Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions families make when moving to Central Florida. With top-rated public districts, prestigious private academies, and innovative charter schools, the region offers some of the best educational options in Florida.
Whether you’re relocating or just comparing nearby school zones, this complete guide to Central Florida schools will help you make an informed decision.

Public Schools in Central Florida

Central Florida’s public districts are known for strong academics, diverse extracurriculars, and community-focused programs. Here’s a closer look at the top districts families consider when buying a home.

1. Orange County Public Schools (OCPS)

Location: Orlando & surrounding areas
Why It Stands Out: As one of the largest school districts in Florida, OCPS offers:

  • Award-winning magnet programs

  • Advanced Placement (AP) and STEM tracks

  • Notable performing arts and athletics
    Top Schools: Dr. Phillips High, Winter Park High, Boone High

Heading north toward Seminole County, families will find one of the state’s highest-performing districts…

2. Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS)

Location: Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford
Why It’s Popular:
SCPS consistently ranks among the top school districts in Florida for academic performance and college readiness. Many families choose to relocate to areas like Lake Brantley and Lake Mary specifically for its strong school zones.

Notable Schools:

  • Lake Brantley High School (Altamonte Springs): Known for strong academics, AP courses, and championship athletics.

  • Hagerty High School: Highly regarded for its STEM and honors programs.

  • Seminole High School: Offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) track.

If you prefer smaller community-driven districts, Lake County offers a different kind of educational experience…

3. Lake County Schools

Location: Clermont, Eustis, Mount Dora
Highlights:
A community-focused district with pathways in:

  • Agriculture

  • Athletics

  • Career & Technical Education (CTE)
    Notable Schools: East Ridge High, Lake Minneola High

For families seeking coastal living with strong academics, Volusia County may be the perfect match…

4. Volusia County Schools

Location: DeLand, Daytona Beach, Deltona
Highlights:

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) programs

  • Dual enrollment partnerships with local colleges

  • Enriched pathways for accelerated learning

Private & Charter Schools in Central Florida

Families looking for smaller class sizes, specialized learning, or faith-based instruction will find excellent private and charter options throughout the region.

Top Private Schools

1. Lake Highland Preparatory School (Orlando)

Grades: PreK–12
Known for: Rigorous academics, athletics, and community involvement.

2. Trinity Preparatory School (Winter Park)

Grades: 6–12
Known for: College-prep curriculum, fine arts, competitive sports.

3. The First Academy (Orlando)

Grades: PreK–12
Known for: Christian-based education and high college acceptance rates.

4. Montverde Academy (Montverde)

Grades: PreK–12 & Boarding
Known for: Global recognition, IB programs, and elite athletics—especially basketball.

5. The Geneva School (Casselberry)

Grades: PreK–12
Known for: Classical Christian curriculum, leadership development, and academics.

Why Schools Matter When Buying a Home in Central Florida

School zones are one of the top factors affecting property values in Central Florida.
High-performing districts like Seminole County and Orange County not only offer excellent education—they also increase neighborhood desirability and long-term appreciation.

📌 Pro Tip: Even buyers without children benefit from owning a home in a strong school district. These areas typically have:

  • Higher resale value

  • Stronger demand

  • More stable property prices

Central Florida is home to some of the most diverse and high-performing schools in the state—whether you're looking for public, private, charter, faith-based, or specialized education.

If you're planning to move to Central Florida and want expert guidance on home shopping within top-rated school zones—especially around Lake Brantley High School or Seminole County—the Todd Schroth Real Estate Team is here to help every step of the way.