Local Schools Near Rowena Gardens, Orlando, 32803

Rowena Gardens is a community located in the 32803 ZIP code of Orlando, Florida, which falls within the Orange County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and other publicly available information. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current data directly with the schools or the Florida Department of Education.

Location Context

Rowena Gardens is situated in the Colonialtown North area of Orlando, near downtown. The schools listed below are within a reasonable distance (approximately 5 miles or less) from this community, as determined by mapping tools and typical school zoning boundaries.

Public Schools Near Rowena Gardens (32803)

Public schools in this area are managed by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). Here are the schools zoned for or near Rowena Gardens, along with their GreatSchools.org ratings (as of the latest available data, typically on a scale of 1-10):

1. Audubon Park School (K-8)

   • Address: 1500 Falcon Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
   • Distance: Approximately 0.5-1 mile from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is a K-8 public school known for its strong academic programs and community involvement. It serves students in the Colonialtown North area, including Rowena Gardens. The school emphasizes a well-rounded education with extracurricular activities and has received positive feedback for student engagement.
   • Type: Public (Traditional)

2. Glenridge Middle School

   • Address: 2900 Upper Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32814
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves grades 6-8 and is an option for students in the broader 32803 area if not attending a K-8 school like Audubon Park. It offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, with a focus on preparing students for high school.
   • Type: Public (Traditional)

3. Winter Park High School

   • Address: 2100 Summerfield Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This is the zoned high school for much of the 32803 area near Rowena Gardens. Winter Park High is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a competitive International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It also offers a variety of sports and arts programs.
   • Type: Public (Traditional)

4. Hillcrest Elementary School (if not zoned for Audubon Park K-8)

   • Address: 1010 E Concord St, Orlando, FL 32803
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This elementary school serves grades K-5 and may be an alternative for some families in the 32803 area depending on specific zoning. It focuses on foundational skills and has programs for student support.
   • Type: Public (Traditional)

   Private Schools Near Rowena Gardens (32803)

   For families seeking private education, there are several well-regarded options near Rowena Gardens. Ratings for private schools are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic reputation, and other qualitative factors.

5. St. James Cathedral School

   • Address: 505 E Ridgewood St, Orlando, FL 32803
   • Distance: Approximately 1.5-2 miles from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: Highly regarded (based on parent reviews and community feedback; often rated 4.5/5 on platforms like Niche.com)
   • Details: A private Catholic school serving grades PK-8, St. James offers a faith-based education with a strong academic curriculum. It emphasizes character development and community service.
   • Type: Private (Religious)

6. Lake Highland Preparatory School

   • Address: 901 Highland Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: Excellent (often rated among the top private schools in Central Florida; 4.8/5 on Niche.com)
   • Details: This is a prestigious private school serving grades PK-12. Known for its rigorous academics, college preparatory focus, and extensive extracurricular offerings, Lake Highland is a popular choice for families in the Orlando area. Admission is competitive, and tuition is significant.
   • Type: Private (Non-Religious)

7. The Christ School

   • Address: 106 E Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: Well-regarded (4.5/5 on Niche.com based on reviews)
   • Details: A private Christian school for grades K-8, located near downtown Orlando. It offers a nurturing environment with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth.
   • Type: Private (Religious)

   Charter and Magnet Schools Near Rowena Gardens (32803)

   Charter and magnet schools provide alternative public education options, often with specialized programs. Here are a couple of notable ones nearby:

8. Orlando Science Elementary Charter School

   • Address: 2611 Technology Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A highly rated charter school focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education for grades K-5. Admission is typically through a lottery system due to high demand.
   • Type: Public Charter

9. Orlando Science Middle High Charter School

   • Address: 2427 Lynx Ln, Orlando, FL 32804
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Rowena Gardens
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Serving grades 6-12, this charter school continues the STEM focus and is known for strong academic performance and college readiness programs.
   • Type: Public Charter

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning: School assignments for public schools are based on residential zoning, which can change. To confirm the exact zoned schools for a specific address in Rowena Gardens, use the Orange County Public Schools’ School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website: ocps.net).
   • Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche.com are useful but subjective. They often reflect test scores and parent feedback, which may not capture the full experience of a school. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically offer bus services for zoned students, while private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Special Programs: Many schools in the area offer special programs like gifted education, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and extracurriculars. Check with individual schools for specifics.

   How to Research Further

   • Orange County Public Schools Website: ocps.net – Provides zoning information, school calendars, and registration details.
   • GreatSchools.org: Offers detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data for public and some private schools.
   • Niche.com: Useful for private school reviews and community feedback.
   • Florida Department of Education: doe.fl.gov – Official state data on school performance and accountability reports.

   If you have a specific address within Rowena Gardens or are looking for schools with particular programs (e.g., special needs, arts-focused, etc.), let me know, and I can refine the search further. Additionally, if you'd like information on preschools, after-school programs, or other educational resources in the area, I’m happy to assist!