Windermere High School

5523 Winter Garden Vineland Road

School District

Orange County Public Schools
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Orange County Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by student on October 20, 2024

great school with a ton of great classes and teachers
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2024

Where do I begin?Our daughter attended Windermere High School for two years, but we had to transfer her due to extensive bullying by both students and staff. Despite repeatedly reaching out to administration for help, nothing was done. The threats persisted, leading us to meet with the principal, Mr. Leftakis. Unfortunately, this meeting proved to be a waste of time, as he continued to protect the aggressive students without holding them accountable.Although Orange County claims to have a zero-tolerance policy, Windermere High seems to only protect students when there’s something in it for them. It was discussed amongst parents that coaches and administration were being compensated by certain families...The students who bullied our daughter were continuously recognized athletes in yearbooks and social media.Terrible environment. Avoid this school. Protect your kids!
Submitted by student on April 26, 2023

As a sophomore at this high school, I have had a pretty good overall experience thus far. The environment is pleasant and clean, and most of the staff is "chill" and friendly. It's worth mentioning that the principal, Andrew Leftakis, is one of the coolest I've met. He interacts with the students a lot and brings positive energy to the school.Regarding my ratings, I've given careful consideration to each category. When it comes to learning, there will always be students who aren't interested or engaged. However, I've met a handful of students in this school who are dedicated to learning and are performing exceptionally well academically. While I cannot speak for the rest of the student body, my experience with students in advanced classes has been positive.Regarding teaching, I can only speak to my experience with the core class teachers. In my two years at this school, all of my core class teachers have been enthusiastic about teaching and have shown a genuine interest in their students' success. However, this hasn't always been the case with elective classes, which is why I gave the "Teaching" score less than perfect. Because elective classes are considered less important than core classes, I've noticed that some teachers don't seem to care as much. They're still respectful and friendly, but they don't have the same level of investment in the class. Whether this is good or bad is up to personal interpretation.In terms of social-emotional support, I don't have any personal experience with this. However, I've heard positive feedback from friends and my significant other about the supportive counselors and staff at the SAFE (Student Assistance and Family Empowerment) office. The students themselves also deserve recognition for being supportive and helpful, especially in clubs designed to provide support.When it comes to special education, this school does an excellent job of assisting students with disabilities. They offer a range of fun and engaging activities and programs for these students.I feel safe at this school. Commotions are rare; the school has a good safety record.Finally, Windermere High School places a strong emphasis on involving parents in their students' academic life. Parents have access to their child's Canvas account, where all assignments are posted, as well as their grade book. In addition, the school provides support to families who may be struggling financially, including the provision of free lunch to eligible students.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2022

I've been consistently disappointed by this school. About 3 years ago I used to be an OCPS Substitute teacher and this school was one of my favorites. They were polite and highly organized. My daughter had to transfer into this school and it's been nothing but an unprofessional and incompetent experience. From the first email to registration to the transition of a new school. I am fortunate enough to experience what this school's standards were like 3 years ago and can confidently say its abysmal.
Submitted by student on January 07, 2022

the teachers are good, your experience imo is affected a lot by the groups you hangout with but i’ve only had good experiences with the students and teachers. majority of admin is great and have been nothing but welcoming, attentive and kind. they have always offered me help with teachers and my IEP/504 plan and assured me there offices are always a safe space that i can come to whenever i need to. the IEP/504 coordinator and entire IEP/504 team is amazing and have always expressed care for my education and future, the meetings are so helpful and everyone has said i can come to any of them if i need help with any and everything.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2021

BEST FLORIDA SCHOOL EVER AND AROUND THE US
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2021

Terrible. So disappointed. We heard this was the best high school in Orange County. That doesn't say much about Orange County Schools. Some of the most mediocre in Florida, and the schools here are not a selling point. If you come from up North, expect your child's education to suffer unless you do private school. Teachers are pretty good, but administration does not care. Very disorganized, guidance doesn't return calls, and the schools has gone through 4 varsity football coaches in 4 years. Way too big and overcrowded. The IEP director doesn't even remember your kid's name, much less make sure his plan is being followed. Don't move to Orange County unless you are childless or your kids are grown! If you must move to Orlando, move to Seminole County! Ranked much higher than Orange. I wish people had warned us.
Submitted by student on February 17, 2021

I have been waiting 3 years for my 504 program to be accepted? Or what approved I don’t even know But this program is SO important for me a student with ADHD depression and anxiety of a Latin background this program allows me to have more time on harder assignments and have my teachers know more about me as well for colleges too, basically let’s them know I need a little more of a push that other students, I go to the office and get ignored. Once you attend this school you notice the modern racism and conservatism it holds. They’re not very helpful with college either they push students to go to Valencia or do absolutely nothing with their lives. They give more busy work than any work that matters and I can assure you more than 60% of the students in this school are sleep deprived, anxious and depressed.This school has had way to many scandals and I don’t know how it still hasn’t been sued
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2020

Extremely satisfied! Windermere is a clean safe learning environment where young adults are prepared for college or the work force by educators who care and are involved every step of the way. Although it’s a large campus and student body my child feels valued and supported.