Winter Park, Florida, is renowned for its charming community, vibrant culture, and commitment to education. Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, this picturesque city offers a diverse range of public and private schools that cater to various educational needs, from preschool to higher education. With top-rated institutions, innovative programs, and a focus on academic excellence, Winter Park is an ideal location for families seeking quality education. This article explores the educational landscape of Winter Park, highlighting its public and private schools, specialized programs, and higher education opportunities.

Public Schools in Winter Park

Winter Park is primarily served by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), the 10th-largest school district in the United States, known for its emphasis on neighborhood schools, magnet programs, and academic achievement. The city also has some schools within the Seminole County Public Schools district, offering additional options for residents in certain areas. Public schools in Winter Park are recognized for their strong academic performance, with an average math proficiency score of 52% and a reading proficiency score of 57%, both competitive with or exceeding Florida’s statewide averages.

Notable Public Schools

Winter Park High School (2100 Summerfield Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792)
Winter Park High School is a standout institution, ranked 65th in Florida and #1,063 nationally. It serves approximately 3,264 students in grades 9–12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19.3:1. The school is a magnet offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and specialized academies like the Florida Interacademic Consortium (FLIC) and WISE (an at-risk academy). With a 74% AP participation rate and a diverse student body (52% minority enrollment, 37% economically disadvantaged), the school excels in preparing students for college, earning College Success Awards in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Students and alumni praise its supportive environment, dedicated staff, and vibrant extracurricular offerings, including 23 sports and various clubs.
Winter Park Ninth Grade Center (528 Huntington Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789)
This center supports 9th-grade students transitioning to high school, offering a focused environment to build academic foundations. It operates under the Winter Park High School umbrella and shares its commitment to high standards.
Elementary and Middle Schools
Winter Park boasts several highly rated elementary and middle schools, including:
Brookshire Elementary School (400 Greene Dr, Winter Park, FL 32792)
Known for its strong academic programs and supportive staff, Brookshire is a top-ranked public elementary school.
Lakemont Elementary School (901 N Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792)
With a focus on fostering a positive learning environment, Lakemont is praised for its academic excellence and community engagement.
Aloma Elementary School (2949 Scarlet Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792)
Another top performer, Aloma emphasizes individualized learning and student success.
Glenridge Middle School (801 Glenridge Way, Winter Park, FL 32789)
Serving grades 6–8, Glenridge offers a robust curriculum and extracurricular activities to prepare students for high school.
Maitland Middle School (1901 Choctaw Trail, Maitland, FL 32751)
Located just outside Winter Park, this school serves some Winter Park residents and is known for its strong academic programs.

These schools contribute to Winter Park’s reputation for educational quality, with 68% of K-12 students in the city attending public schools. The district’s focus on arts, athletics, and digital learning ensures a well-rounded education.

Private Schools in Winter Park

Winter Park is home to several prestigious private schools, with 31% of K-12 students attending private institutions, significantly higher than Florida’s state average of 14%. These schools offer individualized attention, faith-based education, and specialized curricula, with an average acceptance rate of 78%. Approximately 55% of private schools in Winter Park are religiously affiliated, primarily Christian or Episcopal.

Top-Ranked Private Schools

Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (5700 Trinity Prep Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792)
Ranked as the #1 private school in the Winter Park area, Trinity Prep is a college preparatory day school for grades 6–12. Founded in 1968, it serves a diverse student body and offers rigorous academics, including unique extracurriculars like shark tagging and international trips. The school emphasizes arts, athletics (including unique sports like bowling and weightlifting), and community engagement. Its welcoming campus fosters lifelong connections among students and alumni.
Walden Community School (4599 Harlan Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792)
This independent school provides a progressive, student-centered education for grades K–12, focusing on experiential learning and individualized instruction.
Central Christian Academy (1450 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789)
A Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum, Central Christian Academy emphasizes academic rigor and spiritual growth for students in preschool through grade 12.
St. Margaret Mary School (142 E Swoope Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789)
This Catholic school serves students from preschool through grade 8, focusing on academic excellence and moral development in a nurturing environment.
Park Maitland School (1450 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751; 1776 Minnesota Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789)
With locations in Winter Park and nearby Maitland, Park Maitland offers daycare, preschool, elementary, and middle school programs. Known for its family-like environment and individualized academic rigor, it fosters leadership through engaging learning experiences.
First Steps Academy (Calvary Orlando Campus, Winter Park, FL 32792)
This preschool and daycare provides year-round programs with age-specific classrooms and safe play areas, ideal for early childhood education.

Private schools in Winter Park are lauded for their warm, supportive environments and commitment to holistic development, making them a popular choice for families seeking personalized education.

Higher Education in Winter Park

Winter Park is a hub for higher education, hosting several esteemed institutions that attract students from across the region and beyond.

Rollins College (1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789)
A small liberal arts college founded over 135 years ago, Rollins is renowned for its innovative learning community and top-ranked programs. It offers undergraduate degrees, graduate programs (including an MBA and Executive DBA through the Crummer Graduate School of Business), and continuing education. The college emphasizes preparing students for 21st-century challenges, with a beautiful campus near Park Avenue’s shopping and dining district.
Full Sail University (3300 University Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792)
Specializing in entertainment, media, arts, and technology, Full Sail offers career-focused programs in fields like film, music, gaming, and digital arts. With a large campus and a global reputation, it attracts students seeking hands-on, industry-relevant education.
Valencia College Winter Park Campus (850 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789)
This compact campus offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, with a focus on STEM fields and community engagement. Its open-design library, computer labs, and outdoor courtyard create a collaborative learning environment. The campus is conveniently located near Park Avenue and the SunRail station.
Orange Technical College (901 Webster Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789)
This institution provides technical certification programs in fields like computer science, digital arts, and medical technology, offering practical training for career-oriented students.

Specialized Programs and Community Engagement

Winter Park’s schools are known for their innovative programs and strong community ties. Public schools like Winter Park High School offer magnet programs, AP and IB courses, and specialized academies to cater to diverse student interests. Private schools emphasize individualized learning and extracurricular opportunities, such as arts, athletics, and global experiences. Higher education institutions like Rollins and Full Sail engage with the community through cultural events, performances, and partnerships, enhancing Winter Park’s reputation as a city of arts and culture.

The city’s commitment to education extends to its support for students with diverse needs. For example, Brookshire Elementary is praised for its exceptional special education programs, with dedicated staff ensuring student success. Schools also foster a sense of community through events like pep rallies, spirit weeks, and alumni engagement, creating a vibrant, supportive atmosphere.

Choosing a School in Winter Park

Families considering Winter Park schools can explore options through resources like the Orange County Public Schools “Find My School” page to determine zoning for specific properties. Websites like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and SchoolDigger.com provide rankings, reviews, and test score data to aid decision-making. For private schools, visiting campuses or contacting admissions offices (e.g., Trinity Prep at 407-671-4140 or Park Maitland at 407-647-3038) can provide insights into their programs and culture.

Conclusion

Winter Park, Florida, offers a rich educational landscape with top-tier public and private schools, as well as renowned colleges and technical institutions. From Winter Park High School’s acclaimed IB and AP programs to Trinity Prep’s innovative college prep curriculum and Rollins College’s liberal arts excellence, the city provides diverse opportunities for academic and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on community, culture, and achievement, Winter Park’s schools are a cornerstone of its appeal, making it an ideal place for families and students seeking a high-quality education.

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Schools in Winter Park, Florida: A Hub of Educational Excellence

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