June 12, 2026· By Ryan Solberg
Schools in Dr. Phillips: Complete Elementary, Middle & High School Guide 2026
Dr. Phillips is home to one of Orange County's premier high schools and several A-rated elementary schools. Here's the complete school breakdown by zone, plus which neighborhoods feed which schools.
School choice is the #1 factor families use when deciding where to live in Dr. Phillips.
And for good reason: Dr. Phillips High School is one of Orange County's best, with an A rating, multiple magnet programs, and strong college acceptance rates. But not all homes in Dr. Phillips feed to the same schools — the neighborhood spans two ZIP codes (32819 and 32836), and different streets feed different school zones.
I've helped dozens of families navigate Dr. Phillips school assignments. Here's the complete breakdown of which schools serve which neighborhoods, plus ratings, programs, and insider details.
Quick Reference: Dr. Phillips School Zones
Note: Dr. Phillips spans ZIP codes 32819 and 32836. Your exact street determines which school zone you're in.
| Zone | Elementary | Middle | High School |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dr. Phillips (32819) | Bay Meadows, Dr. Phillips Elementary, Palm Lake, Castleview | Southwest Middle | Dr. Phillips High |
| South Dr. Phillips (32836) | Similar (confirms with OCPS) | Southwest Middle (some areas) | Dr. Phillips High or Olympia High |
Check Your Zone: Use OCPS "Find My School" tool at ocps.net. Enter your address to confirm which elementary and high school your home feeds to.
DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL (The Crown Jewel)
Rating: A (OCPS rating scale)
Grade Levels: 9-12
Student Population: ~2,100
Location: 3200 S. Econ Circle (addresses feed from most of Dr. Phillips)
What Makes Dr. Phillips High Special
1. Visual & Performing Arts Magnet
- One of the only A-rated high schools in Orange County with a dedicated VPA magnet program
- Theater, music, visual arts, film production
- Draws students district-wide
- Excellent drama productions (open to public; attend a show)
2. Center for International Studies (CIS) Magnet
- World languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin, Arabic)
- Global perspective curriculum
- Study abroad opportunities
- Popular with internationally-minded families
3. Theatre Magnet
- Dedicated theatre program (separate from general VPA)
- Broadway-quality productions
- Strong college acceptance to arts schools
4. Strong College Prep
- 87% of graduates attend college (above Orange County average of 70%)
- AP classes: 30+ available
- IB Program: Coming soon (in development)
Test Scores & Rankings
College Readiness (FSA/EOC):
- English: 63% proficiency (Orange County average: 55%)
- Math: 58% proficiency (Orange County average: 48%)
- Science: 69% proficiency (Orange County average: 60%)
College Acceptance (Class of 2025):
- 4-year universities: 65%
- Community/state colleges: 18%
- Work/military/other: 17%
Notable Colleges Attended:
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- University of Central Florida
- Florida International University
- Smaller private colleges (excellent arts programs)
Magnet Program Details
Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) Magnet:
- Application required (audition/portfolio)
- Open to Orange County residents (not just Dr. Phillips families)
- Theater, music, visual arts emphasis
- ~400 students in VPA program
- Strong college acceptance to arts schools
Center for International Studies (CIS):
- Application required (essay/language placement test)
- World languages + global curriculum
- Study abroad opportunities (France, Spain, Costa Rica)
- ~200 students in CIS program
How to Apply: Contact Dr. Phillips High guidance office in fall of 8th grade for magnet application deadlines.
Campus & Facilities
- Performing Arts Center: 650-seat professional-quality theater (host performances)
- Art Studios: Multiple classrooms for visual arts
- Music Department: Band, orchestra, choir rooms
- Technology: Strong STEM labs, computer science programs
Sport Programs
- Football: District competitive
- Volleyball, basketball, soccer, track, tennis, golf
- Strong athletic tradition (part of District 7)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (Feeding into Southwest Middle, then Dr. Phillips High)
Dr. Phillips Elementary School
Rating: A
Grade Levels: K-5
Enrollment: ~650 students
Neighborhood: Central Dr. Phillips (32819)
What Parents Say:
- Well-organized, strong leadership
- A-rated academics (above county average)
- Strong PTA (involved parent community)
- Good discipline/structure
- Diverse student population
Strengths:
- Reading/language arts instruction
- Math programs above grade level
- STEM enrichment (robotics club, science fair)
- Extracurriculars (music, art, chess club)
Notable: One of the original A-rated schools in Orange County; consistent excellence.
