Local Schools Near Waterford Park, Alafaya, 32828

The community of Waterford Park in Alafaya, FL, falls within the 32828 ZIP code, which is part of Orange County. This area is served by the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Waterford Park, including public schools zoned for this area and some nearby private school options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, 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 and visiting schools for a personal assessment.

Public Schools Near Waterford Park, Alafaya, FL (32828)

The following public schools are typically zoned for or near the Waterford Park community. Zoning can depend on specific addresses, so I recommend verifying with Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) via their school locator tool (available on the OCPS website) for the exact assignments.

1. Waterford Elementary School

   • Address: 12950 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Waterford Park
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: Waterford Elementary is a well-regarded school in the area, known for its focus on academic achievement and community involvement. It offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities. Test scores in math and reading are generally above the state average.
   • Additional Info: Check the OCPS website for specific programs or magnet options.

2. Discovery Middle School

   • Address: 601 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterford Park
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: Discovery Middle School serves students in the Alafaya area and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs. Student performance is near or slightly above state averages in core subjects.
   • Additional Info: The school has a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives.

3. Timber Creek High School

   • Address: 1001 Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Waterford Park
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10
   • Overview: Timber Creek High School is one of the higher-rated high schools in the area, with strong academic programs, a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and competitive sports teams. Graduation rates and college readiness metrics are above state averages.
   • Additional Info: Known for its "Wolf Pack" spirit and community engagement.

   Nearby Charter Schools

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and may have different enrollment processes (e.g., lotteries). Here are a couple near Waterford Park:

4. Cornerstone Charter Academy K-8

   • Address: 5903 Randolph Ave, Belle Isle, FL 32809 (serves surrounding areas including 32828)
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Waterford Park
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: This charter school emphasizes a personalized learning approach and has a solid reputation for academic performance.

5. Pinecrest Preparatory Charter School

   • Address: 8503 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32827 (nearby area)
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Waterford Park
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: Focuses on a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on character development.

   Private Schools Near Waterford Park, Alafaya, FL (32828)

   For families considering private education, here are a few options within a reasonable distance:

6. Faith Christian Academy & Preschool

   • Address: 9307 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32825
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Waterford Park
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools.org; reviews on platforms like Niche.com suggest positive feedback for its faith-based curriculum.
   • Overview: A Christian school offering a biblically integrated education with smaller class sizes.

7. Eastland Christian School

   • Address: 900 Hope Way, Orlando, FL 32825
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles from Waterford Park
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Limited public ratings; generally well-reviewed for its family-oriented environment.
   • Overview: Another faith-based option with a focus on academic and spiritual growth.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, equity, student progress, and sometimes parent reviews. A rating of 7 or above is generally considered good, while 5-6 is average. However, ratings don’t capture everything—school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars are also important.
   • School Zoning: Waterford Park’s exact zoning may vary by street or subdivision within the 32828 ZIP code. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (on the OCPS website) or call the district at (407) 317-3200 to confirm.
   • Other Resources: Websites like Niche.com and SchoolDigger.com offer additional reviews and rankings. The Florida Department of Education also provides detailed school report cards.
   • Visiting Schools: If possible, schedule tours or attend open houses to get a feel for the environment and meet staff.

   Conclusion

   The Waterford Park community in Alafaya, FL (32828), has access to several solid public schools like Waterford Elementary (7/10), Discovery Middle (6/10), and Timber Creek High (8/10), all within a few miles. Charter and private options are also available for families seeking alternatives. I recommend verifying zoning with OCPS and exploring schools in person to find the best fit for your needs. If you have a specific address within Waterford Park or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, sports, or arts focus), let me know, and I can refine the search further!