Local Schools Near Wintermere Harbor, Winter Garden, 34787

Wintermere Harbor is a community located in Winter Garden, FL, within the 34787 ZIP code. Winter Garden is part of Orange County, and the schools serving this area are primarily under 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 Wintermere Harbor, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, 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 checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near Wintermere Harbor, as well as mention nearby private school options. Since exact zoning can depend on specific addresses within the community, I’ll provide schools that are generally associated with the Winter Garden area near Wintermere Harbor. You can confirm zoning for a specific address using the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website).

Public Schools Near Wintermere Harbor, Winter Garden, FL 34787

1. Whispering Oak Elementary School

   • Address: 15300 Stoneybrook West Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Wintermere Harbor
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Overview: Whispering Oak Elementary is highly regarded for its academic performance and is often zoned for communities in the Winter Garden area near Wintermere Harbor. It has strong test scores in math and reading, and parents often praise the school for its teachers and community involvement.
   • Additional Info: Offers various programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.

2. SunRidge Middle School

   • Address: 14955 Sunridge Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Wintermere Harbor
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: SunRidge Middle School serves many students in the Winter Garden area. It has solid academic performance with a focus on preparing students for high school. Reviews highlight a supportive environment, though some parents note variability in teacher engagement.
   • Additional Info: Features STEM programs and sports teams.

3. West Orange High School

   • Address: 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Wintermere Harbor
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B rating from Florida DOE (based on 2022-2023 data)
   • Overview: West Orange High School is the primary high school for much of Winter Garden. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars like sports and arts. Test scores are above average for the state, and the school has a diverse student body. Some reviews mention large class sizes as a challenge.
   • Additional Info: Known for its strong athletics programs and community events.

   Alternative Public School Options

   • Bridgewater Middle School: Located at 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (about 2-3 miles from Wintermere Harbor), this school is another middle school option depending on zoning. It has a rating of 8/10 on GreatSchools.org and is known for its academic rigor and extracurricular offerings.
   • Horizon High School: A newer high school at 10393 Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (about 6-7 miles away), opened in 2021. It has limited rating data due to its recent opening but is gaining attention for modern facilities and a focus on technology and innovation. Early feedback is positive, with a provisional rating of around 7/10 on GreatSchools.org.

   Private Schools Near Wintermere Harbor

   For families considering private education, there are several options within a reasonable distance of Wintermere Harbor:

4. Foundation Academy

   • Address: 125 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (North Campus for K-5); 15304 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (South Campus for 6-12)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Wintermere Harbor
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org but highly reviewed on Niche.com (A- overall grade)
   • Overview: A Christian private school with a strong reputation for academics, faith-based education, and small class sizes. It offers a well-rounded curriculum with sports and arts programs. Tuition is a consideration, typically ranging from $10,000-$15,000 per year depending on grade level.
   • Additional Info: Known for personalized attention and college preparatory focus.

5. Montverde Academy

   • Address: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12 (boarding and day school)
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Wintermere Harbor
   • Rating: A+ on Niche.com
   • Overview: An elite private school with a national reputation, especially for its basketball program and rigorous academics. It’s more expensive, with tuition often exceeding $20,000 for day students and higher for boarding.
   • Additional Info: Offers extensive resources, international student programs, and top-tier facilities.

6. The Crenshaw School

   • Address: 2342 Hempel Ave, Gotha, FL 34734
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles from Wintermere Harbor
   • Rating: Limited data; generally positive parent reviews on Niche.com
   • Overview: A smaller private school with a focus on individualized learning and a family-like atmosphere. It’s a more affordable private option compared to larger academies.
   • Additional Info: Emphasizes character development alongside academics.

   Charter Schools

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. A notable option near Wintermere Harbor is: - Hope Charter School - Address: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 - Grade Levels: K-8 - Distance: Approximately 7-8 miles from Wintermere Harbor - Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org) - Overview: Offers a smaller school environment with a focus on character education and academic achievement. Admission is typically by lottery due to limited spots.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are widely used and focus on test scores, equity, and student progress. Niche.com provides letter grades (A+ to F) based on broader criteria including parent reviews and extracurriculars. The Florida Department of Education assigns letter grades (A-F) to schools based on state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments).
   • Zoning Variability: Wintermere Harbor’s specific zoning may vary by street or section of the community. Use the OCPS School Finder (https://www.ocps.net/departments/school_choice/school_finder) to confirm assigned schools for a particular address.
   • Growth in Area: Winter Garden is a rapidly growing area, and new schools like Horizon High School are being built to accommodate population increases. This may affect zoning in the future.
   • Parent Feedback: Ratings don’t tell the whole story. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with other parents in the Wintermere Harbor community can provide valuable insights.

   How to Research Further

   • OCPS Website: Visit www.ocps.net for detailed school profiles, zoning maps, and enrollment information.
   • GreatSchools.org and Niche.com: Both offer parent reviews and updated ratings.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend virtual open houses.
   • Community Input: Local forums or social media groups for Winter Garden residents (e.g., on Facebook) often discuss school experiences.

   If you have a specific address within Wintermere Harbor or prefer more details on a particular school (e.g., programs, class sizes, or special needs accommodations), let me know, and I can refine the information further!