Local Schools Near Waterside, Winter Garden, 34787

The community of Waterside in Winter Garden, FL (ZIP code 34787) is located in Orange County and is served by the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which is known for having a variety of educational options. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Waterside community, including public schools zoned for the area, as well as nearby private and charter options. I’ll also include ratings based on data from GreatSchools.org (a widely used resource for school ratings based on test scores, student progress, and other factors) and, where applicable, other sources like Niche.com. Ratings are typically on a scale of 1-10. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria used, and they are subject to change based on updated data. I recommend visiting the schools or checking the most current reviews for a complete picture.

Public Schools Zoned for Waterside, Winter Garden, FL 34787

The Waterside community is near several public schools under the Orange County Public Schools district. School zoning can depend on the exact address within Waterside, so I recommend confirming zoning with OCPS (via their website or by calling 407-317-3200) or using their school locator tool. Based on proximity and general zoning for the area, the following schools are likely assigned to Waterside:

1. Water Spring Elementary School

   • Address: 16000 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance from Waterside: Approximately 1-2 miles (very close to the community)
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10 (based on test scores, student progress, and equity data as of the latest updates)
   • Overview: Water Spring Elementary is a relatively new school serving the growing Horizon West area, which includes Waterside. It focuses on a strong academic foundation and community involvement. Parents often praise the modern facilities and dedicated staff. Check the OCPS website for specific performance data and reviews.
   • Additional Info (Niche.com): Rated B+ overall, with high marks for academics and teachers.

2. Bridgewater Middle School

   • Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Waterside: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10 (based on test scores and student growth)
   • Overview: Bridgewater Middle serves much of the Horizon West area. It offers a variety of extracurricular activities and has a focus on preparing students for high school. Some parents note the school’s efforts in STEM programs, though class sizes can be a concern due to rapid growth in the area.
   • Additional Info (Niche.com): Rated B, with positive feedback on diversity and extracurriculars.

3. Horizon High School

   • Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Waterside: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10 (based on test scores, college readiness, and equity)
   • Overview: Horizon High School is a newer addition to the Horizon West area, opened to accommodate the growing population. It offers advanced placement (AP) courses, career-focused academies, and a range of sports and clubs. As a newer school, it’s still building its reputation, but early feedback highlights modern facilities and a focus on technology.
   • Additional Info (Niche.com): Rated B+, with strong marks for academics and facilities.

   Nearby Charter Schools

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Enrollment may require an application or lottery system. Here are some options near Waterside:

4. Foundation Academy - South Campus (Charter-like, though technically private with public partnerships)

   • Address: 15304 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: K-6 (with other campuses for higher grades)
   • Distance from Waterside: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): Not widely rated due to its private/charter hybrid status, but parent reviews are generally positive.
   • Overview: Foundation Academy offers a faith-based curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and character development. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools. Tuition may apply for non-charter slots.
   • Additional Info (Niche.com): Highly rated by parents for small class sizes and individualized attention.

   Nearby Private Schools

   Private schools offer alternative education options, often with smaller class sizes or specialized curricula, but they require tuition. Here are some notable private schools near Waterside:

5. Montverde Academy

   • Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance from Waterside: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Rating (Niche.com): A+ (one of the top private schools in the region)
   • Overview: Montverde Academy is a prestigious boarding and day school known for its rigorous academics, exceptional athletics (especially basketball), and college preparatory focus. Tuition is significant, but it attracts families seeking elite education.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$60,000 per year depending on grade and boarding status.

6. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Address: 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Distance from Waterside: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Rating (Niche.com): A+
   • Overview: Part of the Nord Anglia Education network, Windermere Prep offers an international curriculum with IB (International Baccalaureate) programs. It’s known for strong academics, arts, and global perspectives.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$30,000 per year.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on test scores, student progress, equity, and sometimes parent reviews. A rating of 6-7/10 is considered above average, while 8-10 is excellent. Ratings below 5 may indicate areas of concern, often tied to test performance or socioeconomic factors.
   • Niche.com Ratings: These incorporate parent and student reviews, alongside academic and extracurricular data, often providing a more holistic view with letter grades (A+ to F).
   • Growth in Horizon West: The Waterside area is part of the rapidly growing Horizon West development, and new schools are being built to accommodate the population. Zoning may shift as new schools open, so check with OCPS for the latest assignments.
   • School Tours and Reviews: Ratings are a starting point, but visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and reading recent parent reviews on platforms like GreatSchools or Niche can provide deeper insight. Also, consider factors like commute, extracurriculars, and specific programs (e.g., gifted, special needs, or arts focus) that matter to your family.

   How to Verify Zoning and Get More Information

   • Orange County Public Schools Website: Visit www.ocps.net and use the “Find My School” tool by entering your specific address in Waterside.
   • Contact OCPS: Call 407-317-3200 for zoning confirmation or questions about specific schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check school report cards at www.fldoe.org for detailed performance metrics.
   • School Visits: Most schools offer tours or open houses, especially for elementary and middle schools. Contact individual schools to schedule.

   If you have a specific address within Waterside or additional criteria (e.g., focus on special education, sports, or arts programs), I can refine this list further. Let me know if you’d like more details on a particular school or type of education!