Local Schools Near Winding Bay, Horizon West, 34787

Winding Bay is a community located in Horizon West, FL, within the 34787 ZIP code, which falls under Orange County. Horizon West is a rapidly growing area near Orlando, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to Disney World. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Winding Bay community, 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. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current data directly from school websites or local resources.

Since Winding Bay is a specific neighborhood within Horizon West, I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) that serve this area. I’ll also include elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as any notable private or charter options.

Public Schools Near Winding Bay, Horizon West, FL (34787)

Public schools in this area are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which serves over 200,000 students across the county. School assignments are based on zoning, so families in Winding Bay should confirm their specific zoned schools via the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the district website). Below are schools commonly associated with the Horizon West area:

Elementary Schools

1. Water Spring Elementary School

   • Address: 16000 Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Water Spring Elementary is a newer school in Horizon West, opened to accommodate the area’s growth. It has a strong focus on STEM education and community involvement. Parents often praise the modern facilities and dedicated staff.
   • Enrollment: Around 800-900 students (varies annually)
   • School Report Card (Florida DOE): Typically earns an "A" or "B" grade based on state assessments.

2. Keene’s Crossing Elementary School

   • Address: 5240 Keenes Pheasant Dr, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located slightly south of Horizon West, this school is highly regarded for its academic performance and extracurricular programs. It serves many families in nearby communities like Windermere and Horizon West.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students
   • School Report Card (Florida DOE): Consistently rated "A."

   Middle Schools

   1. Bridgewater Middle School
   2. Address: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   3. Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 5-6 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: Bridgewater Middle serves much of the Horizon West area and is known for its diverse programs, including advanced academics and arts. It’s a well-established school with a focus on preparing students for high school.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,400 students
   8. School Report Card (Florida DOE): Typically rated "A" or "B."

3. Water Spring Middle School (Opening Soon or Recently Opened)

   • Address: Near Water Spring Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8 (projected)
   • Rating: Not yet available (new school)
   • Details: Due to rapid growth in Horizon West, OCPS has been opening new schools. Water Spring Middle is either recently opened or in planning as of the latest updates. Check the OCPS website for the most current status and zoning information.

   High Schools

   1. Horizon High School
   2. Address: 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   3. Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, though newer schools may have limited data)
   6. Details: Horizon High School opened in 2021 to serve the growing Horizon West community. It offers a range of AP courses, career academies, and extracurriculars. As a newer school, its ratings are still developing, but early feedback highlights modern facilities and innovative programs.
   7. Enrollment: Around 2,000+ students (growing)
   8. School Report Card (Florida DOE): Early reports suggest a "B" or higher, but check for updates.

4. Windermere High School

   • Address: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school serves parts of Horizon West and Windermere. It’s known for strong academics, athletics, and performing arts programs. It’s a popular choice for families in the area.
   • Enrollment: Around 3,000 students
   • School Report Card (Florida DOE): Typically rated "A."

   Private and Charter Schools Near Winding Bay

   In addition to public schools, there are private and charter options for families seeking alternative education models. These schools may have different admission processes, tuition costs, and curricula.

5. Foundation Academy

   • Address: 125 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (multiple campuses)
   • Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly rated on Niche (often A- or higher) for academics and faith-based education
   • Details: A private Christian school with a strong reputation for academics, sports, and spiritual development. Tuition varies by grade level (typically $10,000-$15,000 annually).
   • Enrollment: Around 1,000 students across campuses

6. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Address: 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786
   • Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: 4.5/5 (Niche, based on parent reviews and college placement)
   • Details: A prestigious private school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. It’s part of the Nord Anglia Education network and emphasizes global education. Tuition is higher, often exceeding $20,000 per year.

   • Enrollment: Around 1,500 students

   • Innovation Montessori Ocoee

   • Address: 1644 N Lakewood Ave, Ocoee, FL 34761
   • Distance from Winding Bay: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8 (with high school expansion plans)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, limited data)
   • Details: A charter school offering a Montessori-based curriculum, focusing on individualized learning. Admission is often lottery-based.
   • Enrollment: Around 300-400 students

   Additional Notes

   • School Zoning: Due to the rapid growth in Horizon West, school zones can shift. Use the OCPS School Finder (on the Orange County Public Schools website) by entering your specific address in Winding Bay to confirm assigned schools.
   • Ratings Variability: Ratings from GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida DOE may differ due to methodology. GreatSchools focuses on test scores and equity, while Niche includes parent reviews and extracurriculars. Florida DOE grades (A-F) are based on state assessments and graduation rates.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Private and charter schools may have limited or fee-based transportation.
   • Future Schools: Horizon West is expanding, and additional schools are planned or under construction. Check the OCPS website for updates on new facilities near Winding Bay.

   How to Research Further

   • Orange County Public Schools Website: www.ocps.net (use the School Finder tool and check for zoning updates)
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (34787) for detailed ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers parent feedback and rankings for public and private schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides official school grades and performance data (www.fldoe.org).
   • Visit Schools: Many schools offer tours or open houses, especially private and charter options.

   If you have a specific address within Winding Bay or prefer details on a particular school type (e.g., only private or only high schools), let me know, and I can refine the information further. Additionally, if you’d like data on preschools, after-school programs, or special needs resources, I’m happy to assist!