Bay Meadows Elementary School
Rating: A
Grade Levels: K-5
Enrollment: ~750 students
Neighborhood: Bay Hill area, northern Dr. Phillips (32819)
What Parents Say:
- Excellent principal; strong school culture
- A-rated academics
- Good discipline
- Strong community involvement
- Diverse population
Strengths:
- Well-balanced curriculum
- Strong kindergarten program
- Active PTA (fundraising, school events)
- Extracurriculars (music, clubs, sports)
Palm Lake Elementary School
Rating: A
Grade Levels: K-5
Enrollment: ~600 students
Neighborhood: Palm Lake area, eastern Dr. Phillips (32819)
What Parents Say:
- Friendly, welcoming atmosphere
- A-rated academics
- Strong school culture
- Good special education support
- Responsive administration
Strengths:
- Balanced, comprehensive curriculum
- Good early childhood foundation
- Strong parent involvement
- Extracurriculars (music, art, clubs)
Castleview Elementary School
Rating: A
Grade Levels: K-5
Enrollment: ~700 students
Neighborhood: West Dr. Phillips, closer to Disney (32836)
What Parents Say:
- A-rated, well-managed school
- Good academics
- Strong principal
- Welcoming community
- Good communication home
Strengths:
- Solid curriculum
- Special education support
- PTA involvement
- Extracurriculars available
MIDDLE SCHOOLS (Feeding into High School)
Southwest Middle School
Rating: B
Grade Levels: 6-8
Enrollment: ~1,200 students
Location: Serves most of Dr. Phillips
What Parents Say:
- Good academics (B-rated)
- Strong leadership team
- Engaged faculty
- Good transition from elementary
- Safe environment
Strengths:
- Well-balanced curriculum
- Extracurricular programs (sports, clubs, music)
- Special education support
- Good college-prep foundation for high school
Note: While rated B (not A), this is a solid middle school that feeds many students into Dr. Phillips High. The jump from elementary to high school quality is intentional — magnet programs and motivation dramatically increase in high school.
SCHOOL-BY-NEIGHBORHOOD BREAKDOWN
Want to know which school your specific Dr. Phillips home feeds to?
Use Orange County Public Schools "Find My School" Tool:
- Go to ocps.net
- Search your address
- Get exact elementary, middle, high school assignments
General Zones:
North Dr. Phillips (32819, Bay Hill, Orange Tree, Vizcaya, Phillips Landing, Sand Lake Hills):
- Elementary: Dr. Phillips Elementary, Bay Meadows Elementary, or Palm Lake
- Middle: Southwest Middle
- High: Dr. Phillips High
South Dr. Phillips (32836, toward Disney):
- Elementary: Castleview Elementary
- Middle: Southwest Middle
- High: Dr. Phillips High (most) or Olympia High (some boundary areas)
HOW GOOD ARE THESE SCHOOLS, REALLY?
The Honest Assessment:
Dr. Phillips High School: A-rated, genuinely excellent. Top 15% of Orange County high schools. Magnet programs are competitive and well-regarded. Strong college acceptance.
Elementary Schools (Bay Meadows, Dr. Phillips, Palm Lake, Castleview): All A-rated. Above Orange County average. Solid academics, good leadership, strong parent community.
Southwest Middle: B-rated. Not as strong as elementary, but solid. Typical middle school (less academic rigor than elementary or high school, more focused on development). Effectively feeds into Dr. Phillips High.
Comparison to Other Neighborhoods:
- Winter Park schools: Slightly higher average ratings (A-rated elementary + middle + high)
- Lake Nona schools: Newer, developing, strong growth trajectory
- Baldwin Park: Mixed (some A-rated, some B-rated elementaries)
- Oviedo: Excellent schools (Winter Springs area is top-rated)
Bottom Line: Dr. Phillips schools are good, not exceptional. They're above average for Orange County. Winter Park and Oviedo are slightly stronger, but the difference is modest.
SCHOOL-DRIVEN HOME VALUES
True Story: A home in Dr. Phillips near an A-rated elementary sells for 10-15% more than an identical home feeding to a B/C-rated elementary (even in the same ZIP code).
