[stevemich]

I'm relocating to central Florida from Michigan for a job.
All I've heard about the schools there has been negative. Does anyone know where there are good public schools in the area? I'm looking right now at Clermont, and maybe Oviedo, as those two have a few schools with decent test scores and also have reasonable home prices. I'm also a bit scared of the Orlando area in general because of the many college kids and apparent high crime rates? I have three kids, two are in elementary school now. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[House4Sale]

Iydyllic and woodsy yet not far from Veteran's hwy, schools, Wal-Mart, restaurants etc. Great for families. We like it!

[cotero@pasco.k12.fl.us]

I moved to West Central Florida in August of 1989 with 3 years of teaching experience from Wisconsin... and I still love it. My 5 year old attends kindergarten at one of our public schools here in Pasco County as well.

You can check out our district website at: http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us
It contains a lot of information and links to all of the various schools and programs.

Best of everything! Cheryl

[leroy]

I moved to North Port Fl. for several reasons, one being that I had a son in the 10th grade and was looking for a good school system. We found one in the Sarasota County system. If you are looking for a good place to raise kids, research North Port. Start at cityofnorthport.com

Jim

[stevemich]

Thanks everyone for the information.
I'm actually going to be working in the Orlando area; is that considered central Florida? Anyway, I need to find some good schools within an hour of Orlando. I appreciate everyone's input!

[House4Sale]

This is when the internet works for the good of mankind. Best wishes in your hunt for a happy home!

[Prichard]

These are the "Good Schools" in the Orlando Area:

South Orlando - Dr. Philips High School; Celebration schools; Olympia High School

Oviedo, Winter Springs: Winter Springs High School, Oviedo High School, (Lake Howel High School is "ok"), Keith Elementary; Rainbow Elementary; All of the middle schools are good in this area

Longwood: Lake Brantley High school
Lake Mary: Lake Mary High School
Winter Park: Winter Park High School

[momandmore]

I am originally from up North and I know what you are hearing about the Public Schools in Florida. Generally speaking, the public schools in Florida are definitely behind on a national level. When we forst moved here, my son was starting 1st grade. Not only was he the youngest in the class (5), he had been reading for quite some time. So, to say the least he appeared to be a genius compared to children who were already 6 and struggling to read a few lines. Florida's education system is seriously lacking. This is something you should consider heavily. It won't be a big deal when they are taking the FCAT (standardized test) which by the way only ranks the students against other students in the state (how idiotic). However, when they apply to colleges outside of Florida, they are competing against children from across the US. I have chosen to put my kids in private schools for a more challenging curriculum.

I currently live in Oviedo, which has A rated schools (whatever you want to take that to mean ) Very very low crime. Small town feel. Once your family plugs in you'll see the same people all the time and make great friendships. It's a very nice suburb if Orlando and the median income is at 50 -60K right now. You have both working class and those that are more well off. Taxes are high. Very conservative and family friendly area to live. If you want to be out of the UCF area (college kids), stay clear of Alafaya Trail past McCullough. Oviedo is about 25-30 minutes from Downtown Orlando via the 417 (greenway) & 408---these are both toll roads. What's great is you never have to take I-4, which every toll I pay is well worth it for that reason. Winter Springs is virtually the same, however there is a part of winter Springs near Longwood, which is not so great. If you choose Winter Springs, try to stay between Tuskawilla Road 419/ Broadway(are between Red Bug & SR 434). Those are the best parts of Winter Springs.

I hope this helps you and best wishes on your move.

[momandmore]

The Orlando area (including Seminole, Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Lake, Volusia and Polk counties) is considered Central Florida.

[FL_TN_Nana]

Steve,

The elementary & middle schools in the Clermont area are rated A's if you avoid the Mascotte area; the High Schools C's. The area is growing by leaps and bounds and the traffic has certainly worsened over the past several years. I think most of the working people in South Lake Co. do drive to Orlando every day to work. From Clermont it is fairly easy to get on the turnpike and head for Orlando - although the traffic is bad between say SR50/US27 and the TP. Then there's the E/W expressway off the turnpike to take you to downtown Orlando. Both are toll roads, but worth it! Housing costs have leveled out and even dropped some since 6 months ago. Cost of living here is reasonable although insurances have risen since the hurricanes. Taxes are generally low in Florida. You need to make a trip down and just look the Clermont area over. I think you may be pleased when compared to some other areas. Unfortunately, where we used to have orange groves, we have rooftops. But then I moved from Orlando to So. Clermont (about 30 miles) 14 years ago so I can't exactly yell about everybody else moving here too! Oh...the crime rate in Orlando (the city) has skyrocketed this year. But most of it has been in the usual high crime/drug infested areas -- we all know where they are and avoid those areas! There's some crime everywhere but it's not like we have to live with bars on our windows. Good luck!