Local Schools Near Willowbrook, Meadow Woods, 32824

Willowbrook is a community within the Meadow Woods area of Orlando, Florida, with the ZIP code 32824. This area falls under Orange County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools zoned for or near the Willowbrook/Meadow Woods community, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically 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 Willowbrook, Meadow Woods, FL (32824)

The following schools are zoned for or located near the Meadow Woods area, including Willowbrook. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as their approximate distance from central Meadow Woods (based on general mapping data) and ratings from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) as of the latest available data. I’ve also added some context from Niche and Florida school grades where applicable.

Elementary Schools

1. Meadow Woods Elementary School

   • Address: 500 Rhode Island Woods Cir, Orlando, FL 32824
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from central Meadow Woods/Willowbrook
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: This school serves students in grades PK-5 and focuses on core academics with programs for English Language Learners (ELL), as it serves a diverse population. Reviews on Niche highlight a strong sense of community but note concerns about class sizes and resource availability.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 600-700 students
   • Additional Info: Offers before- and after-school care programs.

2. Southwood Elementary School

   • Address: 12600 Bisted Dr, Orlando, FL 32824
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Willowbrook
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: Serving grades PK-5, Southwood has a slightly higher rating due to better test scores in math and reading compared to district averages. Parents on Niche praise the teachers’ dedication but mention occasional overcrowding.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Features STEM initiatives and extracurricular activities.

3. Wetherbee Elementary School

   • Address: 701 E Wetherbee Rd, Orlando, FL 32824
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Willowbrook
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   • Details: Another PK-5 school in the area, Wetherbee serves a diverse student body with a focus on literacy and math improvement programs. Reviews are mixed, with some parents appreciating the staff while others note inconsistent communication.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 700-800 students
   • Additional Info: Offers special education services and ELL support.

   Middle Schools

   1. Meadow Woods Middle School
   2. Address: 1800 Rhode Island Woods Cir, Orlando, FL 32824
   3. Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Willowbrook
   4. GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
   5. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
   6. Details: Serving grades 6-8, this is the primary middle school for the Meadow Woods area. It offers a range of electives and extracurriculars, including sports and arts programs. Niche reviews mention challenges with student behavior but commend certain teachers and programs like AVID (college readiness).
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 1,000-1,200 students
   8. Additional Info: Has a focus on technology integration in classrooms.

4. South Creek Middle School

   • Address: 3801 Wetherbee Rd, Orlando, FL 32824
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Willowbrook
   • GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: Another option for grades 6-8, South Creek has slightly better ratings due to improved student progress metrics. It offers magnet programs and advanced coursework. Parents on Niche appreciate the academic opportunities but note traffic issues during drop-off/pick-up.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 900-1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a strong band program and community involvement.

   High Schools

   1. Cypress Creek High School
   2. Address: 1101 Bear Crossing Dr, Orlando, FL 32824
   3. Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Willowbrook
   4. GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
   5. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   6. Details: Serving grades 9-12, Cypress Creek is the primary high school for Meadow Woods students. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies (e.g., medical, engineering), and a diverse set of extracurriculars. Niche reviews highlight a strong sports program but mention concerns about overcrowding and varying teacher quality.
   7. Enrollment: Approx. 3,000-3,500 students (one of the larger high schools in the area)
   8. Additional Info: Has an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for eligible students.

   Private and Charter Schools Near Willowbrook, Meadow Woods, FL (32824)

   In addition to public schools, there are private and charter options within a reasonable distance. These schools often have different admission processes and tuition costs.

5. Ibn Seena Academy (Private Islamic School)

   • Address: 8486 Lee Vista Blvd, Orlando, FL 32829 (approx. 5-6 miles from Willowbrook)
   • Grades: PK-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated due to smaller size; Niche gives it a B- based on parent reviews.
   • Details: A private Islamic school offering a faith-based curriculum alongside standard academics. Known for small class sizes and a tight-knit community.
   • Tuition: Approx. $5,000-$7,000 per year (varies; contact school for current rates)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 200-300 students

6. Renaissance Charter School at Hunters Creek (Charter)

   • Address: 4001 Greenpoint Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837 (approx. 6-7 miles from Willowbrook)
   • Grades: K-8
   • GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: A tuition-free public charter school with a focus on personalized learning and character education. It’s a popular alternative to traditional public schools in the area, though admission is lottery-based if oversubscribed.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 800-900 students
   • Additional Info: Offers a variety of clubs and after-school programs.

7. Faith Christian Academy & Preschool (Private)

   • Address: 9307 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32825 (approx. 8-10 miles from Willowbrook)
   • Grades: PK-12
   • GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; Niche gives it a B based on limited reviews.
   • Details: A Christian school providing a faith-based education with a focus on college preparation for high schoolers. Smaller class sizes are a draw for many families.
   • Tuition: Approx. $6,000-$9,000 per year (varies by grade; contact school for details)
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400-500 students

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). Florida School Grades (A-F) are based on state assessments and other metrics like graduation rates for high schools. Niche ratings often incorporate parent and student feedback.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on exact addresses within Willowbrook/Meadow Woods. You can confirm zoning through the Orange County Public Schools website (ocps.net) using the “School Finder” tool.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Private and charter schools may have limited or no bus options.
   • School Performance Trends: Some schools in the 32824 area, like Meadow Woods Middle, have lower ratings due to challenges with test scores or large, diverse student populations. However, individual experiences vary widely—visiting schools or speaking with current parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: Orange County offers magnet programs (e.g., arts, STEM) and school choice options that may allow students to attend schools outside their zoned area, subject to availability and application processes.

   How to Research Further

   • Orange County Public Schools Website: ocps.net – Check zoning, school calendars,