Local Schools Near Providence, Horizon West, 34786

The community of Providence in Horizon West, FL (ZIP code 34786) is located in Orange County, near the larger area of Windermere and Winter Garden. Horizon West is a rapidly growing master-planned community, and Providence is one of its neighborhoods. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this area, 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 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 checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

Public Schools Near Providence, Horizon West, FL (34786)

Public schools in this area are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which serves the region. Schools are zoned based on residential addresses, so it’s important to confirm zoning with OCPS (https://www.ocps.net) for the specific address in Providence. Below are schools commonly associated with the Horizon West/Providence area:

Elementary Schools

1. Independence Elementary School

   • Location: 6255 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (approximately 2-3 miles from Providence)
   • Grades: PK-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves many families in the Horizon West area, including parts of Providence. It is known for strong academic performance, a focus on STEM education, and a supportive community environment. It has above-average test scores in math and reading compared to state averages.
   • Student Population: ~800 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Keene’s Crossing Elementary School

   • Location: 5240 Keenes Pheasant Dr, Windermere, FL 34786 (approximately 3-4 miles from Providence)
   • Grades: PK-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another highly rated elementary school serving parts of Horizon West. It has a reputation for excellent teachers and strong parent involvement. Test scores are consistently above state averages.
   • Student Population: ~900 students
   • Additional Info: Features extracurricular activities and a focus on character development.

   Middle Schools

   1. Bridgewater Middle School
   2. Location: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (approximately 3-5 miles from Providence)
   3. Grades: 6-8
   4. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: This is the primary middle school for many Horizon West students. It offers a variety of academic programs, including advanced courses and electives. Test scores are above average, and the school has a strong focus on preparing students for high school.
   6. Student Population: ~1,400 students
   7. Additional Info: Known for its sports programs and extracurricular clubs.

   High Schools

   1. Windermere High School
   2. Location: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786 (approximately 5-6 miles from Providence)
   3. Grades: 9-12
   4. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Opened in 2017 to accommodate the growing Horizon West population, Windermere High School offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and a strong athletics program. Test scores and graduation rates are above state averages.
   6. Student Population: ~3,000 students
   7. Additional Info: Known for modern facilities and a focus on technology integration.

   Note: School zoning can change due to rapid growth in Horizon West. New schools are often built to accommodate the expanding population, so families should verify their zoned schools through the OCPS School Finder tool (https://www.ocps.net/departments/school_choice/school_finder).

   Private Schools Near Providence, Horizon West, FL (34786)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Providence. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and college placement rates.

3. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Location: 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786 (approximately 5-7 miles from Providence)
   • Grades: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded (Niche: A+)
   • Details: A prestigious private school affiliated with the Nord Anglia Education network. It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, rigorous academics, and a global perspective. Tuition is on the higher end, reflecting its premium facilities and programs.
   • Student Population: ~1,200 students
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000–$30,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Additional Info: Strong focus on arts, sports, and college preparation with a high college acceptance rate.

4. Foundation Academy

   • Location: 125 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (approximately 6-8 miles from Providence)
   • Grades: PK-12
   • Rating: Well-regarded (Niche: A-)
   • Details: A Christian private school with campuses in Winter Garden. It emphasizes faith-based education alongside academics, arts, and athletics. It’s a more affordable private option compared to Windermere Prep.
   • Student Population: ~600 students across campuses
   • Tuition: Approximately $10,000–$15,000 per year
   • Additional Info: Offers a family-oriented environment and smaller class sizes.

5. The Crenshaw School

   • Location: 2342 Hempel Ave, Gotha, FL 34734 (approximately 8-10 miles from Providence)
   • Grades: K-12
   • Rating: Positive parent feedback (limited public rating data)
   • Details: A smaller private school with a focus on individualized learning and a nurturing environment. It caters to families looking for a close-knit community.
   • Student Population: ~100-150 students
   • Tuition: Approximately $8,000–$12,000 per year
   • Additional Info: Known for personalized attention and flexible learning plans.

   Charter Schools Near Providence, Horizon West, FL (34786)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Admission is typically through a lottery system.

6. Hope Charter School

   • Location: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 (approximately 8-10 miles from Providence)
   • Grades: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A smaller charter school with a focus on character education and academic achievement. It serves families in the broader West Orange County area.
   • Student Population: ~400 students
   • Additional Info: Offers a tight-knit community feel and various extracurriculars.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche ratings (letter grades) incorporate parent and student reviews, academics, and diversity. Always cross-check with multiple sources and consider visiting schools to assess fit.
   • Growth in Horizon West: Due to rapid development, new schools are frequently proposed or under construction in Horizon West. For instance, additional elementary and middle schools may open in the coming years to alleviate overcrowding.
   • School Choice: Orange County Public Schools offers magnet programs, choice programs, and virtual schooling options. Families can apply for out-of-zone schools if space is available.
   • Transportation: Public school bus services are provided based on zoning and distance. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so check with individual schools.

   How to Verify Zoning and Get More Information

   • Orange County Public Schools Website: Use the School Finder tool at https://www.ocps.net to input a specific address in Providence to confirm zoned schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at https://edudata.fldoe.org for detailed performance metrics.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private and charter options.
   • Community Feedback: Local forums, such as Horizon West community groups on Facebook or Nextdoor, often have parent discussions about schools.

   If you have a specific address within Providence or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, specific grade levels, or extracurricular preferences), I can refine this list further. Let me know!