Local Schools Near Waterford Chase East, Alafaya, 32828

The community of Waterford Chase East in Alafaya, FL (ZIP code 32828) is located in Orange County, within the Orlando metropolitan area. This area is served by the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which operates many of the public schools in the region. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Waterford Chase East, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and other publicly available information as of the latest updates. Ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, parent reviews, graduation rates), so I’ll note the general consensus and provide a range if applicable. Distances are approximate and based on proximity to the Waterford Chase East community.

Public Schools Near Waterford Chase East, Alafaya, FL 32828

These schools are zoned for or near the Waterford Chase East community. Zoning can change, so it’s recommended to confirm with OCPS (https://www.ocps.net/) for the most current assignments.

1. Waterford Elementary School

   • Address: 12950 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Waterford Chase East
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Niche)
   • Overview: Waterford Elementary is a well-regarded school in the area with a focus on academic achievement and community involvement. It often serves students from the Waterford Lakes and surrounding areas. Parents note strong teacher engagement and a supportive environment. Test scores are generally above the district average in math and reading.
   • Enrollment: ~700 students (varies annually)
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Discovery Middle School

   • Address: 601 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterford Chase East
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B- (Niche)
   • Overview: Discovery Middle School serves a diverse student body and offers various extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. Academic performance is slightly above average for the district, with a focus on STEM programs. Some parent reviews mention concerns about class sizes, but overall, it’s considered a solid middle school.
   • Enrollment: ~900 students
   • Additional Info: Part of the OCPS magnet program options for eligible students.

3. Timber Creek High School

   • Address: 1001 Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Waterford Chase East
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A- (Niche)
   • Overview: Timber Creek High School is one of the higher-rated high schools in the area, known for strong academics, a variety of AP courses, and competitive sports programs (notably football and cheerleading). Graduation rates are high (around 95%), and many students go on to attend college. Parent and student reviews often praise the school spirit and facilities.
   • Enrollment: ~3,000 students
   • Additional Info: Offers dual enrollment programs with local colleges like Valencia College.

   Private Schools Near Waterford Chase East, Alafaya, FL 32828

   Private schools in the area provide alternative options for families seeking religious or specialized education.

4. Eastland Christian School

   • Address: 900 N Dean Rd, Orlando, FL 32825
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Waterford Chase East
   • Type: Private Christian School (Grades PK-12)
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; 4/5 on Niche based on limited reviews
   • Overview: Eastland Christian School offers a faith-based curriculum with a focus on small class sizes and individualized attention. It serves families looking for a Christian education environment. Tuition information is available upon request from the school.
   • Enrollment: ~200 students
   • Additional Info: Includes extracurriculars like sports and fine arts.

5. Little Lords and Ladies Learning Academy

   • Address: 12100 Bloomfield Dr, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterford Chase East
   • Type: Private Preschool/Elementary (Grades PK-K)
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent feedback on local forums
   • Overview: This is a smaller private academy focusing on early childhood education. It’s a popular choice for preschool-aged children in the Waterford Lakes area, emphasizing a nurturing environment.
   • Enrollment: Small, exact numbers unavailable
   • Additional Info: Often a feeder into other private or public elementary schools.

   Charter Schools Near Waterford Chase East, Alafaya, FL 32828

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specific educational focuses.

6. Cornerstone Charter Academy

   • Address: 5903 Randolph Ave, Belle Isle, FL 32809 (K-5 Campus); High School campus also nearby
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Waterford Chase East (closer options may be available)
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades K-12)
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B+ (Niche)
   • Overview: Cornerstone Charter Academy is a well-known charter option in the greater Orlando area, offering a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on college prep. It’s a bit farther from Waterford Chase East but serves many families in East Orlando. Admission is lottery-based.
   • Enrollment: ~1,400 across campuses
   • Additional Info: Strong focus on arts and athletics alongside academics.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics. Niche grades (A-F) incorporate parent/student reviews, academics, and extracurriculars. Ratings can fluctuate yearly based on performance data.
   • Zoning Verification: School assignments depend on exact address within Waterford Chase East. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (https://www.ocps.net/departments/school_choice/school_finder) to confirm zoning.
   • Transportation: OCPS provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options.
   • Other Options: Families in 32828 also explore magnet programs (e.g., OCPS Academic Center for Excellence) or homeschooling networks in the area.

   Conclusion

   The Waterford Chase East community in Alafaya, FL, is served by several quality public schools like Waterford Elementary, Discovery Middle, and Timber Creek High, with ratings generally above average for the district. Private and charter options are also accessible within a reasonable driving distance. For the most up-to-date information or to explore specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education), I recommend contacting the schools directly or visiting the OCPS website. If you have a specific address within Waterford Chase East or additional criteria (e.g., focus on arts or sports), I can refine the search further. Let me know!