Local Schools Near Westwood Heights, Pine Hills, 32808

Westwood Heights is a community within the Pine Hills area of Orlando, Florida, with the ZIP code 32808. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near this area, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend verifying the most current information directly with the schools or the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district.

Public Schools Near Westwood Heights, Pine Hills, FL (32808)

The Pine Hills area falls under the Orange County Public Schools district. Below are some of the public schools serving the 32808 ZIP code or nearby areas. I’ve included approximate distances from central Pine Hills (using a reference point near West Colonial Drive and Pine Hills Road) and ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) as a primary source, supplemented by other data where available.

Elementary Schools

1. Pine Hills Elementary School

   • Address: 1006 Ferndell Rd, Orlando, FL 32808
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: This school serves many students in the Pine Hills area. It has a focus on foundational education but faces challenges with test scores below the district average. Check OCPS for specific programs or improvements.

2. Ridgewood Park Elementary School

   • Address: 3401 Pioneer Rd, Orlando, FL 32808
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Another local option with similar challenges in academic performance. The school offers community support programs, but parents may want to explore additional resources or reviews.

3. Mollie Ray Elementary School

   • Address: 2000 Beecher St, Orlando, FL 32808
   • Distance: Approximately 2 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Located nearby, this school serves a diverse student population. Performance metrics are below average, but there may be specific programs of interest.

   Middle Schools

   1. Robinswood Middle School
   2. Address: 6305 Balboa Dr, Orlando, FL 32818
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Pine Hills
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Notes: This is the primary middle school for many Pine Hills students. It has a diverse student body but struggles with test scores and academic growth compared to district averages.

4. Meadowbrook Middle School

   • Address: 6000 North Ln, Orlando, FL 32808
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Another nearby middle school option with similar challenges in academic performance. It serves the local community and offers extracurricular activities.

   High Schools

   1. Evans High School
   2. Address: 4949 Silver Star Rd, Orlando, FL 32808
   3. Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Pine Hills
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Notes: This is the main high school serving the Pine Hills area. It offers various programs, including career and technical education, but graduation rates and test scores are below state averages. The school has been part of community revitalization efforts, so check for recent updates.

   Private Schools Near Westwood Heights, Pine Hills, FL (32808)

   Private schools can be an alternative for families seeking different educational environments. Below are some options within or near the 32808 area. Ratings for private schools are less standardized but may be available on Niche or through parent reviews.

5. Orlando Baptist Temple Christian School

   • Address: 440 N Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent feedback on Niche
   • Notes: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Tuition and enrollment details should be confirmed directly with the school.

6. Agape Christian Academy

   • Address: 2425 N Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Distance: Approximately 3 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Limited data; mixed reviews on community platforms
   • Notes: Another faith-based option with a focus on Christian values and education. Contact the school for specifics on programs and costs.

7. Peaceforce Christian Academy

   • Address: 501 N Pine Hills Rd, Orlando, FL 32808
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Limited data; check parent reviews or school website
   • Notes: A smaller private school in the heart of Pine Hills. It emphasizes a personalized approach but may have fewer resources than larger institutions.

   Charter Schools Near Westwood Heights, Pine Hills, FL (32808)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized curricula. Here are a few options nearby:

8. UCP Pine Hills Charter School

   • Address: 5800 Golf Club Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32808
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: Part of the United Cerebral Palsy network, this school focuses on inclusive education and serves students with and without disabilities. It has slightly better ratings than some local public schools.

9. Innovations Middle Charter School

   • Address: 2768 N Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32818
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Pine Hills
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 2/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Notes: A charter option for middle school students, though academic performance remains a challenge based on available data.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Many schools in the Pine Hills area have lower ratings (2-4/10 on GreatSchools.org), often due to socioeconomic factors, diverse student needs, and historical underfunding. Ratings don’t always reflect the quality of individual teachers or specific programs, so visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Zoning: Public school assignments depend on exact addresses within 32808. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the Orange County Public Schools website) to confirm which schools serve a specific address in Westwood Heights.
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: OCPS offers magnet programs and school choice options that may allow students to attend higher-rated schools outside their zoned area. Examples include academic magnets or career-focused programs at other high schools like Edgewater High or Dr. Phillips High, though transportation may be a consideration.
   • Florida School Grades: The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on performance metrics. For the 2022-2023 school year, many Pine Hills-area schools received C or D grades, but check the latest reports on the FDOE website for updates.

   Resources for Further Information

   • Orange County Public Schools (OCPS): Visit www.ocps.net for zoning information, school profiles, and enrollment details.
   • GreatSchools.org: Provides detailed ratings, reviews, and test score data for public and charter schools.
   • Niche.com: Offers rankings and parent reviews for public, private, and charter schools.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards and state grades at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within Westwood Heights or are looking for particular programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education, or extracurriculars), let me know, and I can refine the search. Additionally, if you’d like me to look into a specific school’s performance or programs in more detail, just ask!