Local Schools Near The Towns at Avalon Ridge, Alafaya, 32828

The Towns at Avalon Ridge is a community located in the Alafaya area of Orlando, Florida, with the ZIP code 32828. This area falls within Orange County, and the schools serving this community are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which is one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools zoned for or near this area, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (test scores, student progress, equity, etc.), so I’ll note the general consensus and provide context where possible. I’ll also include approximate distances from The Towns at Avalon Ridge, though exact zoning should be confirmed with OCPS as boundaries can shift.

Overview of the Area

The Towns at Avalon Ridge is located near the intersection of Avalon Park and the broader Alafaya region, close to major roads like Alafaya Trail and the East-West Expressway (SR 408). This area is known for its family-friendly communities, proximity to the University of Central Florida (UCF), and access to well-regarded schools. The schools listed below are based on zoning for the 32828 ZIP code and proximity to Avalon Ridge.

Public Schools Zoned for or Near The Towns at Avalon Ridge

1. Avalon Elementary School (Grades K-5)

   • Location: 13500 Tanja King Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from The Towns at Avalon Ridge
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 8/10 (based on test scores, student progress, and equity)
   • Niche: A- (based on academics, teachers, and diversity)
   • Florida DOE School Grade (2022-2023): A
   • Overview: Avalon Elementary is highly regarded in the community for its strong academic performance and family involvement. It consistently scores above the district and state averages on standardized tests like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments). The school emphasizes STEM programs and has a focus on student engagement.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 800-900 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Avalon Middle School (Grades 6-8)

   • Location: 13998 Mailer Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Approximate Distance: 1-2 miles from The Towns at Avalon Ridge
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 7/10
   • Niche: B+
   • Florida DOE School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Overview: Avalon Middle School serves the same general area as Avalon Elementary and is known for a solid academic foundation, though its ratings are slightly lower than the elementary school. It offers a variety of electives, sports, and extracurricular activities. Test scores are generally above district averages but show room for improvement in certain areas like math proficiency.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 1,000-1,200 students
   • Additional Info: Has programs for advanced students and a focus on technology integration.

3. Timber Creek High School (Grades 9-12)

   • Location: 1001 Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Approximate Distance: 2-3 miles from The Towns at Avalon Ridge
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 8/10
   • Niche: A
   • Florida DOE School Grade (2022-2023): A
   • Overview: Timber Creek High School is one of the top-rated high schools in Orange County. It has a strong reputation for academics, athletics, and extracurriculars, including a competitive marching band and various AP (Advanced Placement) and dual-enrollment courses with UCF. Graduation rates are high (around 95%), and many students go on to attend college.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 3,000-3,500 students (one of the larger high schools in the area)
   • Additional Info: Known for its diverse student body and robust school spirit. Offers career and technical education programs.

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Alternative Options or Magnet Programs)

   • Discovery Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Location: 601 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Approximate Distance: 3-4 miles
   • Rating: GreatSchools.org: 6/10; Niche: B; Florida DOE Grade: B
   • Overview: Another middle school option in the area, though not the primary zoned school for Avalon Ridge. It has decent academic performance and offers various extracurriculars.
   • East River High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Location: 650 East River Falcons Way, Orlando, FL 32833
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles
   • Rating: GreatSchools.org: 6/10; Niche: B+; Florida DOE Grade: B
   • Overview: An alternative high school option for some parts of the 32828 area. It’s newer than Timber Creek and has been growing in reputation, with a focus on technology and career readiness.

   Private and Charter Schools Near The Towns at Avalon Ridge

   1. Pinecrest Preparatory Charter School (Grades K-8)
   2. Location: 8503 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32827 (nearby, though slightly outside immediate Avalon area)
   3. Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles
   4. Rating: GreatSchools.org: 7/10; Niche: B+
   5. Overview: A tuition-free public charter school with a focus on academic rigor and character development. Admission is lottery-based, and it often has a waitlist.
   6. Enrollment: Approximately 600-700 students

4. Faith Christian Academy & Preschool (Grades PK-12)

   • Location: 9307 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32825
   • Approximate Distance: 6-7 miles
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools or Niche due to smaller size; generally positive parent reviews
   • Overview: A private Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum. Tuition applies, and class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 300-400 students

5. Montessori School of East Orlando (Grades PK-6)

   • Location: 2526 N Dean Rd, Orlando, FL 32817
   • Approximate Distance: 5-6 miles
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; known for individualized learning
   • Overview: A private Montessori school focusing on hands-on, child-centered education. Tuition-based with a smaller student body.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on factors like test scores, student-teacher ratios, parent reviews, and diversity. Florida DOE grades (A-F) are primarily based on student performance on state assessments, graduation rates, and learning gains. Keep in mind that ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, specific programs, or individual student needs may matter more than a numerical score.
   • Zoning Verification: School zoning can depend on the exact address within The Towns at Avalon Ridge. I recommend using the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the Orange County Public Schools website) or contacting the district directly at (407) 317-3200 to confirm assigned schools for a specific property.
   • School Choice Options: Orange County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and school choice options that allow students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Applications for these programs often have deadlines in late fall or early winter.
   • Future Development: The Alafaya and Avalon Park areas are growing rapidly, which may lead to rezoning or the construction of new schools in the coming years. Check with OCPS for updates on capacity and zoning changes.

   Conclusion

   The Towns at Avalon Ridge in Alafaya, FL (32828), is served by highly rated public schools like Avalon Elementary, Avalon Middle, and Timber Creek High, all of which have strong reputations within Orange County. These schools generally perform above district and state averages, making the area attractive for families. Additionally, there are nearby private and charter options for those seeking alternative education models. For the most accurate and up-to-date zoning information or to explore specific programs (e.g., gifted education, special needs support), I recommend visiting the OCPS website (www.ocps.net) or scheduling a visit to the schools of interest.

   If you have a specific address within The Towns at Avalon Ridge or would like more details on a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, class sizes, or facilities), let me know, and I can dig deeper!