Local Schools Near Windward Cay, Winter Garden, 34787

Windward Cay is a community located in Winter Garden, FL, within the 34787 ZIP code. Winter Garden is part of Orange County, and the area is served by 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 near Windward Cay, including public schools zoned for the area and some 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 verifying the latest information through the OCPS website or visiting the schools.

Public Schools Near Windward Cay, Winter Garden, FL 34787

The specific school zoning for Windward Cay can depend on the exact address within the community. However, based on general proximity and zoning maps for the 34787 area, the following schools are typically assigned to neighborhoods in this part of Winter Garden. You can confirm zoning for a specific address using the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website).

1. Whispering Oak Elementary School

   • Address: 15300 Stoneybrook West Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance from Windward Cay: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Overview: Whispering Oak Elementary is well-regarded for its academic performance and family-friendly environment. It often serves students in the Stoneybrook West and surrounding areas, including parts of Windward Cay. The school emphasizes STEM education and has strong community involvement.
   • Additional Info: Check the OCPS website for specific programs like gifted education or after-school activities.

2. SunRidge Middle School

   • Address: 14955 Sunridge Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Windward Cay: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: SunRidge Middle School serves many students in the Winter Garden area. It offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, and focuses on preparing students for high school with programs in technology and the arts.
   • Additional Info: Ratings reflect average performance; parent reviews often highlight the school’s supportive teachers.

3. West Orange High School

   • Address: 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Windward Cay: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: West Orange High School is a large public high school serving the Winter Garden and surrounding areas. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and extracurriculars. The school has a diverse student body and a focus on college readiness.
   • Additional Info: The school has received recognition for its athletic programs and has a strong alumni network.

   Alternative Public School Options

   • Charter Schools: Orange County has several charter schools that families in Windward Cay may consider. These schools often have a lottery-based admission process. Examples include:
   • Hope Charter School (K-8), located at 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 (about 6 miles away). GreatSchools Rating: 7/10.
   • Legacy High Charter School (9-12), also in Ocoee, with a focus on personalized learning. GreatSchools Rating: 5/10.
   • Magnet Programs: OCPS offers magnet programs for specialized education (e.g., arts, STEM). Applications are required, and transportation may not always be provided.

   Private Schools Near Windward Cay, Winter Garden, FL 34787

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance from Windward Cay. Private schools often have tuition costs and may require entrance exams or interviews.

4. Foundation Academy

   • Address: 125 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (South Campus); 15304 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (North Campus)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Distance from Windward Cay: Approximately 5-7 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools (private schools often lack public ratings), but highly reviewed by parents.
   • Overview: Foundation Academy is a Christian private school with two campuses in Winter Garden. It offers a faith-based curriculum, strong academics, and extracurricular activities like sports and fine arts. The school is known for small class sizes and individualized attention.
   • Tuition: Varies by grade; approximately $10,000-$14,000 per year (check the school website for current rates).
   • Additional Info: Offers financial aid and scholarships for qualifying families.

5. Montverde Academy

   • Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12 (boarding and day school options)
   • Distance from Windward Cay: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; known nationally for academics and athletics.
   • Overview: Montverde Academy is a prestigious private school with a reputation for academic excellence and a top-tier basketball program. It offers a rigorous curriculum, including International Baccalaureate (IB) options, and attracts students from around the world.
   • Tuition: Approximately $20,000-$25,000 per year for day students; higher for boarding (confirm with the school).
   • Additional Info: Admission is competitive, and the school offers a global perspective with diverse student enrollment.

6. The Crenshaw School

   • Address: 2342 Hempel Ave, Gotha, FL 34734
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Distance from Windward Cay: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; smaller private school with positive local feedback.
   • Overview: The Crenshaw School is a smaller private institution offering personalized education with a focus on character development and academic growth. It caters to families seeking an alternative to larger schools.
   • Tuition: Around $8,000-$12,000 per year (contact the school for exact figures).
   • Additional Info: Limited enrollment ensures a close-knit community.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. However, they don’t capture every aspect of a school, such as teacher quality, school culture, or specific programs. Visiting schools and reading parent reviews on platforms like Niche.com can provide more insight.
   • School Zoning: Windward Cay’s exact zoning may vary slightly depending on new developments or boundary changes. Use the OCPS School Finder (https://www.ocps.net/departments/school_choice/school_finder) to confirm schools for a specific address.
   • Transportation: Public school students in zoned schools typically have access to bus services if they live beyond a certain distance (usually 2 miles). Private and charter schools may not provide transportation.
   • Growth in Winter Garden: The Winter Garden area, including the 34787 ZIP code, is experiencing rapid growth, which can lead to overcrowding in some schools. OCPS occasionally builds new schools or adjusts zoning to accommodate this growth. For instance, new schools like Horizon High School (opened in 2021) may serve nearby areas.

   How to Research Further

   1. Visit School Websites: Most schools have detailed websites with information on curriculum, events, and enrollment processes.
   2. OCPS Website: The Orange County Public Schools site (https://www.ocps.net) offers resources on zoning, school choice, and district performance.
   3. GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: These platforms provide ratings, reviews, and demographic data for schools.
   4. School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses, especially for private schools.
   5. Local Community Feedback: Joining local Winter Garden or Windward Cay community groups on platforms like Facebook can provide firsthand insights from other parents.

   If you have a specific address within Windward Cay or additional criteria (e.g., special needs programs, specific grade levels), I can help narrow down the options further. Let me know!