Local Schools Near Palms at Windermere, Horizon West, 34786

The community of Palms at Windermere is located in Horizon West, FL, within the 34786 ZIP code, which falls under Orange County. Horizon West is a rapidly growing area near Windermere, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to excellent schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near this 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 typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note 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 Palms at Windermere, Horizon West, FL (34786)

Public schools in this area are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which serves the region. Horizon West has several zoned schools, and new schools are being built to accommodate the growing population. Below are the schools most likely to serve the Palms at Windermere community, based on zoning maps and proximity. Zoning can change, so it’s best to confirm with OCPS (www.ocps.net) for the exact school assignments for a specific address.

Elementary Schools

1. Bay Lake Elementary School

   • Location: 12005 Silverlake Park Dr, Windermere, FL 34786 (approximately 2-3 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools.org (as of recent data)
   • Details: Bay Lake Elementary is a highly regarded school in the Horizon West area, known for strong academic performance and a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs. It serves many families in the Windermere and Horizon West communities.
   • Student Population: Approximately 800-900 students
   • Notable Features: Modern facilities, active parent involvement, and extracurricular activities.

2. Castleview Elementary School

   • Location: 9135 Nodes Rd, Orlando, FL 32836 (approximately 4-5 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: Another strong elementary option for families in the area, Castleview Elementary offers a solid curriculum with an emphasis on student growth and community engagement.
   • Student Population: Around 700-800 students
   • Notable Features: Close to newer developments in Horizon West, diverse student body.

   Middle Schools

   1. Horizon West Middle School
   2. Location: 8200 Tattant Blvd, Windermere, FL 34786 (approximately 3-4 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   3. Grade Levels: 6-8
   4. Rating: Not yet widely rated due to being a newer school, but early feedback is positive; check OCPS or Niche for updates.
   5. Details: Opened in 2021, Horizon West Middle School was built to serve the growing population in the area. It offers modern facilities and a curriculum aligned with state standards.
   6. Student Population: Approximately 1,000+ students
   7. Notable Features: Focus on technology integration and extracurricular programs.

3. Bridgewater Middle School

   • Location: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (approximately 5-6 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: A well-established middle school serving parts of Horizon West and Windermere, known for strong academics and a variety of clubs and sports.
   • Student Population: Around 1,200 students
   • Notable Features: Offers Advanced Placement (AP) prep courses and a supportive learning environment.

   High Schools

   1. Windermere High School
   2. Location: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786 (approximately 4-5 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   3. Grade Levels: 9-12
   4. Rating: 8/10 on GreatSchools.org
   5. Details: Opened in 2017, Windermere High School serves much of the Horizon West area. It has a strong reputation for academics, athletics, and arts programs.
   6. Student Population: Approximately 3,000+ students
   7. Notable Features: Offers AP and dual enrollment courses, competitive sports teams, and modern facilities.

   Private Schools Near Palms at Windermere, Horizon West, FL (34786)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Palms at Windermere. Private school ratings are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and college placement rates, as available on platforms like Niche or Private School Review.

4. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Location: 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786 (approximately 5 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (A+ overall grade as of recent data)
   • Details: A prestigious private school affiliated with the Nord Anglia Education network, offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and a global curriculum. Known for excellent college placement.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000–$30,000 per year (varies by grade level)
   • Student Population: Around 1,500 students
   • Notable Features: Strong arts, sports, and academic programs; international student body.

5. The Crenshaw School

   • Location: 2342 Hempel Ave, Gotha, FL 34734 (approximately 8-10 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Positive parent reviews on Niche
   • Details: A smaller private school with a personalized approach to education, focusing on individual student needs.
   • Tuition: Approximately $10,000–$15,000 per year
   • Student Population: Under 200 students
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes, family-oriented environment.

6. Montverde Academy

   • Location: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756 (approximately 10-12 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: A+ on Niche
   • Details: An elite private boarding and day school known for its rigorous academics and nationally recognized basketball program. It attracts students from around the world.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000–$50,000 per year (day vs. boarding)
   • Student Population: Around 1,200 students
   • Notable Features: College preparatory focus, extensive extracurriculars, and international reputation.

   Charter Schools Near Palms at Windermere

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Availability depends on enrollment lotteries and zoning.

7. Hope Charter School

   • Location: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 (approximately 10 miles from Palms at Windermere)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: A charter school offering a smaller, community-focused environment with an emphasis on character education.
   • Student Population: Around 400-500 students
   • Notable Features: Smaller class sizes, lottery-based enrollment.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings provided are based on data from GreatSchools.org and Niche as of the latest available information (up to October 2023). These ratings reflect test scores, student-teacher ratios, parent reviews, and other metrics. Always check the most recent data, as ratings can fluctuate.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on specific addresses within Palms at Windermere. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (available on their website) to confirm zoning for a particular property.
   • Growth in Horizon West: Due to rapid development in Horizon West, new schools are frequently being planned or built. For instance, additional elementary and middle schools may open in the coming years to alleviate overcrowding.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within their zones, while private schools may require private transportation or offer limited bus options for a fee.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit Schools: Schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.
   • Check OCPS Website: For public school zoning, calendars, and registration details, visit www.ocps.net.
   • Parent Reviews: Platforms like GreatSchools.org and Niche provide parent feedback that can offer insights beyond numerical ratings.
   • Florida Department of Education: Review school report cards for detailed performance metrics at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within Palms at Windermere or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, specific extracurriculars), I can help narrow down the options further. Let me know