Summary:
Zip code 34786 in Windermere, FL, is served by two public middle schools, Horizon West Middle and Gotha Middle, both part of the Orange school district, which holds a 3-star rating.
Horizon West Middle is the standout school in the area, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 75th percentile statewide (308 out of 1,216). It significantly outperforms Gotha Middle (3-star, 58th percentile) in nearly every academic metric. For example, Horizon West’s average math proficiency across grades 6-8 is 70.7%, compared to 50.7% at Gotha. The most striking difference is in advanced math: 100% of Horizon West students taking the Geometry EOC were proficient, and 96% were proficient in Algebra 1, far exceeding district and state averages. In contrast, Gotha Middle struggles significantly with a "7th grade math slump," where only 20% of its 7th graders were proficient in math, a 33-point gap from the state average. Despite Gotha spending $1,217 more per student ($10,716 vs. $9,499), its academic outcomes are notably lower, suggesting Horizon West operates with greater efficiency.
Both schools face challenges with chronic absenteeism, with rates at or above the state average of 31.4% (Horizon West at 35.0%, Gotha at 29.1%). Socioeconomic factors also differ, with Horizon West having a free/reduced lunch rate of 15.68% compared to Gotha’s 36.84%. Overall, Horizon West Middle is a top-tier choice for families seeking strong academics and advanced math opportunities, while Gotha Middle offers a solid, average-performing option with specific areas needing improvement, particularly in 7th-grade math.
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