If you’re moving your family near Disney World, the parks might be what caught your heart…
but schools are what shape your everyday life.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to understand the school options here… you’re not alone.
Every week, I talk to parents who feel exactly the same way:

“How do school zones work?”
“Which neighborhoods feed into which schools?”
“Is it complicated?”
“Will my kids adjust?”

You deserve clarity, calm, and straightforward information…without jargon or pressure.
So here it is: a simple, factual guide to the public, charter, and private school options in the communities closest to Walt Disney World.

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📘 How School Zones Work in Florida (Explained Simply)

Before we look at schools near Disney, here’s the quick, parent-friendly version of how Florida organizes public education.

1. Zoned Public Schools

Your home address determines your assigned elementary, middle and high school.
These zones are set by the district (Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk).

2. “Choice” Schools

In some cases, parents can apply for magnet or specialized programs outside their zoned school.
Availability varies and often depends on space.

3. Charter Schools

Publicly funded, independently operated schools.
They are tuition-free and open to applications, usually via lottery.

4. Private Schools

Tuition-based institutions with various specialties (college prep, faith-based, Montessori, etc.)

Important Note

School boundaries can and do change especially in fast-growing areas around the Disney corridor.
Always double-check zoning when choosing a home.

Now let’s look at the actual schools serving families who live closest to Disney.

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🏘️ Elementary, Middle & High Schools Near Disney (By Neighborhood)

No ratings. No rankings. Just accurate listings.

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🌳 WINTER GARDEN (including parts of Horizon West)

Elementary Schools

• Water Spring Elementary
• Whispering Oak Elementary
• Keene’s Crossing Elementary
• Hamlin Elementary (near Hamlin Town Center)
• Waterleigh Elementary (newer area, when applicable depending on zoning year)

Middle Schools

• Bridgewater Middle
• Water Spring Middle
• Hamlin Middle (newer facility serving Horizon West)

High Schools

• Horizon High School
• Windermere High School (serves some Winter Garden neighborhoods depending on zone)

Winter Garden / Horizon West is one of the fastest-growing family corridors in Florida, which is why you’ll see new schools open or zones adjust every few years.

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🧡 HORIZON WEST (Hamlin, Lakeside Village, Waterleigh area)

Most Horizon West students attend the Winter Garden schools listed above, but commonly zoned schools include:

Elementary

• Hamlin Elementary
• Water Spring Elementary
• Whispering Oak Elementary (some zones)

Middle

• Bridgewater Middle
• Water Spring Middle
• Hamlin Middle

High

• Horizon High
• Windermere High (depending on neighborhood)

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🎠 CELEBRATION

Celebration is part of Osceola County.

Celebration K–8 School

A single campus serving Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Celebration High School

Serves Celebration and surrounding parts of Osceola County.

Celebration’s walkability and tight-knit feel make it a favorite for families wanting a small-town experience near the parks.

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🌴 WINDERMERE

Elementary Schools

• Windermere Elementary
• Bay Lake Elementary (serves areas near Windermere/Dr. Phillips border)

Middle Schools

• Gotha Middle
• Bridgewater Middle (depending on the zone)

High Schools

• Windermere High
• Olympia High (in nearby Dr. Phillips, depending on address)

Windermere’s established neighborhoods and lake-chain setting make it popular for families seeking stability and shade.

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🍽️ DR. PHILLIPS

Elementary Schools

• Dr. Phillips Elementary
• Bay Meadows Elementary

Middle Schools

• Southwest Middle School

High School

• Dr. Phillips High School

Dr. Phillips is centrally located with excellent proximity to Orlando hotspots.

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🏙️ LAKE NONA

Elementary

• Laureate Park Elementary
• NorthLake Park Community School

Middle

• Lake Nona Middle School

High

• Lake Nona High School

Lake Nona is one of Central Florida’s most modern, thoughtfully planned communities.

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🌅 KISSIMMEE / FOUR CORNERS / DAVENPORT

These areas sit across Osceola, Polk, and Lake County, so zoning varies more widely.

Elementary / K–8 Schools

• Westside K–8
• Four Corners Charter (K–8)
• Citrus Ridge Academy (K–8)

Middle Schools

• Horizon Middle School
• Boone Middle (depends on address)

High Schools

• Poinciana High
• Liberty High
• Davenport High (depending on zone)

Always verify zoning here the region grows quickly and assignments shift.

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🎒 Charter & Private Schools Near Disney (Factual Listing Only)

Private Schools

• Windermere Preparatory School (Windermere)
• Foundation Academy (Winter Garden)
• Montverde Academy (Montverde, near Winter Garden/Windermere commuters)
• The First Academy (Orlando)
• Holy Family Catholic School (Dr. Phillips)
• The Master’s Academy (closer to Lake Mary but chosen by some families)

Charter Schools

• Innovation Montessori Ocoee
• Orlando Science Charter Schools
• Four Corners Charter School
• BridgePrep Academy (various campuses)

These are simply options…families choose them based on convenience, philosophy and fit.

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🏀 After-School & Family Resources Locals Actually Use

YMCA of Central Florida

Sports, swim lessons, camps, after-school programs.

Winter Garden Little League

A major community hub for families.

Horizon West Soccer / i9 Sports

Youth leagues that operate across multiple neighborhoods.

Local Public Libraries

Tutoring help, quiet study spaces, activities and coding clubs.

Recreation Centers & Parks

• Dr. Phillips Community Park
• Horizon West Regional Park
• Celebration Community Field Complex

These areas offer playgrounds, courts, trails, splash pads and more.

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🌟 How Families Choose the Right Neighborhood for Schools

Here’s the process I guide relocating families through:

1. Identify the lifestyle you want

Suburban? Walkable? Active? Quiet? Master-planned? Lakefront?

2. Determine the school zoning for homes you’re considering

Because zones can shift, this is a crucial step.

3. Consider commute patterns

Your daily schedule matters: work, extracurriculars, school start times.

4. Look at community amenities

Trails. Parks. Pools. Clubs. After-school programs.

5. Choose a home that supports your whole family

Not just academics but routine, connection, balance and happiness.

As your relocation agent, this is where I take a ton of stress off your plate.

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✨ Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just Picking a School — You’re Building a Life

Moving to the Disney area is exciting, but choosing the right community for your family can feel big.
You don’t have to do it alone.

This is what I do every day…helping families move confidently, clearly and with joy.

👉 Schedule your Disney Bubble Relocation Strategy Call
Let’s match your family with the neighborhood, school zone and lifestyle that truly fits.