Whispering Oak Elementary

Whispering Oak Elementary in Winter Garden, FL, is a high-performing school serving 774 students in grades PK through 5 within the Orange district, and it has earned a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger every year since 2015-2016, consistently ranking in the top 6% of all Florida elementary schools.

Whispering Oak stands out for its exceptional academic results, particularly in science and math. In the 2025-2026 school year, 89% of 5th graders were proficient in science, far exceeding the district average of 67% and the state average of 60%, and this performance is consistently higher than nearby top schools like Hamlin Elementary (87%) and Keenes Crossing Elementary (89%). The school also shows a particular strength in 4th-grade math, with 90% proficiency in 2025-2026, tying for the highest among its immediate peers. This academic excellence is achieved with a moderate budget of $11,956 per student, which is less than what some lower-performing nearby schools spend, such as William S Maxey Elementary ($13,349) and Lake Whitney Elementary ($12,521), suggesting efficient resource use.

Another key differentiator is the school's strong and improving school culture, reflected in its low chronic absenteeism rate. After a post-pandemic high of 25.1% in 2021-2022, the rate dropped to 11.4% in 2023-2024—a 54% reduction in just two years—and is well below the district average of 35.2%. This rapid improvement indicates a supportive environment that successfully re-engages students. While Whispering Oak is surrounded by other high-performing schools like Windermere Elementary and Independence Elementary, its long-term consistency and recovery from pandemic disruptions make it a standout choice for families seeking a stable, top-tier education.