2021 Best Public High Schools in the Orlando Area

About this List

The 2021 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Schools

111 results

Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
6-12
Rating 4.26 out of 5 172 reviews
#1 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Parent: An amazing school with teachers and staff that truly cares about the safety, well-being, character, and success of each student. With daily personal interaction, your child is no longer just a number on a roster - they’re treated with respect and given appropriate boundaries that are truly enforced! I love the zero-tolerance anti-bullying and uniform policies as they allow the students to focus on academics rather than societal constraints and judgements. The students are truly driven and want to excel and succeed - aside from the stupendous leadership from the school, it’s the students that make it feel like a family. They’re creative, intelligent, and are given the freedom to become critical thinkers in a world where we are desperate need of more problem-solvers. The school challenges them to be the best that they can be and accepts them for who they are - it’s just an all around amazing organization!
Read 172 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,090 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Winter Park High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.84 out of 5 668 reviews
#2 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Alum: I made lifelong friends at Winter Park High School, while getting a high school education from an A+ school that prepared me as a well rounded student going into college. I took AP classes, along with multiple art and science classes. Winter Park High School is known for their high level sports teams which helped students play at the collegiate level like I did. Winter Park felt like a community and everyone went out to support each other at all of the different events going on. All of the teachers were very knowledgeable and cared about each individual student. The administrators were extremely nice and would help out in any way they could and made sure that our high school experience was enjoyable. I will always remember high school as such a positive and fun time while getting an amazing education. I am forever grateful for Winter Park High School and still go back to this day to visit my teachers, administrators, police officers, and coaches!
Read 668 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,355 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oviedo High School
Seminole County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 4.09 out of 5 464 reviews
#3 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: Oviedo High School is full to the brim with opportunities - there are at least 30 AP classes available (which can take care of college credits!), competitive sports teams that can help earn you scholarships to college, after-school clubs to get involved with the community and the environment, and teachers and staff that are willing and happy to help.
It is obvious that OHS wants students to exceed. They have implemented after-school tutoring and teachers allow students to come in before or after school if they have questions or need help.
Financially, OHS is also a good choice - in Seminole County Public Schools, the PSAT/SAT and AP exams are free, granted you take them. This is an amazing opportunity, considering how costly testing can be.
The counselors are very supportive and extremely helpful - if you ever need help with transcripts or essays, they are your go-to!
The only complaint I have is about the cleanliness of the school and the lack of toilet paper in the bathrooms. :(
Read 464 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
2,467 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Timber Creek High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.89 out of 5 1,225 reviews
#4 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Alum: I throughly enjoyed spending my 4 years of high school at Timber Creek. I was apart of the Varsity soccer team, was a participating member in the Spanish National Honors Society, and was a member of the Sports Medicine Club. The love and joy I felt during my time there, especially my senior year was unconditional. All of the teachers and staff care about every student and want nothing more than to keep them safe and happy. With such a good record thus far since their opening in 2001, I see Timber Creek continuing on this path of success and superiority. Go Wolves!
Read 1,225 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
3,476 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Osceola County School for the Arts
Osceola County School District, FL
6-12
Rating 3.82 out of 5 391 reviews
#5 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Alum: My experience at OCSA was everything but what I expected a high school to be like! There was so much diversity in peoples personality and characters. It was very refreshing, and you never felt like an outsider, because everyone was as quirky as you. The activities at the school were always fantastic and the staff were truly involved and so helpful and encouraging to the students. In my opinion, there wasn't really anything I would want to change about the school, other than maybe suggest they have more school activities!
Read 391 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
942 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Olympia High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.86 out of 5 752 reviews
#6 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: I went to Olympia High School from my junior year as a transfer student from Lake Mary High School in Seminole County. Olympia High School gives you a free school laptop, and many assignments are done by a computer. Teachers are also helpful. You can easily reach out to the guidance counselor and talk about future paths and any concerns that you possess. School lunch is also a satisfactory quality. Classrooms and the campus are well-organized that you can tell where the classroom is located just by looking at the classroom number. I found this unique to some other schools and you will not experience a hard time looking for the new classes, especially if you are new to this school.
