Local Schools Near Rio Hills, Buenaventura Lakes, 34743
Buenaventura Lakes is a community in Osceola County, Florida, near the zip code 34743, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Osceola County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Rio Hills area of Buenaventura Lakes, including their ratings and key details. School ratings are often based on sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability reports. 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 if there are significant discrepancies elsewhere. If Rio Hills refers to a specific subdivision or street within Buenaventura Lakes, the schools listed will still be relevant as they are zoned based on proximity to this general area.
Public Schools Near Buenaventura Lakes, FL (34743)
The following schools are assigned to or near the Buenaventura Lakes area, specifically around the 34743 zip code. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools that serve this community based on zoning maps from the Osceola County School District (as of the latest available data). Note that school zoning can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with the district for the most current assignments.
Elementary Schools
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Ventura Elementary School
- Address: 275 Waters Edge Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34743
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Buenaventura Lakes (near Rio Hills).
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Serves grades PK-5 with a student population of around 800-900. The school focuses on core academics and offers programs like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) due to the diverse population in the area. Test scores are below the state average in math and reading.
- Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews; some praise the teachers’ dedication, while others note concerns about class sizes and resources.
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Cypress Elementary School
- Address: 2251 Lakeside Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34743
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Buenaventura Lakes.
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Serves grades PK-5 with a student population of about 700. Slightly better test scores than Ventura Elementary, with a focus on STEM initiatives in recent years.
- Parent Feedback: Generally positive regarding community involvement, though some mention inconsistent communication from administration.
Middle Schools
- Parkway Middle School
- Address: 857 Florida Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34743
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Buenaventura Lakes.
- Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Serves grades 6-8 with a student population of around 1,000. Offers various electives and extracurriculars, but test scores in math and reading are below state averages. The school has a diverse student body and programs to support bilingual students.
- Parent Feedback: Some parents appreciate the extracurricular options, while others express concerns about bullying and discipline.
High Schools
- Gateway High School
- Address: 93 Panther Paws Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34744 (just outside 34743 but serves the area)
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Buenaventura Lakes.
- Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Serves grades 9-12 with a student population of over 2,000. Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and sports programs. Graduation rates are near the state average, but test scores lag slightly behind.
- Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews; some highlight the variety of programs, while others note overcrowding and inconsistent teacher quality.
Charter and Private Schools Near Buenaventura Lakes, FL (34743)
In addition to public schools, there are charter and private options nearby for families seeking alternatives.
Charter Schools
- Mater Palms Academy
- Address: 450 Osceola Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Buenaventura Lakes.
- Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A public charter school serving grades K-8 with a focus on personalized learning and a bilingual curriculum. Smaller class sizes compared to traditional public schools.
- Parent Feedback: Generally positive for its academic focus and smaller environment, though some mention limited extracurriculars.
Private Schools
- Faith Harvest Christian Academy
- Address: 1539 N Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34744
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Buenaventura Lakes.
- Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; Niche.com gives it a B- based on limited reviews.
- Details: A private Christian school serving grades K-12 with a focus on faith-based education. Smaller student body (under 200 students) and a curriculum emphasizing biblical values alongside academics.
- Parent Feedback: Positive for its close-knit community, though some note limited resources compared to larger schools.
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Osceola Christian Preparatory School
- Address: 1515 Michigan Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34744
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Buenaventura Lakes.
- Rating: Limited data; generally rated average on Niche.com.
- Details: A private school offering grades K-12 with a Christian-based curriculum and individualized learning plans.
- Parent Feedback: Praised for small class sizes and personalized attention, though tuition costs are a concern for some.
Additional Notes on Ratings and Performance
- GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, and equity data. Schools in the Buenaventura Lakes area generally score below the state average, which may reflect socioeconomic factors and a high percentage of English language learners in the community.
- Florida Department of Education: Schools in Osceola County often receive letter grades (A-F) based on state assessments. For the 2022-2023 school year, most schools listed above received a C grade, with some improvement initiatives in place.
- Niche.com: Provides alternative ratings and parent reviews, often aligning with GreatSchools but sometimes offering a more holistic view including school culture and diversity.
How to Verify School Zoning
Since Rio Hills is a specific area within Buenaventura Lakes, exact school assignments may depend on your address. You can confirm zoning by: - Visiting the Osceola County School District website (www.osceolaschools.net) and using their “School Locator” tool. - Contacting the district directly at (407) 870-4600.
Conclusion
The schools near Rio Hills in Buenaventura Lakes, FL (34743), include a mix of public, charter, and private options. Public schools like Ventura Elementary, Parkway Middle, and Gateway High serve the area with ratings ranging from 4-5/10 on GreatSchools.org, reflecting challenges in test scores but offering diverse programs. Charter and private schools like Mater Palms Academy and Faith Harvest Christian Academy provide alternatives with smaller environments and specialized curricula, often with slightly higher ratings or parent satisfaction. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking with the Osceola County School District for zoning and visiting school websites or scheduling tours to assess fit for your family’s needs.
If you have a specific address in Rio Hills or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports, etc.), let me know, and I can refine the search further!