According to the Orlando Economic Partnership, Central Florida’s talent pipeline includes more than 500,000 students within a 100-mile radius. Our exceptional early learning programs, outstanding public and private K-12 educational opportunities, and top-notch universities and colleges work together to ensure that our region has a strong and stable labor pool, from cradle to career.
Early Learning Coalition of Orange County
The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County is dedicated to the success of every child in our community through early education. Simply stated, they connect families and preschool programs to resources that provide every child with equal educational opportunities.
Read More HereK – 12 Schools
Orange County Public Schools is the eighth largest school district in the United States and the fourth largest in Florida. The district serves more than 206,000 students at 202 schools and is one of the largest employers in Central Florida with more than 25,000 team members.
Apopka Region School Report Card
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Private Schools
The Apopka region has an abundance of both parochial and non-denominational, top-rated choices. These schools include:
- Apopka Christian Academy
- Apopka Child Academy
- Central Florida Preparatory School
- Forest Lake Academy
- Hampden Dubose Academy
- Rock Springs Academy
- Trinity Christian School
- And many others
Charter Schools
In Apopka, Sheeler High School is an accredited tuition-free public high school serving students ages 16 to 21 who prefer a non-traditional learning environment with flexible scheduling options. They give students the choice to enroll in the session that best fits their personal schedule and for the third straight year, Sheeler High School has been awarded the Florida Department of Education’s highest rating of “Commendable,” as part of its School Recognition Program.
Florida Public Virtual School
Founded in 1997 as the country’s first statewide public high school, FLVS is an established leader in developing and providing virtual K-12 education solutions to students all over Florida, the U.S. and around the world. Courses are designed for flexibility and to serve the needs of all achievement levels, ranging from Advanced Placement coursework to self-paced, personalized instruction for students needing supplemental courses or credit recovery.
Magnet Schools
The Academy of Culinary Arts Magnet Program at Wekiva High School
This is a progressive, four-year career and technical culinary education program where students learn and master, in a real-world, commercial environment, the business and practical skills industry professionals have identified as critical to post-graduation success in the rapidly growing food, beverage, and hospitality sector while gaining employability skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism and time management.
Agriscience Academy Program at Wekiva High School
Students will understand and contribute to the future of agriculture and human life on our planet. Students enrolled in this magnet program will develop a deeper appreciation for plant and animal life and will strive to safeguard them. The program offers two pathways for students:
- Plant life and biotechnology with the opportunity for dual enrollment in the Horticulture program at Valencia College and a student internship with the local University of Florida Research Center.
- Animal husbandry with the incorporation of technology leading to a career in animal care or veterinary science. Both pathways allow students to seek Industry Certification related to either plant or animal life.
The Laser Photonics Academy at Wekiva High School
This magnet program was created in partnership with Northrop Grumman Laser Systems, Valencia College and the University of Central Florida (UCF). Students can complete the majority of an associate’s degree by the time they graduate high school. The hands-on learning prepares students for real-world projects and practical applications as they seek career opportunities in the region’s Optics & Photonics Industry.
The Advanced Engineering Applications (AEA) Magnet at Apopka High School
This magnet program includes an introduction and thorough exploration of the broad spectrum of traditional engineering fields as well as the emerging disciplines in the physical, social, and biological sciences. In addition, students will have an opportunity to enroll in Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Dual Enrollment courses in their senior year.
The Medical Careers Magnet at Apopka High School
This magnet program will prepare motivated students for a future in the dramatically expanding fields of medicine and healthcare-related careers. The program combines examining the structures and interactions of the human body systems and exploring the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The program culminates in the opportunity to spend an entire semester participating in career shadowing and clinical experiences in healthcare fields that include dentistry, vision care, veterinary medicine, emergency medicine, radiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, nursing, pediatrics, labor and delivery, cardiology, and surgery.
Higher Education
The Central Florida region offers numerous colleges, universities, technical schools and private institutions, as well as continuing education programs that offer on-going opportunities for workers sharpening their skills.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a public research university ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one the nation’s 20 most innovative institutions. UCF offers more than 200 degree programs and confers almost 17,000 degrees each year with a diverse faculty and staff who create a welcoming environment and opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to grow, learn and succeed.
Seminole State College of Florida
Named by the Aspen Institute in 2019 as one of the top 150 community colleges in the United States, Seminole State serves a diverse population of nearly 30,000 students at four campuses in Central Florida as well as online. Seminole State offers seven bachelor’s degrees, two-year university transfer (A.A.) and Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees; specialized career certificates; continuing professional education and adult education.
Valencia College
The college offers a two-year A.A. parallel program that prepares students to transfer to an upper-division college or university; college-preparatory courses that help first-year students excel; and technical programs and continuing education courses that prepare students to meet the needs of business and industry.
Orange Technical College
Throughout five technical college campuses and numerous community learning centers, Orange Technical College teaches the industry skills needed to start a whole new career through industry certifications/licenses, become an apprentice, learn English, attain your high school diploma or expand current skills.
Career & Workforce Training
CareerSource Central Florida
CareerSource Central Florida curates local talent for high demand industries, meeting local business needs and cultivating growth and prosperity for the Central Florida community. Whether through job placement, training and certification programs, or higher education, we partner with Central Florida businesses, colleges, and universities to meet industry needs and connect career seekers to local opportunities.
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