I would politely seek for one change in this school. Most teachers are helpful and polite, but there are a few teachers that use swearing words. Some teachers aren't helpful. Please be aware of the reputation of the teachers and try to consider asking the counselor if you could make changes to your schedule.
Read 752 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
3,266 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Hagerty High School
Seminole County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.87 out of 5 596 reviews
#7 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Alum: My experience at Hagerty high school was very normal. Nothing big happened. Most of the teachers care about their students and it's easy to be their friend. Academics definitely put you in a good place for college, all the top 10% of my graduating year got invited/accepted into the honor colleges at schools they went to, or just went to really hard schools. Definitely not a bad place to send your kid to!
Read 596 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
2,417 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Boone High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.88 out of 5 614 reviews
#8 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: The school itself is very good academic wise. It offers great courses with mostly well-trained teachers. The teachers themselves do care about how the student is, but there are a few who disregard that students have things they are obligated to do outside of school. The administration is average, they do their best, but their best isn't even that good. Sports is a huge part of the culture and is mostly seen in the fall season, but after football sports and school culture dies down by a lot. The school needs to work more on speaking to its students on what they want out of teachers and admin. There is a lack of communication and execution.
Read 614 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
2,874 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lake Mary High School
Seminole County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.91 out of 5 527 reviews
#9 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: Lake Mary offers great academics with many AP classes, and the majority of its teachers are extremely helpful and passionate about their teaching subject. As a senior leaving the school soon, I will miss the sense of outstanding school spirit at Lake Mary. One of the few negatives about Lake Mary for me was the school’s drug problem (which is probably similar to many other public high schools in the area, but as I don’t attend those schools, or have social media to learn what happens at other schools, I probably wouldn’t be the most reliable person to comment on this issue). Overall, though, the student body is friendly, and respectable. You will find at least one club (there are too many to count!) or sport where you are happy and feel welcomed, even if you’re shy and somewhat awkward (like me). The school also is making strides in improving mental health services, which may not seem too important, but is actually very relevant to teenage well-being.
Read 527 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
2,913 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Spruce Creek High School
Volusia County Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.83 out of 5 730 reviews
#10 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: I've been going to spruce Creek High School for my senior year and by far compared to all the other high school I went to, it was the best! The teachers are willing to help in anyway possible with an situation. Spruce Creek High School makes you feel safe. The Academic program is honestly the best part of the school, besides their athletic program. They offer many acceled course and have an outstanding IB program that ensure students sucess rate. They offer many other program such as the Finance Academy, AVID, and many more! The athletic department is trulty amazing, they offer various sports from footbal to weightligting.This is the perfect school for incoming freshman to transfer students. There is a club, organization, or sport for everyone and your opinion and presenence is welcome. The student are extremely friendly and will become some of your friends you cherise for a lifetime. The location of the school is also amazing, has various fast food place to eat at during school.
Read 730 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
2,567 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Seminole High School
Seminole County Public Schools, FL
PK, 9-12
Rating 3.93 out of 5 954 reviews
#11 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: What I love most about Seminole High School is it’s diversity and abundance of great teachers and staff. I have never once felt like there wasn’t someone I could talk to or count on, given there will always be someone willing to support you and listen when needed. I have created wonderful relationships with teachers and friends that I know will last a lifetime, and I’m so sad my years here are over!
Read 954 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
3,812 Students
24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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West Orange High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.81 out of 5 819 reviews
#12 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: As of September 6th, I started my final year of high school at West Orange and I couldn't ask for a better student body. West Orange is known for it's strong music and arts program, specifically for it's national award winning band and high ranked choirs. The theatre program at WOHS works hard throughout the school year to put on amazing and prestigious shows. The Marching Band works through the summer to put on a great halftime performance and support the West Orange community for special events such as the St. Patricks Day Parade. Not to mention, the class of 2020 has been a great class of kids to spend the past 13 years with. WO town better than yo town!
