Local Schools Near Waterford Lakes, Alafaya, 32828

Waterford Lakes is a popular community in the Alafaya area of Orlando, Florida, within the 32828 ZIP code. This area is served by Orange County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Waterford Lakes, including their ratings, based on 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.

Public Schools Near Waterford Lakes (32828)

These schools are zoned for or located near the Waterford Lakes community. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as their approximate distance from the central Waterford Lakes area (near Waterford Lakes Town Center).

Elementary Schools

1. Waterford Elementary School

   • Address: 12950 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grade for 2022-2023)
   • Details: Waterford Elementary is the primary zoned elementary school for much of the Waterford Lakes community. It has a strong reputation for academic performance and offers programs like gifted education. Enrollment is around 600-700 students.
   • Parent Feedback: Generally positive, with praise for teacher involvement and extracurricular activities, though some mention occasional overcrowding.

2. Sunrise Elementary School

   • Address: 101 Lone Palm Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Florida DOE School Grade for 2022-2023)
   • Details: Located slightly outside the immediate Waterford Lakes area, Sunrise Elementary serves some nearby neighborhoods and is known for high test scores and a focus on STEM programs.
   • Parent Feedback: Highly rated for academic rigor and a supportive environment.

3. Castle Creek Elementary School

   • Address: 1245 N Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grade for 2022-2023)
   • Details: Serves parts of the eastern 32828 area, near Avalon Park. It has a diverse student body and offers various enrichment programs.
   • Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews, with some appreciating the diversity and others noting concerns about class sizes.

   Middle Schools

   1. Discovery Middle School
   2. Address: 601 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grade for 2022-2023)
   6. Details: This is the primary zoned middle school for Waterford Lakes. It has a student population of about 1,000 and offers advanced courses and extracurriculars like band and sports.
   7. Parent Feedback: Generally positive for academic opportunities, though some parents mention challenges with communication from administration.

4. Avalon Middle School

   • Address: 13998 Mailer Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Florida DOE School Grade for 2022-2023)
   • Details: Serves students in the Avalon Park area and nearby communities. Known for strong academic performance and a variety of elective options.
   • Parent Feedback: Often praised for its organization and student support systems.

   High Schools

   1. Timber Creek High School
   2. Address: 1001 Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   3. Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Florida DOE School Grade for 2022-2023)
   6. Details: This is the zoned high school for most of Waterford Lakes. Timber Creek is highly regarded, with strong AP and dual enrollment programs, competitive sports teams (notably football and cheerleading), and a graduation rate above 95%. Enrollment is around 3,000 students.
   7. Parent Feedback: Frequently commended for college preparation and extracurriculars, though some note the large student body can feel overwhelming.

   Private and Charter Schools Near Waterford Lakes

   In addition to public schools, there are several private and charter options in or near the 32828 area for families seeking alternatives.

5. Eastland Christian School (Private)

   • Address: 900 N Dean Rd, Orlando, FL 32825 (just outside 32828)
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche.com gives it a B- based on limited reviews
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes. Tuition varies by grade level.
   • Parent Feedback: Positive for personalized attention and values-based education, though academic rigor may vary.

6. UCP East Charter School (Charter)

   • Address: 12702 Science Dr, Orlando, FL 32826 (near UCF, bordering 32828)
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Florida DOE School Grade for 2022-2023)
   • Details: A charter school with a focus on inclusive education, particularly for students with unique abilities. It’s affiliated with the University of Central Florida.
   • Parent Feedback: Praised for its inclusive environment and specialized programs.

7. Growing Together Academy (Private)

   • Address: 843 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Waterford Lakes
   • Grade Levels: PK-K
   • Rating: Limited data; not widely rated
   • Details: A preschool and early learning center focusing on foundational skills in a nurturing environment.
   • Parent Feedback: Well-regarded for early childhood education and care.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress. Florida DOE grades (A-F) are determined by state assessments like the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments) and other metrics like graduation rates. Niche.com incorporates parent and student reviews.
   • Zoning: School zoning can vary within the 32828 ZIP code depending on your exact address in Waterford Lakes. You can confirm zoning through the Orange County Public Schools website (ocps.net) using the “School Finder” tool.
   • School Choice: Orange County offers school choice options, including magnet programs and charters, which may allow enrollment outside your zoned school if space is available.
   • Proximity to UCF: The University of Central Florida is nearby, which means some schools (like UCP East Charter) have partnerships or programs tied to the university, benefiting students with unique learning opportunities.

   How to Research Further

   • Visit ocps.net for official zoning maps, school calendars, and registration information.
   • Check GreatSchools.org or Niche.com for updated parent reviews and detailed ratings.
   • Schedule tours or attend open houses at schools of interest to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.
   • Join local community groups, such as Waterford Lakes neighborhood Facebook pages, for parent insights and recommendations.

   If you have a specific address within Waterford Lakes or are looking for more details about a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can refine the information further!