Windermere Education at a Glance
🎓 Why Windermere Education Stands Out: The 34786 ZIP code is zoned to multiple high-performing OCPS schools, anchored by Windermere Elementary — an "A"-rated school every year since Florida's grading system began. Windermere High School posted a 99.5% graduation rate for 2024-25 (one of OCPS's highest) and runs a Cambridge AICE program that competes with traditional AP and IB pathways. Layer in Windermere Preparatory School — Central Florida's only IB Diploma Programme private school — and families browsing Windermere homes for sale have unusual depth at every grade level.
"School zoning in Windermere shifts block by block — a home on Lake Butler may zone to Windermere Elementary while a home a mile south zones to Sunset Park. Always verify before you write a contract."Back to Top
📚 Orange County Public Schools (OCPS)
Windermere is served by Orange County Public Schools, the eighth-largest school district in the United States and the fourth-largest in Florida. OCPS earned an "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education and serves roughly 208,000 students across 214 K-12 schools as of the 2025-26 school year.
District Information:
- District Website: Orange County Public Schools (ocps.net)
- Total Schools: 214 K-12 schools district-wide
- Students Enrolled: Approximately 208,000 students
- District Grade: "A"-rated by the Florida Department of Education
- Special Programs: Magnet programs, Scholastic Academies, Cambridge AICE, IB, dual enrollment
School assignments are determined by residential address. OCPS zones have changed multiple times in recent years as Horizon West and the 34786 corridor have grown — verify your specific address using the official OCPS Find My School tool before relying on any zoning assumption.
Education Highlights of Windermere
The 34786 ZIP code's reputation as one of Central Florida's premier residential addresses is closely tied to its schools. The Town of Windermere proper is small — just over two square miles and roughly 3,400 residents — but the broader Windermere area extends across unincorporated Orange County to include Isleworth, Keene's Pointe, Summerport, Lakes of Windermere, Windermere Trails, and dozens of other subdivisions. School zoning varies meaningfully across this area, which is why families researching Windermere homes for sale typically work backward from their preferred school zone.
A-Rated Public Schools
Windermere Elementary has held an "A" rating every year since Florida's grading system was introduced. Other zoned options include Thornebrooke, Sunset Park, and Castleview Elementary — see our elementary options guide.
IB Diploma Programme
Windermere Preparatory School is the only school in Central Florida offering the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. WPS is a K-12 day and boarding school on a 48-acre campus on Winter Garden Vineland Road.
Cambridge AICE
Windermere High School and Olympia High both offer the Cambridge AICE program — a rigorous diploma alternative to AP and IB that's widely recognized by Florida's public universities for college credit.
Multiple Zoning Options
Because Windermere spans the Town of Windermere, Isleworth, Summerport, Lakes of Windermere, and southern neighborhoods adjacent to Horizon West, families have access to multiple high-performing zoned schools — but the specific assignment depends entirely on address.
Windermere Schools Map
Use the satellite map below to see schools and educational facilities serving the 34786 ZIP code. For nearby outdoor recreation, visit our Windermere parks and recreation guide.
Public Schools in Windermere
Public schools serving the 34786 ZIP code are part of the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) system. School assignments are determined by home address, and zones have shifted multiple times as Horizon West has grown — buyers researching Windermere real estate should verify zoning for any specific property. Below are the schools that most commonly serve Windermere addresses.
🏆 Top-Rated Public Schools
1Windermere Elementary
The town's namesake K-5 school on Park Avenue. "A"-rated every year since Florida's grading system began. Niche ranks it among the top 70 elementary schools in Florida; 87% math proficiency, 84% reading.
2Windermere High School
Home of the Wolverines on Winter Garden Vineland Road. 99.5% graduation rate for 2024-25 — among the top three in OCPS. Ranked #65 in Florida by U.S. News. Full Cambridge AICE program.
3Thornebrooke Elementary
K-5 on Thornebrooke Drive, opened 2001 to serve students in Gotha, Windermere, and Ocoee. Niche-rated highly with 79% math and 75% reading proficiency. Gifted program offered.
4Bridgewater Middle School
The dominant 6-8 middle school for southern Windermere neighborhoods. Approximately 1,184 students; 83% math proficiency, 72% reading. Gifted program offered.
5Olympia High School
9-12 high school on S. Apopka Vineland Road that serves much of the 34786 area. Full Cambridge AICE program with documented strong outcomes at UF and FSU.
