Local Schools Near Windermere Sound, Horizon West, 34786

Windermere Sound is a community located in Horizon West, FL, within the 34786 ZIP code. Horizon West is a rapidly growing area in Orange County, near Windermere and Winter Garden, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to excellent schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Windermere Sound, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, 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 school websites or platforms like GreatSchools.org.

Public Schools Near Windermere Sound, Horizon West, FL (34786)

Public schools in this area are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, which serves the region. Horizon West has seen new schools built in recent years to accommodate growth. Below are schools zoned for or near Windermere Sound, based on proximity and zoning maps (as of the latest available data). Zoning can change, so verify with OCPS for the exact assignments.

Elementary Schools

1. Bay Lake Elementary School

   • Location: 12005 Silverlake Park Dr, Windermere, FL 34786 (approximately 2-3 miles from Windermere Sound)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: Bay Lake Elementary is a highly regarded school in the Horizon West area, known for strong academic performance and a focus on STEM education. It serves many families in nearby communities like Windermere Sound.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 800-900 students
   • Notable Features: Modern facilities, active parent involvement, and extracurricular programs.

2. Summerlake Elementary School

   • Location: 15400 Porter Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (about 3-4 miles from Windermere Sound)
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another excellent option for elementary students in Horizon West, Summerlake Elementary has a reputation for a supportive learning environment and good test scores.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 700-800 students
   • Notable Features: Community-focused events and after-school programs.

   Middle Schools

   1. Horizon West Middle School (Opening in 2023 or recently opened, depending on timeline)
   2. Location: Near Seidel Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (approx. 3-5 miles from Windermere Sound)
   3. Grade Levels: 6-8
   4. Rating: Not yet rated due to being a new school; however, OCPS middle schools in the area generally perform well.
   5. Details: This school was built to address the growing population in Horizon West. It’s designed with modern facilities and aims to serve communities like Windermere Sound.
   6. Enrollment: Expected to serve 1,000+ students
   7. Notable Features: Focus on technology and innovative learning.

3. Bridgewater Middle School

   • Location: 5600 Tiny Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (about 5-6 miles from Windermere Sound)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A well-established middle school serving parts of Horizon West and Windermere, with solid academic programs and extracurriculars.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 1,200 students
   • Notable Features: Offers advanced courses and sports programs.

   High Schools

   1. Windermere High School
   2. Location: 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786 (approx. 4-5 miles from Windermere Sound)
   3. Grade Levels: 9-12
   4. Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   5. Details: Opened in 2017, Windermere High School is a top-rated high school in the area, known for strong academics, athletics, and college readiness programs. It serves many Horizon West communities.
   6. Enrollment: Approx. 3,000 students
   7. Notable Features: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, robust arts programs, and competitive sports teams.

4. West Orange High School (Alternative zoning for some areas)

   • Location: 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (approx. 6-8 miles from Windermere Sound)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A larger, established high school with a diverse student body and a range of academic and extracurricular options.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 2,500 students
   • Notable Features: Career and technical education programs, AP courses.

   Private Schools Near Windermere Sound, Horizon West, FL (34786)

   For families seeking private education, there are several options within a reasonable driving distance of Windermere Sound. Private school ratings are less standardized but are often based on parent reviews, academic outcomes, and reputation.

5. Windermere Preparatory School

   • Location: 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786 (approx. 5 miles from Windermere Sound)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Highly regarded (often rated 4.5/5 on platforms like Niche.com)
   • Details: A prestigious private school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, with a focus on global education and college preparation. Part of the Nord Anglia Education network.
   • Tuition: Approx. $15,000–$25,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Notable Features: Small class sizes, international curriculum, and extensive extracurriculars.

6. Foundation Academy

   • Location: 125 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (approx. 7-8 miles from Windermere Sound)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Well-reviewed by parents (4/5 on GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A Christian private school with campuses in Winter Garden, offering a faith-based education alongside strong academics.
   • Tuition: Approx. $10,000–$15,000 per year
   • Notable Features: Emphasis on character development, sports, and arts.

7. Montverde Academy

   • Location: 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756 (approx. 10-12 miles from Windermere Sound)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12 (boarding and day school)
   • Rating: Nationally recognized (often 5/5 on Niche.com)
   • Details: An elite private school known for its rigorous academics and nationally ranked basketball program. It attracts students from across the country and internationally.
   • Tuition: Approx. $20,000–$50,000 per year (day vs. boarding)
   • Notable Features: College preparatory focus, global student body, and top-tier athletics.

   Charter Schools Near Windermere Sound

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational approaches. Availability depends on lottery systems and zoning.

8. Hope Charter School

   • Location: 1550 E Crown Point Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 (approx. 8-10 miles from Windermere Sound)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: A smaller charter school with a focus on individualized learning and character education.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 400-500 students
   • Notable Features: Community-oriented, with a family-like atmosphere.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning Verification: School assignments in Horizon West can shift due to rapid growth and new school openings. Use the Orange County Public Schools zoning tool (available on the OCPS website) or contact the district to confirm which schools serve Windermere Sound specifically.
   • School Ratings: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are useful but subjective. Visit schools, attend open houses, and review Florida Department of Education school report cards for a fuller picture.
   • Transportation: Most public schools offer bus services within zoned areas, but private and charter schools may require private transportation or have limited bus options.
   • Growth in Horizon West: New schools are frequently planned or under construction in this area. Check with OCPS for updates on future openings that might affect zoning or options.

   How to Research Further

   • Orange County Public Schools Website: www.ocps.net (for zoning, school calendars, and registration)
   • GreatSchools.org: For updated ratings and parent reviews
   • Florida Department of Education: For state assessment data and school grades
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses, especially for private and charter options.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular priorities, or a particular grade level), let me know, and I can tailor the