News Summary
Orlando Gifted Academy (OGA) has been acknowledged as one of Florida’s top five schools and the leading elementary and middle school in Orange County. Starting the upcoming school year, OGA will move to a temporary campus as plans for a new $52.6 million facility progress. The new campus, set to open in 2028, will serve 800 students with modern upgrades. Celebrating staff achievements, OGA has also recognized outstanding educators. Community outreach is underway to address transition concerns as the district faces declining student enrollment and ongoing construction projects.
Orlando, FL – Orlando Gifted Academy (OGA) has been recognized as one of the top five schools in Florida and distinguished as the top elementary and middle school in Orange County based on last year’s performance. In a significant development, OGA will begin the 2025-26 school year at a temporary campus located at 901 W. Webster Ave. in Winter Park, as preparations for a new, state-of-the-art campus continue.
The new OGA facility, which is set to open in 2028, will be built on a 9-acre site and has capacity for 800 students. The design phase of this project has commenced, backed by a budget of $52.6 million, funded by a half-penny sales tax approved by Orange County voters. Planned upgrades for the new campus include advanced technology spaces, modern science labs, and infrastructure improvements necessary to best cater to the needs of gifted students.
Alongside this progress, OGA recently celebrated the accomplishments of its staff. Terri Fitzpatrick, a physical education teacher, has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for her innovative teaching methods that inspire students. Additionally, Orfie Alvarez, the custodial crew leader, was recognized as the Support Person of the Year for his efforts in making the Winter Park campus a welcoming environment.
The relocation of students to the Orange Technical College Winter Park campus is scheduled for the summer. Improvements at this temporary site will include the addition of a new cafeteria, media center, and multipurpose rooms. A “Meet the Teacher” event is set for August 7 to help families acclimate to the temporary location. To address potential transition concerns, school administration is actively engaging with the community and focusing on student needs.
Despite the positive strides, some parents have expressed concerns over the three-year timeline for renovations, noting that several students may graduate by the time the new campus opens. To discuss the design process, a community meeting will be scheduled once the design reaches the 30% completion stage, expected around October.
In the broader context, the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) district is currently facing a projected enrollment decline of approximately 3,000 students for the current school year, attributed to lower birth rates and the state’s voucher program. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez is spearheading initiatives to retain families through improved outreach and communication, with early indicators of success already reported.
The OCPS district will temporarily halt the construction of new schools until 2031, although over $1 billion in ongoing projects, including the new OGA facility, are set to be completed this summer. To enhance communication with families, OCPS is implementing tools such as Parent Square for multilingual support and an AI-driven tool called Let’s Talk for quick access to information.
Additionally, OCPS is addressing a critical need for transportation by seeking 150 to 200 new bus drivers to mitigate the current shortage. This shortage has led to a double-back bus routing strategy, which may result in delays for students.
As Orlando Gifted Academy prepares for a promising future and works to maintain academic excellence, it continues to foster a supportive and innovative environment for its students, addressing challenges head-on while celebrating notable achievements.
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Additional Resources
- Your Community Paper: Orlando Gifted Academy Named One of Top Five Schools in Florida
- Orange Observer: OCPS Faces Bus Shortage, Declining Enrollment as School Begins
- News13: New $45 Million Building in the Works for Orlando Gifted Academy
- Stacker: Best Public Middle Schools in Orlando Metro Area
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in Florida
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