🏫 Elementary Schools
| School Name | Grades | Rating | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windermere Elementary | PK-5 | 9/10 (high) | 11125 Park Ave, Windermere | "A" rating every year since FL grading began; Gifted program; 562 students; 16:1 ratio |
| Thornebrooke Elementary | PK-5 | 10/10 (high) | 601 Thornebrooke Dr, Ocoee (serves Windermere) | Gifted program; serves Casa Del Lago, Estates at Windermere, Westover Club |
| Sunset Park Elementary | PK-5 | High | 12050 Overstreet Rd, Windermere | Serves Summerport, Lakeside, Lakes of Windermere, Windermere Trails |
| Castleview Elementary | PK-5 | High | 9131 Taborfield Ave, Orlando 32836 | Serves Bellaria, Waterstone, Providence, Lake Burden |
Comprehensive overview: Elementary School Options in Windermere 34786
🎒 Middle Schools
| School Name | Grades | Rating | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater Middle School | 6-8 | High | Winter Garden (serves southern Windermere) | ~1,184 students; 83% math proficiency; Gifted program; primary middle for Summerport corridor |
| Gotha Middle School | 6-8 | High | 9155 Gotha Rd, Windermere | ~988 students; 14:1 ratio; serves northern Windermere closer to Town Square |
| Horizon West Middle School | 6-8 | High | Tattant Blvd, Windermere | Serves portions of southern Windermere bordering Horizon West |
In-depth comparison: Middle School Options for Windermere Families
🎓 High Schools
| School Name | Grades | Rating | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windermere High School | 9-12 | Ranked #65 in FL | 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere | 99.5% grad rate (2024-25); Cambridge AICE; ~3,156 students; 32 sports; Project Lead The Way |
| Olympia High School | 9-12 | Ranked #144 in FL | 4301 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando | Cambridge AICE program; serves much of 34786; 60% AP participation rate |
| West Orange High School | 9-12 | Ranked #134 in FL | 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden | Serves northern Windermere neighborhoods; large athletic and arts programs |
Detailed comparison: High School Options for Windermere 34786
About school grades and ratings: All schools listed above carry an "A" school grade from the Florida Department of Education at the district level, and all are within OCPS — itself an "A"-rated district. GreatSchools and Niche use different scoring methodologies that incorporate test scores, equity measures, and college-readiness data, so a school can earn an "A" Florida grade while showing a different number on a third-party site. Both data points are useful; we present the FL grade prominently because it's the official measure used in state accountability.
Private Schools in & Near Windermere
Beyond the OCPS public schools, Windermere families have access to one of Central Florida's deepest private school markets. The flagship is Windermere Preparatory School, the only K-12 IB Diploma Programme school in the region. For broader options including Christian academies and college prep alternatives, see our private and charter schools guide.
🏛️ Private & Independent Schools
| School Name | Type | Grades | Location | Focus/Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windermere Preparatory School | Private | PK3-12 | 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere | IB Diploma Programme; Nord Anglia Education; collaborations with MIT, Juilliard, UNICEF; day & boarding |
| Foundation Academy — Lakeside Campus | Private | K-5 | 8464 Winter Garden Vineland Rd (at Family Church Windermere) | Christian; ministry of Winter Garden's First Baptist Church; ~10 min from Disney |
| Foundation Academy — Tilden Campus | Private | 6-12 | 15304 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden | Upper school; Christian college prep; 100% college placement since 2010 |
🌱 Montessori Schools
| School Name | Type | Ages/Grades | Location | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuum, A College & Life Montessori Prep School | Montessori | Toddler-Elementary | 13205 Reams Rd, Windermere | Authentic Montessori curriculum with multi-age classrooms |
| Cranium Academy of Winter Garden | Hybrid | PK-5 | 4068 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Winter Garden | Montessori-influenced "Cranium Explorers" curriculum; serves Windermere families |
People Also Ask
What are the best private schools near Windermere?
The flagship is Windermere Preparatory School — the only K-12 IB Diploma Programme school in Central Florida, located on a 48-acre campus on Winter Garden Vineland Road. Foundation Academy, a Christian K-12 school with a Lakeside campus inside the 34786 ZIP code, is the leading faith-based alternative. Both serve Windermere families directly. For a full breakdown of private and charter options, see our private schools area guide.
Are there Montessori schools in Windermere?
Yes. Continuum, A College & Life Montessori Prep School operates on Reams Rd in Windermere and offers authentic Montessori from toddler through elementary grades. Cranium Academy of Winter Garden, just outside the Windermere line, runs a Montessori-influenced "Cranium Explorers" program serving PK through 5th grade. Several preschools in the area also offer Montessori-aligned curricula.
