Windermere Preparatory School Earns Top Rankings in 2026 Niche Best Schools Awards

Courtesy of Windermere Preparatory School

Windermere Preparatory School has once again been recognized among the best schools in the nation, earning multiple distinctions in the 2026 Niche Best Schools Rankings. The Windermere-based institution continues to stand out for its academic excellence, global community, and commitment to preparing students for success in college and beyond.

Setting the Standard for Excellence

Windermere Prep earned a series of top honors in this year’s rankings, including:

• #1 Best Private High School in Orange County

• #1 Best Private K–12 School in Orange County

• Top 3 Best Private Schools in the Orlando Area

• Top 3 Best Boarding High Schools in the Orlando Area

• Top 10 Best Boarding High Schools in Florida

These achievements reinforce Windermere Prep’s leadership in Central Florida’s independent school landscape.

Windermere Prep, photo by Roberto Gonzalez

National Recognition Among the Best

Beyond regional success, Windermere Prep ranks among the Top 5% of College Prep Private High Schools in the U.S., the Top 6% of Private K–12 Schools, and the Top 6% of Private High Schools nationwide. The school’s boarding program, which welcomes students in grades 7–12 from across the country and around the world, also places in the top 20% of boarding high schools nationally, a reflection of its strong academic and residential experience.

A Community Rooted in Purpose

Head of School Alex Birchenall said the rankings affirm the school’s mission and culture. “Our continued recognition by Niche affirms what we see every day on our campus, a community of remarkable students and educators striving for excellence with heart and purpose,” he said. “We are proud that our families choose Windermere Prep for its balance of rigorous academics, individualized support, and meaningful experiences that shape confident, compassionate global citizens.”

Niche’s annual rankings are among the most trusted in the United States, drawing on comprehensive data analysis and millions of verified parent and student reviews. Factors such as academic performance, college readiness, faculty quality, diversity, and student life contribute to each school’s overall score.

World-Class Partnerships and Opportunities

Windermere Prep distinguishes itself through an innovative curriculum and elite collaborations that extend learning beyond the classroom. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, WPS offers students a globally recognized framework for inquiry-based learning. The school’s partnerships with MIT, The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and IMG Academy provide specialized opportunities in STEAM, performing arts, humanitarian leadership, and athletics.

A recent parent review on Niche captured the school’s supportive culture:

“Both of our kids have been at Windermere Prep since early elementary, and we’ve had a great experience overall. The staff has always been supportive and genuinely interested in helping our children grow—not just academically, but as people. The middle school especially has been a standout. The teachers and staff really took the time to get to know our kids and understand how to support them in the best way possible. That personal attention has made a big difference in their confidence and success at school.”

A Legacy of Learning and Leadership

Windermere Prep’s continued success reflects the dedication of its teachers, students, and families who embody the school’s core values of Virtus, Veritas, and Unitas. The school serves students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12 on a scenic 48-acre campus in Windermere, blending academic rigor with a strong emphasis on innovation, character, and community.

As part of Nord Anglia Education, a global network of more than 80 schools in 37 countries, Windermere Prep benefits from international resources and expertise that prepare students to thrive anywhere in the world.

To learn more, schedule a campus tour, or explore admissions opportunities, visit www.windermereprep.com