Local Schools Near Orchard Hills, Winter Garden, 34787

Orchard Hills is a community located in Winter Garden, FL, within the 34787 ZIP code. This area is part of Orange County, and families in this community have access to schools in the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which is one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools zoned for or near the Orchard Hills community, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings can vary depending on the source, so I’ll use GreatSchools.org as a primary reference (on a scale of 1-10) since it’s widely recognized, and I’ll note other metrics where available. Keep in mind that school zoning can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with OCPS or the specific school for the most current assignments.

Overview of Schools Near Orchard Hills, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Orchard Hills is generally served by schools in the Horizon West area, a rapidly growing region of Winter Garden. The schools listed below are either zoned for Orchard Hills or are in close proximity (within a 5-10 mile radius). I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as some private or charter options nearby. Distances are approximate based on mapping tools.

Public Schools Zoned for Orchard Hills (Based on OCPS Zoning)

1. Keene’s Crossing Elementary School

   • Address: 5240 Keenes Pheasant Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance from Orchard Hills: Approx. 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Performance Notes: Keene’s Crossing is well-regarded for its academic performance and parent involvement. It often scores above the district average on state assessments (like FSA). According to the Florida Department of Education, it has consistently earned a "B" or higher school grade in recent years.
   • Additional Info: Offers a strong focus on STEM programs and extracurricular activities.

2. Bridgewater Middle School

   • Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Orchard Hills: Approx. 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Performance Notes: Bridgewater Middle serves much of the Horizon West area and is known for a solid academic curriculum and diverse extracurriculars, including sports and arts. It typically earns a "B" grade from the state.
   • Additional Info: Has a focus on preparing students for high school with advanced coursework options.

3. Windermere High School

   • Address: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance from Orchard Hills: Approx. 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Performance Notes: Windermere High is a relatively new school (opened in 2017) and has quickly gained a reputation for strong academics and athletics. It often scores above average on state tests and has a high graduation rate (around 95% or higher per OCPS data). The school earns an "A" or "B" from the Florida DOE.
   • Additional Info: Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment, and a variety of clubs and sports.

   Other Nearby Public Schools

   If zoning changes or families seek alternative options, these schools are also in the vicinity of Orchard Hills: - Whispering Oak Elementary School - Address: 15300 Stoneybrook W Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787 - Distance: Approx. 4-5 miles - GreatSchools Rating: 9/10 - Notes: Another high-performing elementary school in the area with strong test scores and an "A" grade from the state. - Horizon High School (Newer Option) - Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 - Distance: Approx. 6-7 miles - GreatSchools Rating: Not yet widely rated due to its recent opening (2021), but early feedback is positive. - Notes: Built to accommodate growth in Horizon West, it offers modern facilities and a focus on technology and innovation.

   Private Schools Near Orchard Hills

   For families considering private education, here are some notable options within a reasonable driving distance: 1. Windermere Preparatory School - Address: 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786 - Distance: Approx. 5-6 miles - Grade Levels: PK-12 - GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools, but highly reviewed on Niche.com (A+ rating). - Notes: A prestigious private school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Tuition is significant (around $20,000-$30,000/year depending on grade), but it’s known for college prep and small class sizes. 2. Foundation Academy - Address: 125 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (multiple campuses) - Distance: Approx. 7-8 miles - Grade Levels: PK-12 - GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated, but well-regarded locally. - Notes: A Christian-based private school with a focus on faith and academics. Tuition ranges from $10,000-$15,000/year.

   Charter Schools Near Orchard Hills

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Here are a couple nearby: 1. Hope Charter School - Address: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 - Distance: Approx. 8-10 miles - Grade Levels: K-8 - GreatSchools Rating: 6/10 - Notes: Offers a smaller, community-focused environment with mixed reviews on academic performance. 2. Legacy High Charter School - Address: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 (co-located with Hope Charter) - Distance: Approx. 8-10 miles - Grade Levels: 9-12 - GreatSchools Rating: 5/10 - Notes: Focuses on personalized learning but has average performance metrics compared to traditional high schools in the area.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, and sometimes parent reviews. A rating of 7 or above is generally considered good, with 9-10 being exceptional. However, ratings don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs).
   • Florida DOE School Grades: The state assigns letter grades (A-F) based on standardized test performance, graduation rates, and other metrics. Most schools near Orchard Hills earn "A" or "B" grades, reflecting strong academic environments.
   • Zoning and Growth: Horizon West, including Orchard Hills, is a fast-growing area. New schools are being built (like Horizon High), and zoning boundaries may shift. Check the OCPS School Finder tool (available on their website) with your exact address for the most accurate zoning information.
   • Parent Feedback: Many parents in the area praise the public schools for their facilities and teacher quality, especially newer schools like Windermere High. However, some note challenges with overcrowding due to rapid population growth.

   How to Research Further

   • OCPS Website: Visit www.ocps.net for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration info.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: For detailed parent reviews and updated ratings.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses, especially for private or charter options.
   • Florida DOE Report Cards: Available at www.fldoe.org for state-assigned grades and performance data.

   If you have a specific address within Orchard Hills, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, after-school programs, or specific academic tracks (e.g., magnet programs), let me know, and I can provide more tailored information!