Local Schools Near Waterford Lakes East, Alafaya, 32828

The community of Waterford Lakes East in Alafaya, FL (ZIP code 32828) is located in Orange County and is served by the Orange County Public Schools district. This area is known for its family-friendly environment, and there are several schools nearby that cater to different grade levels. Below is a detailed list of schools near Waterford Lakes East, along with their ratings and relevant information. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org, a widely used platform for school evaluations, which rates 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 checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website.

Public Schools Near Waterford Lakes East, Alafaya, FL (32828)

1. Waterford Elementary School

   • Address: 12950 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Waterford Lakes East
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: Waterford Elementary is a well-regarded school in the community, known for its focus on academic achievement and a supportive environment. It serves many families in the Waterford Lakes area and offers programs like gifted education and extracurricular activities.
   • Student Population: Around 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Check the Orange County Public Schools website for zoning details, as boundaries can affect enrollment eligibility.

2. Discovery Middle School

   • Address: 601 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterford Lakes East
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Overview: Discovery Middle School serves as the primary middle school for the area. It offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs. The school has a focus on preparing students for high school with a strong curriculum.
   • Student Population: Around 900-1,000 students
   • Additional Info: The school has received mixed reviews from parents, with some praising the teachers and others noting areas for improvement in communication.

3. Timber Creek High School

   • Address: 1001 Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Waterford Lakes East
   • GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
   • Overview: Timber Creek High School is one of the top-rated high schools in the area, known for its strong academic programs, advanced placement (AP) courses, and extracurricular offerings, including a competitive athletics program (notably football and other sports). It also has a reputation for college readiness.
   • Student Population: Around 3,000-3,500 students (one of the larger high schools in the district)
   • Additional Info: The school often receives high marks for its campus facilities and diverse student body.

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Slightly Further but Still Accessible)

4. Sunrise Elementary School

   • Address: 101 Lone Palm Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Waterford Lakes East
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: Another option for elementary students, Sunrise Elementary is known for its welcoming environment and focus on student growth. It serves nearby communities and may be an option depending on zoning.
   • Student Population: Around 500-600 students

5. Avalon Middle School

   • Address: 13998 Mailer Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Waterford Lakes East
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
   • Overview: Located near Avalon Park, this middle school is another option for families in the broader Alafaya area. It offers a solid academic program and various extracurriculars.
   • Student Population: Around 1,000 students

   Private and Charter Schools Near Waterford Lakes East

6. Eastland Christian School

   • Address: 900 N Dean Rd, Orlando, FL 32825 (just outside 32828 but accessible)
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Waterford Lakes East
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; reviews vary on other platforms
   • Overview: A private Christian school offering a faith-based education with smaller class sizes. It focuses on academic and spiritual development.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000 per year depending on grade level)
   • Additional Info: Enrollment may require an application and interview process.

7. Cornerstone Charter Academy

   • Address: 5903 Randolph Ave, Belle Isle, FL 32809 (slightly further but within driving distance)
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles from Waterford Lakes East
   • GreatSchools Rating: 7/10 for elementary/middle; high school rated separately at 6/10
   • Overview: A public charter school with a focus on personalized learning and college prep. It’s an alternative to traditional public schools and often has a lottery system for enrollment.
   • Additional Info: Check availability as charter schools can have waitlists.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • GreatSchools Ratings: These ratings are based on test scores, academic progress, equity, and sometimes parent reviews. A rating of 7 or above is generally considered above average, while 5-6 is average. Ratings below 5 may indicate areas of concern, though they don’t tell the whole story—visiting schools and speaking with staff/parents is recommended.
   • Zoning: Public school assignments in Orange County are based on residential zoning. You can confirm which schools your address is zoned for by visiting the Orange County Public Schools website (ocps.net) and using their School Finder tool.
   • School Performance Reports: The Florida Department of Education provides detailed school report cards, including test scores, graduation rates, and more, at fldoe.org.
   • Parent Reviews: Websites like Niche.com and GreatSchools.org include parent feedback, which can provide insight into school culture, teacher quality, and extracurriculars.

   Conclusion

   The Waterford Lakes East community in Alafaya, FL (32828) has access to several well-rated public schools, particularly Waterford Elementary (7/10), Discovery Middle (6/10), and Timber Creek High (8/10), all within a few miles. There are also alternative options like private and charter schools for families seeking different educational environments. I recommend visiting the schools, attending open houses if possible, and checking zoning to ensure eligibility. If you have a specific address within Waterford Lakes East, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools, or if you’re looking for more details on a particular school, let me know!