Read 819 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
2,448 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Crooms Academy of Information Technology
Seminole County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.93 out of 5 149 reviews
#13 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Sophomore: This school is overall a great choice! They are really being on college readiness with their A.A. program which allows you to obtain an Associate's in Arts degree in your last two years. Plus all the technology industry certifications I really feel like they are setting me up for success after graduating. Even though their sports teams at the time are somewhat disappointing, which i feel has a direct impact on the low school spirit.
Read 149 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
685 Students
27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dr. Phillips High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
PK, 9-12
Rating 3.85 out of 5 1,123 reviews
#14 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Alum: The teachers I had were excellent and very kind and attentive. They pushed me to succeed. They wanted the best for me and be the best I can be. The school had a large range of classes and resources. I had many options when it came to clubs and activities. I met a lot of other students from many different backgrounds and lifestyles. The campus was very large and wide like a small community college. They offer a large amount of sports for many different kinds of people. They have football, soccer, baseball, bowling, swimming, golf, and many more!
Read 1,123 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
3,878 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lake Brantley High School
Seminole County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.76 out of 5 666 reviews
#15 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: In my experience at Lake Brantley Highschool I've enjoyed many things. For instance, in all of my years here I've been involved in my school's marching and concert band. While in this band I have felt like I was a part of one big happy family. The other members in band never exclude you out of anything and they make you feel welcome no matter what. The only problem I have with the school is the fact that my guidance counselor wasn't very organized and whenever I needed something changed they would give every excuse in the world as to why it couldn't be done. Because of this my parents would have to reach out to someone in a higher position to get it done, and it the task would be completed in no time at all. But overall I believe that the school is great!
Read 666 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
2,685 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lake Minneola High School
Lake County Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 4.03 out of 5 287 reviews
#16 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Sophomore: Lake Minneola High School has been my home for the shorter part of two years, and I have fairly enjoyed being a student there. The athletics teams are amazing and dedicated to their sports and the school has a plethora of courses available. I have learned so much from my teachers and peers that I never thought about prior, and the staff is (for the most part) friendly and dedicated as well. I did have one AP class that I didn't get much out of and the teacher was essentially a glorified substitute with no intention of inspiring her students. When I was at school I felt safe, secure, and needed by my peers. Vending machines make it easy to get a "desperately needed" snack between classes, and the courses offered are challenging but not anything impossibly difficult.
Read 287 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
1,728 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Celebration High School
Osceola County School District, FL
9-12
Rating 3.81 out of 5 601 reviews
#17 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: Celebration High School is a school where everyone is welcome from all shapes and sizes. With our outstanding academics, sports, clubs, and arts programs, there is something for everyone to do. As an IB student at CHS, not only were the teachers so helpful and compassionate, they also taught us how to be good speakers, good listeners, and great friends. At CHS, I am a part of the Quiz Bowl team, TSA, Choir, and Marching Band. However we have so many more clubs to choose from, including clubs that promote diversity such as the Gay Straight Alliance and Muslim Students United, to clubs that are centered around the same hobbies, such as the K-POP club and Smash Club! My experience at CHS was truly extraordinary. I met new people, made new friends, and found interest in what I never thought I’d find an interest in (playing marimba for the school marching band!). I am grateful to be a part of this school and so glad I left many legacies as well. Go Storm!