How much do private schools cost in Windermere?
Private school tuition varies widely by program and grade level. Day-student tuition at Windermere Preparatory School is in the high-$20,000s annually for upper grades, with boarding fees significantly higher. Christian academies like Foundation Academy generally fall in the mid-teens annually. Montessori and preschool tuition varies. Always confirm current tuition directly with each school, as fees change yearly and may include separate technology, activity, or registration fees.
Preschool & Early Education in Windermere
Finding the Right Preschool
Windermere and the surrounding 34786 ZIP code have an unusually dense preschool and early-childcare market — driven by the area's family demographics and proximity to Walt Disney World, which generates demand from cast members on shift schedules. Common options include:
- Private Preschools: Standalone academic preschools focused on PK-3, PK-4, and kindergarten readiness
- Childcare Centers with Preschool: Full-day care with structured curriculum (StarChild Academy, Ladybird Academy, The Learning Experience, KLA Schools)
- VPK Programs: Florida's free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten for 4-year-olds is offered at many local providers
- Montessori Early Education: Continuum Montessori, Cranium Academy, and others offer toddler and primary programs
- Religious Preschools: Programs at Foundation Academy Lakeside, area churches, and other faith-based providers
🧒 Selected Preschools & Pre-K Programs
| Preschool Name | Type | Ages | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Horizons at Windermere | Preschool | 6 weeks-PK | 7866 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere | Full-day childcare and preschool; corporate-partner network |
| StarChild Academy | Preschool | Infant-PK | 11815 Silverlake Park Dr, Windermere | VPK provider; structured pre-K curriculum |
| Ladybird Academy of Windermere | Preschool | Infant-PK | 12144 Chase Rd, Windermere | VPK; second campus on Bentonshire Ave (Wickham Park) |
| The Learning Experience | Preschool | Infant-PK | 6290 Lake Smith Cir, Windermere (Bridgewater Village) | VPK provider; proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum |
💡 Florida VPK Program: Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program provides free early education for eligible 4-year-olds. Many preschools and childcare centers across Windermere and Horizon West participate in VPK. Verify provider participation and apply through vpk.fldoe.org.
Colleges & Universities Near Windermere
Central Florida is anchored by the University of Central Florida — one of the largest universities in the United States — and supplemented by Valencia College, Rollins College, Full Sail University, and several smaller specialty institutions. From Windermere, drive times to most campuses are 20-40 minutes via SR-429 and I-4.
🎓 Colleges & Universities
| Institution Name | Type | Distance from Windermere | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida (UCF) | University | ~35 minutes | Major public research university; Big 12 athletics; 70,000+ students |
| Valencia College | State College | ~20 minutes (West Campus) | 2-year state college; AA transfer; primary dual-enrollment partner for OCPS |
| Rollins College | Liberal Arts | ~30 minutes | Private liberal arts college on Lake Virginia in Winter Park |
| Full Sail University | University | ~40 minutes | Entertainment, media, arts and technology degree programs in Winter Park |
Dual Enrollment: OCPS high schools — including Windermere High and Olympia High — partner with Valencia College so students can earn college credit while still in high school. Florida's state universities also award college credit (up to 30-45 hours) for passing scores on AICE, AP, and IB exams. The Cambridge AICE program at Windermere High and the IB Diploma Programme at Windermere Prep both fit into Florida's Bright Futures scholarship pathways.
After-School & Enrichment Programs
Beyond classroom academics, Windermere offers an unusually deep enrichment market — driven by the area's family demographics, resident athletic facilities, and proximity to nationally-recognized programs at Isleworth, Keene's Pointe, and Disney. Most enrichment for Windermere families happens through neighborhood programs, club sports, and partnerships with the OCPS schools themselves.
🎨 Arts & Enrichment
Common enrichment categories for Windermere families include:
- Music & Performing Arts: Private instruction is widely available; Windermere Prep's partnership with The Juilliard School provides one of the area's most prestigious performing arts options
- STEM & Robotics: WPS partners with MIT for STEAM mentorship; OCPS schools host competitive robotics teams
- Tutoring & Test Prep: Multiple providers along the SR-535 and Conroy-Windermere Road corridors offer SAT/ACT prep, AICE/IB tutoring, and academic enrichment
- Sports & Athletics: See our Windermere sports and athletics guide for golf academies, tennis programs, swim clubs, and youth leagues
For arts and cultural programs, see our Windermere arts and culture guide. Town Square's annual events — including the Windermere Fine Art Show — provide community-based enrichment that's unique to the area.
