Woofgang Bakery & Grooming offers a wide variety of treats, snacks, collars, leashes, toys and more in their boutiques.
Winner: Best Pet Grooming and Best Specialty Pet Store | Woof Gang
Pet owners across Central Florida have spoken, and Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has earned top honors in Orlando magazine’s 2026 Best of ORL awards, taking first place in the Best Pet Grooming and Best Specialty Pet Store categories.
The recognition highlights the continued growth and popularity of a brand that has become one of the most recognizable names in pet care. Founded in Florida in 2007, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has grown from a single neighborhood pet store into the largest pet grooming franchise in North America, with hundreds of locations open or in development across the United States. Grooming remains the heart of the company’s business, accounting for the majority of services offered.
The Best of ORL award reflects the trust that pet owners place in professional groomers who help keep dogs healthy, comfortable and looking their best. Beyond bathing and haircuts, grooming services play an important role in maintaining skin and coat health, identifying potential issues early and providing a positive experience for pets and their owners.
Woof Gang’s model combines salon-style grooming with a boutique retail experience featuring premium pet foods, treats and accessories. The company has built its reputation around personalized service, neighborhood connections and a focus on creating a low-stress environment for pets.
The award comes during a period of significant expansion for the brand. Woof Gang recently celebrated the opening of its 300th location, a milestone that underscores the growing demand for professional pet care services as more Americans view their pets as family members. The company reported record growth in 2025 and continues to expand throughout Florida and beyond.
For Orlando-area pet owners, the Best of ORL distinction recognizes a business that has helped elevate expectations for pet grooming. As the pet care industry continues to grow, Woof Gang’s combination of professional grooming expertise and customer-focused service has helped it stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The 2026 Best of ORL awards celebrate the businesses, attractions and professionals that readers believe represent the very best Central Florida has to offer. By earning first place for Best Pet Grooming, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has secured a place among the Central Florida’s most trusted names in pet care and continues to set the standard for keeping Central Florida’s four-legged family members looking and feeling their best.
Publisher’s Note: Our dog, Bucky Barnes, is a regular at the Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming location in Maitland, where he’s pampered by Miss Emma. He practically drags us through the door on grooming day and always leaves looking handsome, happy and ready for his next adventure.
Windermere Prep students benefit from an engaging and experiential curriculum, which encourages them to take ownership of learning.
Winner: Best Private School 6-8 | Windermere Prep
Windermere Preparatory School has been named the winner of Orlando magazine’s 2026 Best of ORL award for Best Private School, Grades 6-8, recognizing the school’s commitment to academic excellence, global learning and student development during the critical middle school years.
Located on a 48-acre campus in Southwest Orange County, Windermere Preparatory School serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade and is part of the global Nord Anglia Education network. The school’s middle school program, which serves grades 6 through 8, has built a reputation for combining rigorous academics with leadership development, creativity and real-world learning experiences.
The school’s middle school curriculum emphasizes communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, often referred to as the “4 Cs.” Students engage in integrated, cross-curricular studies designed to encourage independent thought and help them connect classroom learning to real-world applications. The program is structured around grade-specific themes that guide students through personal and academic growth as they transition from childhood into adolescence.
Founded in 2000, Windermere Prep has grown from 175 students to a thriving international community representing more than 50 nationalities. The school is known for fostering a global perspective while maintaining a strong focus on individual student success. Through its affiliation with Nord Anglia Education, students benefit from opportunities to collaborate with peers around the world and participate in international programs and experiences.
The middle school years are often considered among the most formative in a student’s educational journey, and Windermere Prep has invested heavily in creating an environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The school’s experiential approach to learning encourages students to take ownership of their education while developing the confidence and skills necessary for future success.
Students also have access to extensive arts, athletics, leadership and service-learning opportunities. From advanced technology and innovation labs to competitive sports and performing arts programs, the school offers a wide range of experiences designed to help students discover their passions and talents.
The Best of ORL recognition reflects the confidence that families across Central Florida have placed in Windermere Preparatory School and its ability to provide a well-rounded, future-focused education. As the school continues to expand its International Baccalaureate offerings and strengthen its middle school experience, the award further solidifies its standing as one of Central Florida’s premier educational institutions for students in grades 6 through 8.
Students from Lake Highland Prep gain access to an incredible education.
Winner: Best Private School 9-12 | Lake Highland Prep
Lake Highland Preparatory School has been named the winner of Orlando magazine’s 2026 Best of ORL award for Best Private School, Grades 9-12, a recognition that highlights the school’s longstanding reputation for academic excellence, student achievement and college preparation.
Founded in 1970, Lake Highland Prep has grown into one of Central Florida’s most respected independent schools, serving more than 2,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade on its Orlando campus. The school’s Upper School program, which serves students in grades 9-12, is particularly known for its rigorous academic offerings, extensive extracurricular opportunities and strong college counseling resources.
The school’s Upper School curriculum includes more than 80 honors and Advanced Placement courses, allowing students to pursue college-level academics while still in high school. Students also have access to programs in innovation, technology, athletics, arts, speech and debate, study abroad opportunities and a wide range of student organizations.
Lake Highland’s commitment to preparing students for higher education continues to distinguish it among Orlando-area schools. The school’s College & Career Center begins guiding students through the college planning process as early as ninth grade, helping families navigate admissions, scholarship opportunities and career exploration.
Student achievement remains a hallmark of the Highlander experience. According to school data, Upper School students completed more than 1,200 AP exams in 2025, while recent graduating classes have earned millions of dollars in scholarship offers and acceptance letters from colleges and universities across the country. The school also boasts a strong record of National Merit Scholars and nationally recognized speech, debate and athletic programs.
Beyond academics, Lake Highland emphasizes leadership development, character formation and community engagement. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects, athletics, fine arts and clubs that foster personal growth alongside academic success. The school’s mission centers on developing young leaders with both intellect and character, a philosophy that has helped shape generations of graduates.
The 2026 Best of ORL recognition reflects the confidence that Orlando-area families continue to place in Lake Highland Prep’s Upper School experience. As competition among private schools remains strong throughout Central Florida, the school’s combination of challenging academics, broad extracurricular opportunities and individualized college preparation helped secure its place at the top of this year’s rankings.
For students (and parents) seeking a comprehensive high school experience that balances academic rigor with personal development, Lake Highland Preparatory School continues to set the standard for private education in Central Florida.
