Local Schools Near Stillwater Crossings, Horizon West, 34786
Stillwater Crossings is a community located in Horizon West, FL, within the 34786 ZIP code, which falls under Orange County. Horizon West is a rapidly growing area near Winter Garden and Windermere, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to good schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Stillwater Crossings, 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 Stillwater Crossings, 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 seen the construction of several new schools in recent years to accommodate growth. Below are the schools zoned for or near Stillwater Crossings, based on proximity and zoning maps (as of the latest available data). Zoning can change, so verify with OCPS for the most accurate assignments.
Elementary Schools
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Water Spring Elementary School
- Address: 16000 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: K-5
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
- Details: This is a newer school built to serve the growing Horizon West area. It has a strong focus on STEM education and community involvement. Test scores in math and reading are above the state average.
- Notes: Likely the zoned elementary school for Stillwater Crossings, but confirm with OCPS zoning tools.
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Keene’s Crossing Elementary School
- Address: 5240 Keenes Pheasant Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: K-5
- Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: Known for high academic performance and a supportive parent community. It serves parts of Horizon West and Windermere, with strong test scores and extracurricular programs.
- Notes: May serve nearby areas depending on zoning boundaries.
Middle Schools
- Water Spring Middle School
- Address: 17050 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: Not yet widely rated due to being a newer school (opened in 2023); early feedback is positive based on community reviews.
- Details: A brand-new school designed to alleviate overcrowding in the Horizon West area. It offers modern facilities and a focus on technology and arts.
- Notes: Likely the zoned middle school for Stillwater Crossings; confirm with OCPS.
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Bridgewater Middle School
- Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A well-established school with strong academic programs and extracurriculars like sports and band. It serves much of the Horizon West area.
- Notes: May be an alternative depending on zoning or if Water Spring Middle is at capacity.
High Schools
- Horizon High School
- Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on early data as it’s a newer school opened in 2021)
- Details: Built to serve the Horizon West community, this school offers advanced placement (AP) courses, career academies, and modern facilities. It’s still establishing its reputation, but initial reviews highlight strong community support.
- Notes: Likely the zoned high school for Stillwater Crossings.
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Windermere High School
- Address: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A highly regarded school with strong academics, athletics, and arts programs. It serves parts of Windermere and Horizon West, with a focus on college readiness.
- Notes: May serve some nearby areas or be an option via school choice programs.
Private Schools Near Stillwater Crossings, Horizon West, FL (34786)
For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Stillwater Crossings. Private school ratings are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and niche.com data since they don’t always have standardized public ratings.
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Windermere Preparatory School
- Address: 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: PK-12
- Rating: A+ (Niche.com)
- Details: A prestigious private school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, strong college placement, and a wide range of extracurriculars. Tuition is on the higher end, reflecting its reputation.
- Tuition: Approximately $20,000–$30,000 per year (varies by grade; check with school for exact figures).
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Foundation Academy
- Address: 125 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (multiple campuses)
- Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: PK-12
- Rating: A (Niche.com)
- Details: A Christian-based private school with a focus on faith, academics, and character development. It has two campuses in the area and offers a variety of sports and arts programs.
- Tuition: Approximately $10,000–$15,000 per year (varies by grade).
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Montverde Academy
- Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
- Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: PK-12
- Rating: A+ (Niche.com)
- Details: An elite private school known for its rigorous academics and nationally recognized basketball program. It attracts students from across the country and internationally.
- Tuition: Approximately $20,000–$50,000 per year (day and boarding options).
Charter Schools Near Stillwater Crossings
Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Availability depends on lottery systems or application processes.
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Hope Charter School
- Address: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
- Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Stillwater Crossings
- Grade Levels: K-8
- Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
- Details: A smaller charter school with a focus on personalized learning and character education. It’s an option for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection
- Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche.com are based on test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, they may not fully reflect a school’s culture, teacher quality, or fit for your child. Visiting schools and speaking with current parents is highly recommended.
- Zoning Changes: Horizon West is a fast-growing area, and school zoning boundaries may shift as new schools open or enrollment changes. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (available on their website) to confirm zoning for Stillwater Crossings.
- School Choice: Orange County offers school choice options, including magnet programs and charter schools, which may allow attendance at schools outside your zoned area if space is available.
- New Schools: Given the growth in Horizon West, new schools like Water Spring Middle and Horizon High are still building their reputations. Early feedback is generally positive due to modern facilities and community investment.
How to Research Further
- Orange County Public Schools Website: www.ocps.net – Check zoning, school calendars, and registration details.
- GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34786 or 34787) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
- Niche.com: Offers detailed reviews and rankings for public and private schools in the area.
- School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private and charter options.
If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular priorities, or preschool options), let me know, and I can tailor the information further. Would you like