Local Schools Near Overlook at Hamlin, Winter Garden, 34787

The Overlook at Hamlin community is located in Winter Garden, FL, within the 34787 ZIP code. This area falls under the jurisdiction of Orange County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools zoned for or near the Overlook at Hamlin community, 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. Note that school zoning can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with Orange County Public Schools or the specific school for the most current assignments.

Location Context

Overlook at Hamlin is part of the larger Hamlin development in Horizon West, a rapidly growing area of Winter Garden. Schools in this region are often newly built or recently renovated to accommodate the expanding population. The community is near Hamlin Town Center and major roads like SR-429, providing access to several educational options.

Zoned Public Schools for Overlook at Hamlin

Based on current zoning maps and proximity, the following public schools are typically assigned to the Overlook at Hamlin area (as of the latest available data). I’ve included ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and some additional context. These ratings are subject to change, so check the latest data for updates.

1. Elementary School: Independence Elementary School

   • Address: 6255 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Overlook at Hamlin: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Details: Independence Elementary is a relatively new school, opened to serve the growing 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 engaged community. Test scores in math and reading are generally above the state average.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies by year)
   • Grades: K-5

2. Middle School: Bridgewater Middle School

   • Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Overlook at Hamlin: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Details: Bridgewater Middle School serves students in the Horizon West area and is known for its diverse extracurricular offerings, including sports, arts, and academic clubs. The school has a solid reputation for student achievement, with test scores slightly above the district average. It also emphasizes preparing students for high school through advanced coursework options.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200-1,400 students
   • Grades: 6-8

3. High School: Horizon High School

   • Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Overlook at Hamlin: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not yet rated (new school, opened in 2021)
   • Details: Horizon High School is a brand-new facility built to accommodate the booming population in Horizon West. As a newer school, comprehensive ratings and long-term data are still developing. However, early feedback highlights its state-of-the-art campus, focus on technology, and wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) and career-focused programs. For the most current performance data, refer to the Florida Department of Education or GreatSchools.org as more information becomes available.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,500-2,000 students (growing)
   • Grades: 9-12

   Alternative Public School Options

   Families in Overlook at Hamlin may also have access to other public schools through school choice programs, magnet schools, or charter schools in the Orange County Public Schools district. Some nearby options include:

   • Water Spring Elementary School (Grades K-5, GreatSchools Rating: 7/10, ~5 miles away): Another newer school in the Horizon West area with strong community involvement.
   • Windermere Preparatory School (Private, see below for details, but often considered by families seeking alternatives).
   • Charter Schools: Options like Hope Charter School (K-8, GreatSchools Rating: 6/10, ~10 miles away) provide alternative curricula and smaller class sizes. Check the Orange County Public Schools website for a full list of charter options and application processes.

   Private Schools Near Overlook at Hamlin

   For families considering private education, there are several well-regarded options within a reasonable driving distance:

4. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Address: 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Type: Private, Co-ed, PK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack standardized ratings), but highly regarded in the community
   • Details: Part of the Nord Anglia Education network, this school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a strong college preparatory curriculum. Tuition is significant (around $20,000-$30,000 per year depending on grade), but it’s known for excellent academics, sports, and arts programs.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students

5. Foundation Academy

   • Address: 1259 E Crown Point Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (South Campus)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Type: Private, Christian, PK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated, but well-reviewed by parents
   • Details: A faith-based school with two campuses in the area, Foundation Academy emphasizes Christian values alongside academics. It offers a range of extracurriculars and has a reputation for a close-knit community. Tuition ranges from $10,000-$15,000 annually.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students across campuses

6. Montverde Academy

   • Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Type: Private, Co-ed, PK-12 (with boarding options)
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated, but nationally recognized
   • Details: Known for its elite basketball program and rigorous academics, Montverde Academy attracts students from across the country and internationally. It offers a college-prep curriculum with a global focus. Tuition is higher, often exceeding $20,000 per year for day students and more for boarding.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These are based on a 1-10 scale and incorporate test scores, student growth, college readiness, and equity data. However, they don’t capture every aspect of a school (e.g., culture, teacher quality, or specific programs). Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide deeper insight.
   • Zoning Changes: Horizon West is a fast-growing area, and school boundaries may shift as new schools are built or enrollment changes. The Orange County Public Schools zoning tool (available on their website) or a call to their office (407-317-3200) can confirm current assignments for a specific address in Overlook at Hamlin.
   • School Performance Reports: For detailed data on test scores, graduation rates, and more, the Florida Department of Education’s website (fldoe.org) provides annual school report cards.
   • Community Feedback: Many residents of Hamlin and Horizon West share experiences on local forums or social media groups (e.g., Facebook groups like “Horizon West Families”). These can offer firsthand perspectives on schools.

   Conclusion

   The Overlook at Hamlin community is served by relatively high-performing and modern public schools like Independence Elementary, Bridgewater Middle, and Horizon High, with GreatSchools ratings of 7-8 where available (Horizon High is too new for a full rating). Private options such as Windermere Preparatory and Foundation Academy provide alternatives for families seeking specialized or faith-based education. Given the area’s growth, staying updated on zoning and school developments is key.

   If you have a specific address within Overlook at Hamlin or want more details on a particular school (e.g., programs, extracurriculars, or recent changes), let me know, and I can dig deeper. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or after-school programs in the area, I can provide that information as well!