This is a deepening of my Complete Guide to Winter Garden, now with an exclusive focus on a topic that weighs heavily in the decision to purchase real estate: quality of schools in Winter Garden.
I have accompanied many Brazilian families who moved here in search of good public schools — and, in some cases, of private options with differentiated teaching. This happens because the property address defines the school zone (school zone), that is, in which school the child will be enrolled.
🏫 Overview of Education in Winter Garden
🧮 Mathematics
🎯 Winter Garden: 66%
🏴 Florida (average): 52%
📖 Reading
🎯 Winter Garden: 64%
🏴 Florida (average): 52%
In practice, Winter Garden has established itself as one of the poles of best academic performance west of Orlando, attracting families who prioritize their children's education.
🌟 Top Public Schools in Winter Garden
🧒 Elementary (PK–5)
Whispering Oak Elementary
- 📊 ~90% math / 84% reading (ranking 10/10)
- 👥 ~803 students • 17:1 ratio
- ✅ Excellent reputation, among the best
Lake Whitney Elementary
- 📊 ~87% math / 79% reading (ranking 10/10)
- 👥 ~580 students • 15:1 ratio
- 🏫 Smaller school, cohesive environment
Summerlake Elementary
- 📊 ~86% math / 75% reading (ranking 10/10)
- 👥 ~771 students • 16:1 ratio
- 🗺️ Highly sought after in new areas
Independence Elementary
- 📊 ~75% math / 78% reading (ranking 10/10)
- 👥 ~879 students • 18:1 ratio
- 📈 Larger classes, good performance
Water Spring Elementary
- 📊 ~66% math / 68% reading (rank 9/10)
- 👥 ~1,268 students • 17:1 ratio
- 🆕 New school, much sought after
🧭 Middle Schools (6–8)
Bridgewater Middle School
- 📊 ~79% math / 69% reading (rank 9/10)
- 👥 ~1,184 students • 20:1 ratio
Sunridge Middle School
- 📊 ~73% math / 68% reading (rank 9/10)
- 👥 ~1,158 students • 19:1 ratio
🎓 High Schools (9–12)
West Orange High School
- 👥 ~2,792 students • 25:1 ratio
- 📚 Various AP (Advanced Placement) classes
- 🚗 Covers multiple communities — be mindful of traffic/distance
Horizon High School
- 🏗️ Opened in 2021; modern and well-equipped
- 👥 ~2,300 students • 23:1 ratio
- 🧭 Reduced West Orange's capacity
🏫 Private Schools in Winter Garden
Foundation Academy (PK–12)
~1,110 students; average class size of ~17. Christian school with tradition and good reputation.
Cranium Academy (NS–5)
~200 students. Focus on initial education, smaller classes.
The Goddard School (PK–K)
~301 students. Very focused on early childhood, intimate environment.
Other options: Star Child Academy, Montessori Academy, Families Christian — generally smaller, with specific religious or pedagogical proposals.
🧭 What to consider
✅ Advantages
- 📈 Academic performance above the state average.
- 👨👩👧 Diversity of private schools, with smaller classes.
- 🏷️ Valuable school zones (impact property prices).
- 🏫 Strong reputation in elementary (PK–5).
⚠️ Points of attention
- 👥 Capacity: Some large schools have larger classes.
- 🚦 Transportation: timetables drop-off/pick-up generate traffic.
- 💸 Private: in addition to the monthly fee, consider uniforms and fees.
- 🧭 Population growth: new zoning may change the designated school.
🎯 Conclusion
Winter Garden stands out for offering high-level public schools, especially in elementary school, which attracts families who want a quality education without resorting to private education. Still, there are excellent private schools for those seeking smaller classes or specific methodologies.
In practice, I reinforce with my clients: school zone directly influences the purchase of the property — and the future appreciation.
👉 Want to understand how school zones work and which schools are right for your family? Talk to meI'll guide you step by step and accurately compare school, neighborhood, and budget.
How many schools are there in Winter Garden?
There are about 24 public schools and 13 private, serving together more than 20 thousand students.
Are Winter Garden public schools good?
Yes. Performance above Florida's average in mathematics and reading, especially in elementary schools (PK–5).
What is the best public school in Winter Garden?
Whispering Oak Elementary and Lake Whitney Elementary are among the best rated, with scores close to 90% in mathematics.
Are there private schools in Winter Garden?
Yes. Options like Foundation Academy, Cranium Academy and The Goddard School are sought after by those who prefer smaller classes.
Does the school zone influence the purchase of the property?
Yes. The address defines the child's school, a decisive factor in choosing the home and appreciation of the property.
How to choose between public and private school?
It depends on the family's profile: many opt for excellent public schools; others prefer smaller private schools or those with religious instruction/specific methodologies.
📚 Read also
Real Estate Market in Winter Garden
Prices, trends and opportunities in 2025.
Schools in Winter Garden
Performance, school zones, and tips for families.
Where to Eat in Winter Garden
Restaurants by price range and style.
Leisure in Winter Garden
Parks, culture, trails and local events.
Health in Winter Garden
24-hour hospitals, rehabilitation and community centers.
Thinking about investing: How to make the most of the moment?
Stories of Conquest and Satisfaction
