Local Schools Near Waterford Lakes South, Alafaya, 32828

Waterford Lakes South is a community in the Alafaya area of Orlando, Florida, within the 32828 ZIP code. This area is part of Orange County, and the schools serving this community 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 zoned for or near Waterford Lakes South, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. 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 brief overview of each school. Note that school zoning can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with OCPS or the specific school for the most current boundaries.

Overview of Waterford Lakes South, Alafaya, FL (32828)

• Location: Waterford Lakes South is near the larger Waterford Lakes area, a suburban community in East Orlando, close to the University of Central Florida (UCF) and major highways like the East-West Expressway (SR 408).
• Demographics: The area is family-friendly, with a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers (like Waterford Lakes Town Center), and access to parks.
• School District: Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) serves this area.

Schools Near Waterford Lakes South (32828)

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for the Waterford Lakes South area, as well as mention nearby charter and private options. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (scale of 1-10) and supplemented by Niche (letter grades) where available. These ratings reflect academic performance, parent feedback, and other factors as of the most recent data (typically 2023 or prior). I’ll also note proximity to Waterford Lakes South, though exact distances depend on your specific address within the community.

Elementary Schools

1. Waterford Elementary School

   • Address: 12950 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Proximity: Approximately 1-2 miles from most parts of Waterford Lakes South.
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Niche)
   • Details: Waterford Elementary is often the zoned elementary school for Waterford Lakes South. It serves grades PK-5 and has a reputation for solid academic performance and a supportive community. The school emphasizes STEM programs and has active parent involvement.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly).
   • Notes: Test scores are generally above the district average, particularly in math and reading.

2. Sunrise Elementary School (Alternative Zoning or Nearby Option)

   • Address: 101 Lone Palm Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   • Proximity: About 2-3 miles from Waterford Lakes South.
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B- (Niche)
   • Details: Some parts of Waterford Lakes South may be zoned for Sunrise Elementary, depending on the exact address. It serves grades PK-5 and focuses on a nurturing environment with programs for diverse learners.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 500-600 students.
   • Notes: Slightly lower test scores compared to Waterford Elementary but still considered a good school by many parents.

   Middle Schools

   1. Discovery Middle School
   2. Address: 601 Woodbury Rd, Orlando, FL 32828
   3. Proximity: Approximately 2-3 miles from Waterford Lakes South.
   4. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B- (Niche)
   5. Details: This is the primary zoned middle school for the Waterford Lakes South area, serving grades 6-8. Discovery Middle offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, and has a focus on preparing students for high school.
   6. Enrollment: Around 900-1,000 students.
   7. Notes: Academic performance is average for the district, with some variability in parent reviews regarding class sizes and teacher engagement.

   High Schools

   1. Timber Creek High School
   2. Address: 1001 Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
   3. Proximity: About 3-5 miles from Waterford Lakes South.
   4. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); A- (Niche)
   5. Details: Timber Creek High School is the zoned high school for most of the Waterford Lakes South community, serving grades 9-12. It is one of the higher-rated high schools in Orange County, known for strong academics, a competitive athletics program (especially football and lacrosse), and a variety of AP/IB courses.
   6. Enrollment: Approximately 3,000-3,500 students (one of the larger high schools in the area).
   7. Notes: High graduation rates (around 95% or higher) and above-average test scores make this a standout school. It also has a strong sense of school spirit and community involvement.

   Charter and Magnet Schools (Nearby Options)

   Charter and magnet schools may require applications or lotteries for admission, and they often serve a broader area beyond specific zoning. 1. Cornerstone Charter Academy (K-12) - Address: 5903 Randolph Ave, Belle Isle, FL 32809 (also has a campus closer to East Orlando) - Proximity: Varies, but generally 5-10 miles from Waterford Lakes South. - Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org); B (Niche) - Details: A public charter school offering K-12 education with a focus on college prep and smaller class sizes. It’s a popular alternative for families seeking options outside traditional zoning. - Notes: Admission is not guaranteed and often involves a lottery system.

3. Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School

   • Address: 2427 Lynx Ln, Orlando, FL 32804 (main campus, with programs accessible to East Orlando residents)
   • Proximity: About 10-15 miles from Waterford Lakes South.
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org); A (Niche)
   • Details: A highly rated STEM-focused charter school serving grades 6-12. It’s known for rigorous academics and competitive admission.
   • Notes: Requires application and has limited spots; transportation may be a consideration.

   Private Schools (Nearby Options)

   Private schools often have tuition costs and may require specific admission processes. 1. Faith Christian Academy & Preschool - Address: 930 N Dean Rd, Orlando, FL 32825 - Proximity: About 5-7 miles from Waterford Lakes South. - Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; generally positive parent reviews on Niche (B range). - Details: A Christian-based private school serving PK-12 with a focus on faith-based education and smaller class sizes. - Notes: Tuition varies; offers a more personalized learning environment.

4. Eastland Christian School

   • Address: 9000 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, FL 32825
   • Proximity: Approximately 3-5 miles from Waterford Lakes South.
   • Rating: Limited data; generally average reviews (B- on Niche).
   • Details: Another faith-based option for K-12, emphasizing biblical teachings alongside academics.
   • Notes: Smaller enrollment compared to public schools; tuition applies.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, and equity, while Niche grades (A-F) incorporate parent reviews, diversity, and extracurriculars. Ratings can fluctuate yearly based on new data.
   • Zoning Verification: School zoning can depend on your exact street or neighborhood within Waterford Lakes South. Use the OCPS School Finder tool (available on the OCPS website) by entering your address to confirm assigned schools.
   • School Performance Reports: The Florida Department of Education provides detailed school report cards, including test scores and graduation rates, which can be accessed online for a deeper dive into performance metrics.
   • Community Feedback: Waterford Lakes South and nearby areas like Avalon Park have active community forums and social media groups (e.g., on Facebook) where parents often share firsthand experiences about local schools.

   Summary of Key Schools and Ratings

   School Name	Type	Grades	Rating (GreatSchools/Niche)	Proximity to Waterford Lakes South
   Waterford Elementary	Public	PK-5	7/10, B	1-2 miles
   Sunrise Elementary	Public	PK-5	6/10, B-	2-3 miles
   Discovery Middle School	Public	6-8	6/10, B-	2-3 miles
   Timber Creek High School	Public	9-12	8/10, A-	3-5 miles
   Cornerstone Charter Academy	Charter	K-12	7/10, B	5-10 miles
   Orlando Science Charter	Charter