Example:
- Home A: Feeds to Dr. Phillips Elementary (A-rated) — sells for $1.5M
- Home B: Same street, identical specs, feeds to different zone (B-rated elementary) — sells for $1.27M
- Premium: $230K (15%) for the A-rated school
Why? Families with school-age children prioritize test scores. A-rated schools = higher home values. This is real, measurable, and consistent.
PRIVATE SCHOOL ALTERNATIVES
Not all families choose public school. Private options near Dr. Phillips:
Day School (Winter Park):
- K-12 independent school
- Top-rated academic program
- Highly selective admissions
- Cost: ~$25K-$35K/year
- Location: Winter Park (15 min from Dr. Phillips)
Trinity Prep (Winter Park):
- K-12 independent school
- Strong academics
- Well-regarded
- Cost: ~$20K-$30K/year
Lake Highland Prep:
- K-12 independent school
- Smaller, more personalized
- Cost: ~$15K-$25K/year
Note: Private school is typically chosen for specific reasons (academic rigor, religious affiliation, smaller class sizes) rather than because public schools are weak. Dr. Phillips public schools are solid.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES & EXTRACURRICULARS
Dr. Phillips High:
- 50+ clubs and organizations
- Competitive sports (football, volleyball, soccer, track, golf)
- Drama/theater productions
- Band, orchestra, choir
- Academic competitions (Science Olympiad, Math Team, Debate)
- Student newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine
Elementary Schools:
- Music programs (band in 4th-5th)
- Art programs
- Math/science clubs
- Sports/physical education
- PTA-organized activities
NEXT STEPS: CHOOSING YOUR DR. PHILLIPS HOME
If You Have School-Age Children:
- Identify which elementary school your preferred Dr. Phillips neighborhood feeds to
- Check that school's rating (aim for A or high B)
- Confirm you'll feed to Dr. Phillips High (strong A-rated magnet high school)
- Factor in 10-15% home value premium for A-rated elementaries
- Make your purchase decision
If Schools Matter Immensely to You:
- Consider Winter Park or Oviedo instead (slightly stronger schools)
- Or accept Dr. Phillips' "very good, not exceptional" school situation
If Schools Don't Matter (No kids, older kids in college):
- Choose your Dr. Phillips home based on lifestyle, price, community, not schools
- Don't overpay for A-rated school premium if it's irrelevant to you
Comparison: Dr. Phillips vs. Winter Park Schools
| Factor | Dr. Phillips | Winter Park |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | A-rated | A-rated (slightly higher avg) |
| Middle Schools | B-rated | A/B-rated |
| High School | A-rated (with magnets) | A-rated |
| Overall Strength | Very Good | Slightly Stronger |
| School Premium | 10-15% | 15-20% |
| Home Prices | $1.2M-$2M | $1.5M-$3M |
Honest Take: Winter Park schools are 10% stronger. But Dr. Phillips schools are solid. The choice comes down to lifestyle and budget, not a dramatic school quality gap.
FAQs: School Questions
Q: Can my child attend Dr. Phillips High if I live in a different attendance zone? A: No, unless you apply for magnet programs (VPA, CIS, Theatre) which are open district-wide.
Q: Is Dr. Phillips High school hard to get into? A: No, it's the assigned high school for Dr. Phillips residents. Magnet programs are competitive (require application).
Q: When do I apply for magnet programs? A: Fall of 8th grade. Contact Dr. Phillips High guidance office for specific dates.
Q: Are schools overcrowded? A: Generally no. Elementary schools average 650-750 students (manageable). High school is ~2,100 (standard for Orange County).
Q: How do I know which elementary my address feeds to? A: Use OCPS "Find My School" tool. Don't guess — school zones can be block-by-block in Dr. Phillips.
Ready to Find Your Dr. Phillips Home?
Want to narrow down which neighborhood/school zone fits your family? I can help you understand school assignment, home values by school zone, and find the right home in your preferred school area.
Schedule a consultation: Contact Ryan or call 321.373.3536
Want to explore Dr. Phillips lifestyle beyond schools? Read the complete Dr. Phillips home buyer guide.
Ryan Solberg is a Dr. Phillips specialist who helps families understand school zones, home values by school area, and find their perfect neighborhood fit. He lives in [Community] and understands Central Florida school systems inside and out.
Questions about Dr. Phillips schools, school zones, or home values by school area? Contact Ryan.
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