Summary:
Zip code 32829 in Orlando, Florida, is served by two public elementary schools, Vista Lakes Elementary and Hidden Oaks Elementary, both part of the Orange school district, which is rated 3 stars and ranked 30th out of 70 districts in Florida.
Hidden Oaks Elementary stands out as the top-performing school in the area, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 78th percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year. It has shown consistent improvement over the past three years, climbing from the 70th percentile. Its academic results are particularly strong, with 85% of 5th graders proficient in science—18 points above the district average—and 81% proficiency in both 3rd grade ELA and math. This school also spends more per student ($16,587) and has a slightly lower student-teacher ratio (13.4) compared to its counterpart. In contrast, Vista Lakes Elementary is a solid, above-average school with a 3-star rating and a 69th percentile rank, but its performance has declined from the 76th percentile the previous year. While Vista Lakes has lower chronic absenteeism (18.3% vs. 29.5%) and a lower percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch (34.81% vs. 43.67%), it trails Hidden Oaks in nearly every academic metric, including 5th grade science (73% vs. 85%) and 3rd grade ELA (67% vs. 81%).
A key takeaway is that Hidden Oaks Elementary achieves superior results despite facing greater socioeconomic challenges and higher absenteeism, suggesting its higher per-pupil spending and smaller class sizes may be effective. The most dramatic difference between the two schools is in 5th grade science, where Hidden Oaks’ 85% proficiency rate is a standout achievement compared to the district (67%) and state (60%). For parents in this zip code, Hidden Oaks offers a compelling high-value option with a strong upward trajectory, while Vista Lakes remains a stable choice with lower absenteeism.
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