Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions families make when considering a move. In Winter Park, Florida, residents have access to an impressive range of both public and private schools known for their academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and community engagement. Whether you’re relocating with school-aged children or planning ahead for future needs, understanding the educational landscape can help guide your home search and ensure the best fit for your family.
This guide outlines some of the best schools in Winter Park, FL, highlighting both public and private institutions and how they contribute to the area’s strong reputation for quality education.
Public Schools in Winter Park, FL
Winter Park is served primarily by the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district, one of the largest and most diverse school systems in Florida. OCPS schools in the area perform above the state average in reading proficiency and meet or exceed expectations in mathematics and science. Families appreciate the district’s range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) options, and career-preparatory pathways.
Winter Park High School
One of the best-known public schools in the city is Winter Park High School. Established in the early 1920s, the school has built a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and community pride. It offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, preparing students for competitive college admissions.
Winter Park High is also recognized for its strong arts and athletics departments, with students regularly earning distinctions in visual arts, performing arts, and varsity sports. Parents and educators frequently point to the school’s focus on academic rigor and leadership development as key reasons for its high performance among Orange County schools.
Winter Park High is also recognized for its strong arts and athletics departments, with students regularly earning distinctions in visual arts, performing arts, and varsity sports. Parents and educators frequently point to the school’s focus on academic rigor and leadership development as key reasons for its high performance among Orange County schools.
Lakemont Elementary School
For families with younger children, Lakemont Elementary School is another highly regarded option. Known for its engaged faculty and consistent academic outcomes, Lakemont emphasizes reading comprehension, critical thinking, and community participation. Parents appreciate its supportive environment and experienced teaching staff.
Lakemont Elementary also benefits from strong parent involvement through its active PTA, helping to maintain a connected and collaborative learning community. For many families moving into the Winter Park area, the school’s reputation plays a key role in neighborhood selection.
Lakemont Elementary also benefits from strong parent involvement through its active PTA, helping to maintain a connected and collaborative learning community. For many families moving into the Winter Park area, the school’s reputation plays a key role in neighborhood selection.
Other Public Options
In addition to these two leading institutions, other public schools such as Brookshire Elementary, Glenridge Middle, and Dommerich Elementary also serve the Winter Park area. These schools have received positive ratings on platforms like GreatSchools and Public School Review, with solid student-to-teacher ratios and steady academic performance across core subjects.
Because school zoning can vary from one street to the next, it’s advisable for families considering Winter Park, FL real estate to review attendance maps before purchasing a home.
Because school zoning can vary from one street to the next, it’s advisable for families considering Winter Park, FL real estate to review attendance maps before purchasing a home.
Private Schools in Winter Park, FL
Winter Park is also known for its strong network of private institutions, offering families a range of educational philosophies, faith-based programs, and specialized academic environments. Approximately one-third of the city’s K–12 students attend private school—significantly higher than the Florida state average.
Trinity Preparatory School
Trinity Preparatory School is a top-tier independent day school serving grades 6 through 12. Known for its college-preparatory focus, Trinity Prep offers small class sizes, a robust selection of honors and AP courses, and an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
The school is often recognized for excellence in science, technology, and mathematics, as well as its commitment to developing well-rounded students through arts and athletics programs. Trinity’s graduates frequently attend leading universities across the country, making it a standout choice for families prioritizing academic advancement and college readiness.
The school is often recognized for excellence in science, technology, and mathematics, as well as its commitment to developing well-rounded students through arts and athletics programs. Trinity’s graduates frequently attend leading universities across the country, making it a standout choice for families prioritizing academic advancement and college readiness.
Park Maitland School
For families seeking an early education option, Park Maitland School serves students from preschool through fifth grade. The institution emphasizes a “whole-child” approach, focusing on intellectual, emotional, and social development. The school combines traditional academics with art, music, and character education, helping students build strong foundational skills.
Park Maitland is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and is often cited for its nurturing environment and emphasis on individualized instruction. For parents of younger children, this school offers an excellent introduction to private education in Winter Park.
Park Maitland is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and is often cited for its nurturing environment and emphasis on individualized instruction. For parents of younger children, this school offers an excellent introduction to private education in Winter Park.
Other Private Institutions
Winter Park’s selection of private schools extends beyond these two. Families can explore options such as The Geneva School, which offers a classical education model from pre-kindergarten through high school, or St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, which combines strong academics with faith-based instruction. Each provides distinct advantages depending on a family’s educational priorities and values.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a School
When evaluating schools in Winter Park, several key considerations can help guide your decision:
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Academic Focus: Schools vary in their curricular priorities, from college preparation and STEM emphasis to arts integration or religious education.
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Class Size and Teacher Ratios: Smaller classes can allow for more individualized instruction, particularly in the early grades.
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Extracurricular Opportunities: Clubs, athletics, and fine arts programs can enrich a student’s experience beyond academics.
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Location and Zoning: For public schools, check zoning maps to determine eligibility; private school families should consider commute and transportation.
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School Culture: Visiting schools in person provides valuable insight into the learning environment, leadership style, and student engagement.
By carefully evaluating these factors, parents can identify which setting—public or private—best supports their child’s development and long-term goals.
Education and the Winter Park Real Estate Market
Proximity to top-rated schools is often a deciding factor for homebuyers in Winter Park. Neighborhoods near Winter Park High, Trinity Prep, and Lakemont Elementary consistently draw interest from families seeking both convenience and quality education. Homes in well-rated school zones tend to maintain strong resale value, further enhancing the appeal of Winter Park, FL, real estate.
For families relocating from outside the area, working with a knowledgeable local real estate professional can simplify the process of identifying school zones, comparing neighborhoods, and balancing educational priorities with housing needs.
For families relocating from outside the area, working with a knowledgeable local real estate professional can simplify the process of identifying school zones, comparing neighborhoods, and balancing educational priorities with housing needs.
About Ross Janke
Ross Janke has a deep understanding of real estate trends throughout Volusia County and the greater Central Florida region. With more than twenty years of experience in successful property investments, he brings extensive knowledge of both straightforward and complex real estate transactions to his clients.
Before entering real estate full-time, Ross served in Marine special operations, where he developed a strong sense of discipline, precision, and persistence—qualities that now define his professional approach. His leadership background and proven record of consistent success enable him to navigate an ever-changing market with confidence and clarity.
Ross continues to meet client goals through strategic negotiation and careful deal structuring, ensuring every transaction reflects his dedication to results and client satisfaction.
Contact Ross Janke today for expert advice and personalized assistance navigating the Winter Park, FL real estate market.
Before entering real estate full-time, Ross served in Marine special operations, where he developed a strong sense of discipline, precision, and persistence—qualities that now define his professional approach. His leadership background and proven record of consistent success enable him to navigate an ever-changing market with confidence and clarity.
Ross continues to meet client goals through strategic negotiation and careful deal structuring, ensuring every transaction reflects his dedication to results and client satisfaction.
Contact Ross Janke today for expert advice and personalized assistance navigating the Winter Park, FL real estate market.
