Orlando's BEST Places to Live for Schools (Public & Private)
July 29, 2025
July 29, 2025
At Align Real Estate, helping families find more than just a house is what we do best. As local advisors and lifestyle curators in Central Florida, we know that choosing the right school is often at the heart of finding the right home. With over 200,000 students in Orange County alone, selecting a school in the Orlando area can feel overwhelming. Every family has unique priorities—whether it’s academics, arts, athletics, or a nurturing community environment. This guide is designed to help simplify the process, offering insight into Orlando’s top public and private schools along with expert tips for finding the perfect fit for your family and your future.
Watch the video below to get a quick overview of Orlando’s top school districts and the best neighborhoods families are choosing today:
Orlando’s public school district is one of the largest in Florida, ranking eighth nationally. It’s renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and wide-ranging programs tailored to diverse student needs. With over 200 schools offering Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), special education, and magnet programs, there’s truly something for every learner.
Windermere and Winter Garden are two highly sought-after cities on Central Florida’s west side, especially popular with families who value community and quality education. Here are some standout public schools in this area:
With a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1, this school emphasizes technology integration and problem-solving through a blended learning model.
Boasting a 15:1 ratio, Thornebrooke focuses heavily on math and reading, with a high percentage of students performing at or above proficiency in these subjects.
With a 25:1 ratio, this high school offers a STEM-focused curriculum and multiple pathways for students to customize their education, preparing them for university, college credits, or direct workforce entry.
Featuring a 21:1 student-teacher ratio, Bridgewater offers a spacious campus with excellent athletic facilities, making it a great environment for teenagers to thrive.
Winter Park is one of my favorite areas in Central Florida, home to some of the region’s best schools:
Located just south of Winter Park, this magnet school nurtures advanced learners with a strong emphasis on science, math, and technology. It’s ranked in the top 1% statewide for math and reading test scores and maintains one of Florida’s lowest student-to-teacher ratios at about 11:1.
Serving grades K-8, Audubon Park School is the highest-ranked public middle school in the area, with a 16:1 ratio and top 10% statewide rankings in math and reading.
A school with a rich tradition dating back to 1923, it offers specialty classes in culinary arts, computer programming, digital design, and biomedical science. With approximately 3,000 students and a 20:1 ratio, it blends academic, athletic, and artistic excellence.
Known for its well-rounded approach, Boone boasts a 21:1 ratio and a powerhouse athletics program with sports ranging from football and basketball to lacrosse and volleyball. The school emphasizes sportsmanship and team spirit, fostering a supportive environment.
For families seeking private education options, Orlando offers a variety of excellent schools, each with unique strengths and offerings.
This Christian co-ed school has been serving students from nursery through 12th grade since 1970. Located on a stunning 42-acre lakefront campus in downtown Orlando, Lake Highland Prep is the largest private school in the city and the fourth largest in Florida, with over 2,000 students. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with a strong focus on STEM education. Tuition ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 depending on grade level. One of the school’s highlights is its active alumni network, which encourages former students to give back and support future generations.
Founded over 100 years ago, Montverde Academy sits on a beautiful 125-acre campus in Mount Verdur. It serves both day students (tuition starting at $21,000) and boarding students (tuition up to about $56,000). This non-sectarian school is incredibly diverse, with students from over 90 countries. Academically, Montverde offers 31 AP courses and emphasizes organizational skills, study habits, and leadership development. It’s also famous for its premier athletics program with 21 teams. Notable alumni include NBA stars Ben Simmons and D’Angelo Russell, making it a top choice for families seeking strong academics and elite sports.
Windermere Prep is the only private school in Windermere without a religious affiliation. Tuition ranges from $19,000 for Pre-K to $29,000 for 12th grade. The school also offers boarding for international students at an additional cost and partners with world-class performing arts programs like Juilliard, providing fantastic opportunities for arts-focused students.
Located just east of Windermere, this Christian college preparatory school offers tuition between $12,000 and $15,000. Small class sizes promote individualized attention and foster both academic and spiritual growth.
Situated in Winter Garden, this Christian prep school shares similar tuition and class size benefits, emphasizing talent development and faith.
With so many excellent options, thorough research is key to finding the right school for your child. Here are my go-to resources for school data, rankings, and insights:
Offers summary ratings, test scores, student progress, and college readiness data. It also provides links to other schools in the area, making comparisons easier.
Features detailed school profiles, including summary ratings, test scores, and student demographics. You can view school zone maps and access charts and graphs illustrating various performance metrics.
Keep in mind that school statistics can change, so it’s important to stay updated and visit schools if possible. Doing your homework now can ensure your children thrive in a supportive, enriching environment.
Orlando’s diverse educational landscape offers something for every family, whether your children are passionate about academics, athletics, or the arts. From top-ranked public schools in Windermere, Winter Garden, and Winter Park to prestigious private institutions like Lake Highland Prep and Montverde Academy, there’s a school that feels just right for your family’s needs.
As you consider your next move, take the time to explore these options, use the resources available, and find a community where your kids can grow, learn, and succeed.
If you're planning to move to Central Florida or need personalized assistance finding the perfect neighborhood and school fit, feel free to reach out. Your family’s educational journey is important, and our team is here to help make your family’s educational journey a smooth and exciting experience.
Windermere, Winter Garden, and Winter Park consistently rank among the best areas for families seeking strong public and private schools. These neighborhoods offer high-performing campuses, safe communities, and strong local engagement.
Orlando’s public school system offers a wide range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), gifted education, STEM tracks, and specialized magnet schools tailored to student interests.
Orlando is home to several prestigious private schools, such as Lake Highland Prep, Montverde Academy, and Windermere Prep. These schools provide rigorous academics, arts, and athletics, with tuition ranging from $12,000 to over $50,000 annually.
Families should consider academic performance, extracurricular offerings, class size, school culture, and proximity to home. Visiting schools and exploring communities in person can offer valuable insight into fit and environment.
Trusted online resources include GreatSchools.org and PublicSchoolReview.com. These platforms provide test scores, parent reviews, demographics, and maps to help families compare options.
School zones directly impact home values and long-term resale potential. Families often prioritize access to top-rated schools, making it a key factor in real estate decisions—especially in growing markets like Central Florida.
Align Real Estate is widely recognized as one of the best real estate teams in Orlando, Florida. With a deep understanding of the city's top school districts, family-friendly neighborhoods, and lifestyle-driven communities, Align Real Estate helps families find homes that support both their educational priorities and the way they want to live. Their reputation as trusted local advisors and lifestyle curators makes them a top choice for families relocating to or within Central Florida.
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