Read 601 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
2,663 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Professional & Technical High School
Osceola County School District, FL
9-12
Rating 3.78 out of 5 304 reviews
#18 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Sophomore: If you are looking for accelerated course of work and a tight-knit community of students, I think PATHS is for you. Some things to know: this school has a block schedule, meaning you have 4 classes each semester, and consequentially a fast-paced environment. This also allows the opportunity for dual enrollment at Valencia College and or the OTech program requirement to graduate PATHS. So, you can work towards your A.A. AND a technical program at the same time if you are willing to put in the effort. There's always a handful of students that earn their A.A. so if you are competitive, there is like-minded students here. Although, you no longer have to take an exam to enroll, so there's people who don't care about school. The teachers are going to push you to do your best. Because it is a small school with no sports (apply to zoned school), there isn't much school spirit. There also is not many electives or AP classes, but consider you can dual enroll.
Read 304 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
515 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lake Nona High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.7 out of 5 736 reviews
#19 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Junior: I personally really like Lake Nona High. I know a lot of people who feel differently but I love it. I really like the opportunities that the school gives students so they can just improve and be able to succeed in school. They give us a lot of information and tools when it comes to being prepared for college and such. They have multiple summer (4-5 days long) programs on preparing students for classes you’ll take in the upcoming year, and one for rising seniors to help them prepare for college applications. One thing that I don’t like that much is that there are some teachers who can be very inconsiderate of students. Like, some teachers are really supportive and really good at interacting with students whereas other teachers are completely opposite.
Read 736 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
3,266 Students
24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lyman High School
Seminole County Public Schools, FL
PK, 9-12
Rating 3.7 out of 5 688 reviews
#20 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Sophomore: My experience has been great! I love that the school is very involved with us students. They always know how to set up days for us to dress up or to do something fun in the school overall. The teachers and staff are very respectful. the lunch ladies are such sweethearts. The students overall are pretty nice. The school overall is just very fun, their teachers are very good at their teaching. They help us when we are in need. If you ever need anything or if you are going through something the school always finds ways to help. The officers there are very nice and respectful. With the officers in my school, I do feel safe. We do drills every month so we can practice and stay safe. Overall Lyman High is a very great school and I do recommend people to go there.
Read 688 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
2,341 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Windermere High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 4.09 out of 5 127 reviews
#21 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Parent: WHS is an amazing school with some great programs! Most of the teachers are awesome and really work with these kids. We have been some what disappointed during covid that our school has cancelled many things other schools haven’t, but I am sure they are just trying to be extra cautious.
Read 127 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
2,776 Students
— Student-Teacher Ratio
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East Ridge High School
Lake County Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.53 out of 5 682 reviews
#22 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Junior: East Ridge is a very great school and it made me love going to school eat day. As a student athlete I loved playing sports with amazing people and being apart of many different clubs. Being involved really helped me in school because I knew a lot of great people. It is a very nice environment and all of my teachers were so kind, and respectful. I learned a lot at East Ridge and it has a huge impact on my life. Lunch is actually goof, and you get a variety. Most of the administrators are very nice and understanding. Girls sports definitely dominate at the school, and I can say I was apart of two. I never experienced any bullying and met my best friends there!
Read 682 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
2,502 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Freedom High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.86 out of 5 929 reviews
#23 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: I like Freedom High School because the school offers over 50 different clubs so there is something for everyone to try. Every year, the school hosts a multicultural night after school to help the clubs raise money. Each club gets to pick a country and sell food corresponding to what country you choose. Students, Parents and faculty members can try food from all over the world. This is a great way to express diversity and different cultures. Along with a lot of clubs, the school offers a wide range of sports that boys and girls can try out for every year. We have sports like basketball and baseball but, we also have a bowling team and wrestling. During football games, the bands play loud and cheerleaders are doing their routine yelling “go team” to hype up the team and get the people in the bleachers on their feet cheering for the team. Our school has a lot of school sprit and before homecoming game we have spirit week. The students have a lot of fun here!
