Local Schools Near Orlando Highlands, Orlando, 32803

The community of Orlando Highlands is located in the 32803 ZIP code of Orlando, FL, which falls within Orange County. This area is part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Orlando Highlands community, 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 often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity to the 32803 ZIP code, particularly those serving the Orlando Highlands area. If you’re looking for specific types of schools (e.g., charter, magnet, or private), let me know, and I can refine the list further.

Public Schools Near Orlando Highlands (32803)

Public schools in this area are managed by Orange County Public Schools. The schools listed below are assigned based on zoning for the 32803 area, though boundaries can shift, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with OCPS (https://www.ocps.net) for the most current assignments. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) and supplemented with Florida Department of Education school grades (A-F) where available.

Elementary Schools

1. Hillcrest Elementary School

   • Address: 1010 E Concord St, Orlando, FL 32803
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Orlando Highlands
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
   • Details: Hillcrest is a well-regarded elementary school with a focus on academic achievement and a diverse student body. It often receives praise for its community involvement and strong test scores in reading and math.
   • Enrollment: ~400 students
   • Notable Programs: Gifted education, after-school programs

2. Fern Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 1121 N Fern Creek Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Orlando Highlands
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: Fern Creek serves a diverse population and offers a solid elementary education with an emphasis on foundational skills. It has a smaller student body, which some parents appreciate for a more personalized feel.
   • Enrollment: ~300 students
   • Notable Programs: Pre-K program, STEM initiatives

   Middle Schools

   1. Howard Middle School
   2. Address: 800 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32801
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Orlando Highlands
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   7. Details: Howard Middle School is a magnet school for the Creative and Performing Arts, attracting students interested in music, theater, and visual arts. It has a strong academic reputation and is located near downtown Orlando.
   8. Enrollment: ~1,000 students
   9. Notable Programs: Performing arts magnet, advanced coursework

   High Schools

   1. Edgewater High School
   2. Address: 3100 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Orlando Highlands
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   7. Details: Edgewater High School offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused academies. It serves a diverse student population and has a strong community presence.
   8. Enrollment: ~2,000 students
   9. Notable Programs: Engineering magnet program, athletics

   Private Schools Near Orlando Highlands (32803)

   Private schools in the area offer alternative educational options, often with smaller class sizes and specialized curricula. Ratings for private schools are less standardized but are based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and reputation from sources like Niche and Private School Review.

3. St. James Cathedral School

   • Address: 505 E Ridgewood St, Orlando, FL 32803
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from Orlando Highlands
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Highly rated by parents (Niche: A-)
   • Details: A Catholic school affiliated with the Diocese of Orlando, St. James emphasizes faith-based education alongside strong academics. It has a reputation for a nurturing environment and high parental involvement.
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000-$10,000 per year (varies by grade and parish membership)
   • Enrollment: ~400 students
   • Notable Programs: Religious education, extracurriculars

4. Lake Highland Preparatory School

   • Address: 901 Highland Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Orlando Highlands
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Excellent (Niche: A+)
   • Details: Lake Highland Prep is one of the top private schools in Central Florida, known for its rigorous academics, college preparatory focus, and extensive extracurricular offerings. It consistently ranks high for student outcomes and college placement.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$25,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Enrollment: ~2,000 students
   • Notable Programs: STEM, arts, athletics, AP/IB courses

   Charter and Magnet Schools

   Charter and magnet schools offer specialized programs and may require applications or lotteries for admission. Here are a couple of notable options near 32803:

5. Orlando Science Elementary Charter School

   • Address: 2611 Technology Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Orlando Highlands
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
   • Details: This charter school focuses on STEM education and has a strong reputation for academic excellence. Admission is lottery-based.
   • Enrollment: ~600 students
   • Notable Programs: Robotics, science labs

6. Orlando Science Middle High Charter School

   • Address: 2427 Lynx Ln, Orlando, FL 32804
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Orlando Highlands
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A
   • Details: Another STEM-focused charter school with exceptional test scores and college readiness metrics. It’s highly competitive for admission.
   • Enrollment: ~1,200 students
   • Notable Programs: Advanced STEM curriculum, dual enrollment

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: Public school assignments are based on residential address. You can verify zoning and apply for school choice options (if out of zone) through the OCPS website (https://www.ocps.net).
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and Florida DOE may differ due to methodology. For a fuller picture, consider visiting schools, reading parent reviews, and checking recent performance data.
   • Transportation: OCPS provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options.
   • Special Needs and Programs: If you’re seeking schools with specific programs (e.g., ESE, gifted, or language immersion), contact OCPS or individual schools for details.

   How to Research Further

   • OCPS School Finder: Use the district’s online tool (https://www.ocps.net/departments/school_choice/school_finder) to confirm zoning by entering your exact address.
   • GreatSchools.org: Offers detailed reviews and test score data for public and some private schools.
   • Niche.com: Provides rankings and parent feedback for public, private, and charter schools.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer open houses or virtual tours, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have a specific address within Orlando Highlands or are looking for schools with particular features (e.g., sports, arts, or special education), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information. Additionally, if you’d like data on preschools, after-school programs, or higher education options nearby, I’m happy to assist!