Seven schools in Horizon West remain overcapacity as the area continues to grow at a fast pace. for the 2023-2024 school year, Water Spring Middle School opened their campus after operating for several years out of Horizon High. Compared to prior year, 1 less school is overcapacity, as Horizon High went from being at 103% capacity last year to 88% this year.

Water Spring Elementary, located in the Storey Grove neighborhood along Avalon Road, is at 171% capacity to start off the school year. The school is over capacity by 514 students, adding an additional 166 students over last year. The school will be using 27 portable classrooms for the year; however, 10 new portables were not ready for the start of the school year. Water Spring Elementary has the highest number of students out of all elementary schools in Orange County.

Lake Nona, another fast growing area in Orange County, faces similar capacity issues in their schools. Lake Nona Middle is at 141% capacity and Lake Nona High School is at 162% capacity.

In a statement provided to HorizonWestInfo.com, School Board Member Pam Gould stated:

Horizon West has led the growth in Orange County and been one of the fastest growing regions in the country for over 10 years.  It has been exciting to advance new school openings.  Since taking office in 2012, I have opened 14 new schools in District 4 the bulk of them relieving schools supporting Horizon West. Each school has been a best in education environment.  I review the growth data regularly to support adjustments and reprioritize the annual 10 year plan for new facilities.  We will continue to advance schools whenever we can with the funding we have available.

2023-2024 Horizon West School Enrollment Data:

Two new schools are planned within the Orange County 10-year plan. Site 47-E-W-4, an elementary school located in Waterleigh with a capacity of 837 students, has started construction and has an opening date of August 2024. Site 126-E-W-4, located in the Hartzog Road area, will be another elementary school and is planned to open in 2027.