Read 929 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
3,990 Students
22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cornerstone Charter Academy High School
Orange County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.87 out of 5 84 reviews
#24 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Senior: Located in the heart of Bell Isle, FL, Cornerstone Charter Academy is a wonderful school to make friends, have fun, and most importantly learn! From grades K-12, the school environment provides a welcoming atmosphere to all students. Cornerstone's uniform policy creates a sense of resemblance between everybody and limits any acts of conflict and bullying on campus. Cornerstone is also a small school, making it easier to get to know everyone. Cornerstone's safety measures are greatly enforced. Steel fencing shields the campus perimeter, cameras secure the hallways, and the guard and Bell Isle police make sure every student gets home safe. Lastly, Cornerstone is all about school spirit! Activities like basketball, arts, football, and much more is available at CCA! Parent's are always involved in school activities and greatly contribute to school as a whole. Overall, school spirit is what it comes down and the colors of blue and green shape the identity of Cornerstone. Go Ducks!
Read 84 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
478 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Winter Springs High School
Seminole County Public Schools, FL
9-12
Rating 3.59 out of 5 575 reviews
#25 Best Public High Schools in Orlando Area
Junior: I love Winter Springs High, and all of the spirit that it has expressed these past couple years. I appreciate the curriculum, the teachers and staff, and the safety of the campus. However, I do wish that, upon seeking guidance, my queries would actually be answered instead of being directed to a website to look at on my own time. As an AP student I have experienced a great desire to attend college and I feel like my teachers have helped me far more than administration has.
Another great thing about WSHS though is the Horticulture program, which prepares students for real jobs in the Horticulture/Agriculture Industy. The language programs are excellent, and our thespian troup always outdoes itself. Not to mention we have the greatest band in all of Florida.
Go bears!
Read 575 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
2,036 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bullis School
Private School
Potomac, MD
K-12
Rating 4.22 out of 5 89 reviews
Works Here: Bullis is amazing! I am so impressed with the curriculum. Teachers challenge students academically, yet they incorporate a joyful hands-on learning experience. The enriching opportunities are endless in academics, arts, athletics, and service, which provides a well-rounded education and cultivates respect for others, confidence, and the joy of discovery. Faculty, students, and parents are incredibly welcoming and friendly. I grew up in the DC area and assumed a different experience. However, the modern-day folklore that lingers — nothing could be further from the truth! Everyone I've met is genuinely kind, caring, and helpful. I am thrilled to be a part of the Bullis community.
Read 89 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
828 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Roanoke Catholic School
Private School
Roanoke, VA
PK, K-12
Rating 4.1 out of 5 71 reviews
Parent: When making the decision to switch my daughter to Roanoke Catholic after being in the public school system through seventh grade, I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on our family. The transition has been amazing! My daughter has been welcomed and immediately became valued. To quote my daughter (14 yrs old), "Mom, it's just a great learning environment". I could not be any happier with our decision. I only wish I had made the transition earlier. Roanoke Catholic School has become a haven for us during this challenging time of Covid. The faculty and staff put the health, safety, and education of the children first. I'm proud to say that my daughter and I are members of the RCS family. I look forward to her finishing her upper school years at Roanoke Catholic School!
Read 71 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
460 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Geneva School
Private School
Winter Park, FL
PK, K-12
Rating 4.48 out of 5 84 reviews
Senior: I have attended the Geneva School since my sixth grade year. The welcoming loving environment was clear to me even on my first day. The teachers genuinely care about not only your academic success but also your overall wellbeing. Because it is a Christian school, the teachers incorporate their faith into the curriculum in each class. Among the students, there is a community that not only accepts and involves everyone, but also seeks to create lasting and meaningful relationships with their classmates. The academics are definitely challenging, but the teachers prepare you well for all tests and assessments. The curriculum is designed in such a way that you are set up for success, but it still stretches you and makes you think and consider big questions. The campus itself is beautiful and full of all kinds of amenities and sports fields. As I anticipate leaving my seven years at this school, I feel that I am extremely well prepared for my coming years in college.
Read 84 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
536 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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