School Choice & Enrollment Information
📍 School Zoning
OCPS public school assignments are based on residential address. Use the official OCPS Find My School tool to verify which schools serve a specific Windermere address. When researching Windermere homes for sale, always confirm zoning before writing a contract — boundaries shift as new schools open.
🎯 School Choice Programs
OCPS offers Magnet Programs, Scholastic Academies (STEM, arts, business), charter schools, and controlled open enrollment. Magnet applications typically open in the fall. Open enrollment allows transfers to schools outside your zoned assignment, subject to capacity.
📝 Enrollment Process
OCPS new-student enrollment requires proof of residency (utility bill or lease), the child's birth certificate, immunization records (Florida Form 680), and previous school records. Online enrollment is available through the OCPS website.
🏫 School Tours
Most schools — public and private — offer tours by appointment. Tours are strongly recommended before purchasing a home or applying to a private school. Contact each school directly to schedule.
Schools in Nearby Communities
Families researching Windermere often compare it against adjacent Orange County communities — particularly because OCPS zoning sometimes places Windermere addresses in the same school zones as Gotha, Horizon West, or Ocoee. Explore school options nearby:
Explore homes in nearby communities: Dr. Phillips, Horizon West, Gotha, and Ocoee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schools in Windermere
What school district serves Windermere?
Windermere is served by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), the eighth-largest school district in the United States. OCPS earned an "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education and serves approximately 208,000 students across 214 schools. The district covers all public-school assignments in the 34786 ZIP code.
Are the schools good in Windermere?
Yes — and the data is consistent across multiple measures. Multiple Windermere-zoned public schools earn "A" grades from the Florida DOE every year. Windermere High School posted a 99.5% graduation rate for 2024-25 — one of the top three in the entire OCPS district. Windermere Elementary has held an "A" rating every year since Florida's grading system began. The district itself is "A"-rated. Many families browsing Windermere homes for sale cite school quality as a primary reason for the move.
What are the best schools in Windermere?
The most consistently top-ranked options include Windermere Elementary (K-5 in downtown Windermere), Thornebrooke Elementary (K-5), Bridgewater Middle, and Windermere High School. On the private side, Windermere Preparatory School is consistently ranked among Florida's top private schools and offers the only IB Diploma Programme in Central Florida.
Are there private schools in Windermere?
Yes — and the area's private school market is unusually strong. Windermere Preparatory School is the flagship: a K-12 day and boarding school with the IB Diploma Programme on a 48-acre campus inside the 34786 ZIP code. Foundation Academy operates a Christian K-5 Lakeside campus on Winter Garden Vineland Road, with upper-grade campuses in Winter Garden. Continuum Montessori on Reams Rd serves toddler through elementary. For comprehensive coverage, see our private and charter schools guide.
How do I enroll my child in Windermere schools?
For OCPS public schools, you'll need proof of residency (utility bill or lease), the child's birth certificate, immunization records (Florida Form 680), and previous school records. Online enrollment is available through the OCPS website. Confirm your zoned schools first using the OCPS Find My School tool. For private schools, contact each school directly — most have rolling admissions but with priority deadlines (typically January-February for the following academic year).
What enrichment programs are available for kids in Windermere?
Windermere has an unusually deep enrichment market — particularly for sports and arts. For youth athletics, see our Windermere sports and athletics guide covering golf academies, swim clubs, tennis, and youth leagues. For arts programs, visit our Windermere arts and culture guide. Town Square hosts the annual Windermere Fine Art Show and seasonal events that function as community-based enrichment. Many families also leverage Disney-employee perks for theme park field trips.
Find Your Home in a Great School Zone
Ready to move to Windermere and zone into one of Central Florida's strongest school markets? OCPS zoning shifts block-by-block in the 34786 ZIP code, and a home a quarter-mile away may zone to a different school. Our team at Florida Neighborhood Realty can help you target the right home in the right school zone — verified before you write an offer. Browse Windermere homes for sale or contact us for personalized assistance.
*Disclaimer: School information is for general reference only. School boundaries, ratings, programs, graduation rates, and assignments can change year to year. Florida School Grades, GreatSchools ratings, and Niche rankings reflect data from the years listed and may not reflect current performance. Always verify school assignments with the OCPS Find My School zoning tool before purchasing a home in Orange County. Inclusion of schools on this page does not guarantee enrollment or specific school assignment. Private school information including tuition should be confirmed directly with each institution. The site owner is not responsible for inaccuracies in school data.
Last Updated: April 29, 2026
David Myers
