: Reviews highlight the school’s welcoming atmosphere but note occasional concerns about class sizes.

3. Killlarney Elementary School

   • Address: 2401 Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approx. 3-4 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org; B-rated by the Florida DOE
   • Details: Killarney serves K-5 students and emphasizes foundational skills. It’s a smaller school with a tight-knit community feel.
   • Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews, with some parents appreciating the personalized attention and others citing resource limitations.

   Middle Schools

   1. Glenridge Middle School
   2. Address: 2900 Upper Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32814 (approx. 3-4 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   3. Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida DOE
   4. Details: Glenridge serves grades 6-8 and is highly regarded for its academic programs, including advanced courses and extracurriculars like band and sports.
   5. Parent Feedback: Often praised for preparing students for high school and offering a supportive environment.

4. Maitland Middle School

   • Address: 701 N Thistle Ln, Maitland, FL 32751 (approx. 3-4 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org; B-rated by the Florida DOE
   • Details: Serving grades 6-8, Maitland Middle offers a range of academic and elective options, with a focus on student development.
   • Parent Feedback: Generally positive, with some concerns about consistency in teacher quality.

   High Schools

   1. Winter Park High School
   2. Address: 2100 Summerfield Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approx. 2-3 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   3. Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by the Florida DOE
   4. Details: Winter Park High is one of the top public high schools in the area, serving grades 9-12. It offers a robust International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and strong athletics and arts programs.
   5. Parent Feedback: Highly regarded for college readiness and a vibrant school culture, though some note challenges with large class sizes.

   Private Schools Near Magnolia Gardens, Winter Park, FL 32789

   Winter Park has several private and charter school options for families seeking alternatives to public education. These schools often have smaller class sizes and specialized curricula but come with tuition costs.

5. The Geneva School

   • Address: 2025 State Road 436, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approx. 3-4 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   • Type: Private, Christian, Classical (K-12)
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A grade); not rated on GreatSchools as it’s private
   • Details: Known for its classical education model, emphasizing critical thinking, logic, and rhetoric. Tuition varies by grade level (approx. $10,000-$15,000/year).
   • Parent Feedback: Praised for academic rigor and values-based education, though some note the cost as a barrier.

6. Trinity Preparatory School

   • Address: 5700 Trinity Prep Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792 (approx. 5 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   • Type: Private, Episcopal (Grades 6-12)
   • Rating: A+ on Niche; consistently ranked among the best private schools in Central Florida
   • Details: Offers a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on academics, arts, and athletics. Tuition is higher (approx. $25,000/year).
   • Parent Feedback: Exceptional reviews for student outcomes and campus facilities, though selective admissions process.

7. St. Margaret Mary Catholic School

   • Address: 142 E Swoope Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 (approx. 1-2 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   • Type: Private, Catholic (PreK-8)
   • Rating: Well-regarded locally; not formally rated on GreatSchools
   • Details: Focuses on faith-based education with strong academics. Tuition is around $8,000-$10,000/year for parishioners (higher for non-parishioners).
   • Parent Feedback: Loved for its community feel and moral grounding, though some mention limited extracurriculars compared to larger schools.

   Charter Schools

   1. Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School
   2. Address: 2427 Lynx Ln, Orlando, FL 32804 (approx. 4-5 miles from Magnolia Gardens)
   3. Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org; A-rated by Florida DOE
   4. Details: A STEM-focused charter school for grades 6-12, with a lottery-based admission system. Known for high academic achievement.
   5. Parent Feedback: Excellent for students interested in science and technology, though the application process can be competitive.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: Based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and equity data. Scores range from 1-10, with 10 being the highest.
   • Florida DOE Ratings: Schools are graded A-F based on state assessments (like FSA/FAST), graduation rates, and other metrics.
   • Niche Ratings: Incorporates parent and student reviews alongside academic data, often grading on an A-F scale.
   • Ratings are a starting point but don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture, specific programs). Visiting schools or attending open houses is highly recommended.

   How to Choose a School

   • Zoning: For public schools, confirm zoning for your specific address in Magnolia Gardens using the OCPS website (www.ocps.net) under the “Find My School” tool.
   • Special Programs: Winter Park High’s IB program or charter schools like Orlando Science may appeal if your child has specific interests.
   • Proximity: Most listed schools are within 5 miles, but traffic in Winter Park can vary, so consider commute times.
   • Budget: Private schools offer unique benefits but require tuition, whereas public and charter schools are free (though charters may have lotteries).

   Conclusion

   The Magnolia Gardens community in Winter Park, FL (32789), benefits from access to highly rated public schools like Lakemont Elementary, Glenridge Middle, and Winter Park High, as well as esteemed private options like Trinity Preparatory and The Geneva School. Ratings generally range from good to excellent (6-9/10 on GreatSchools, A/B on state ratings), reflecting Winter Park’s commitment to education. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I suggest: - Checking school websites or contacting them directly for tours