Making an Impact
A spotlight on area nonprofits and philanthropists helping our communities change for the better. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida This holiday season, celebrating the spirit of giving means supporting the nonprofits and philanthropists shaping our community. Every act of kindness—whether volunteering your time, making a donation or spreading awareness—can have a... Read More
The More the Merrier
Our annual guide to the plethora of holiday festivities around the region. Gaylord Palms Light Show Everyone celebrates differently, and Central Florida is a destination for an abundance of diverse events to carry on traditions or to try something new. Whether taking part in community happenings, expressing creativity by making meaningful gifts, taking in the arts or engaging in... Read More
Prioritizing Pet Health
As 21st-century pets have enjoyed a rise in status as bona-fide family members, Central Florida’s veterinary professionals care for their animal patients with that same loving compassion. Long gone are the days when cats were exclusively outdoor animals and dogs spent their nights in bare-bones outdoor accommodations. Today’s animal companions are lovingly spoiled with stuffed-full... Read More
A Foundation of Excellence
At Montverde Academy, students succeed in academics and develop a strong moral compass to ready them for life beyond school. Montverde Academy is preparing students for the future both in and out of the classroom. “Our community is a network of students, families and faculty working together. In this environment, students feel safe to take appropriate risks, try new activities... Read More
Beyond the Eye Chart
What’s new in retina care, why it matters and how Florida Retina Institute can help. What if the most important part of your eye exam isn’t the chart you read, but the questions you ask and the technology behind the scenes? In today’s rapidly evolving field of retina care, science is transforming how we detect, treat and even prevent vision loss. From gene therapy and long-lasting... Read More
A Focus on Family
Lake Eola Charter School’s cohesive, family-like learning environment brings students, parents and faculty together for success. “We’re a family.” This sentiment is what Lake Eola Charter School (LECS) Director Joey Parrish says drives everything they do at the tuition-free public school located in the heart of Orlando. It’s a standard they not only hold their students... Read More
Extreme Makeover
Foundation Academy continues to make significant updates and additions to its three campuses while staying true to the Christ-centered and values-based education for which it has long been known. Every January, Foundation Academy (FA)—one of the premier private, Christian schools in Florida—brings the staff and families from all three of its campuses together for a special... Read More
One Team, Countless Successful Outcomes
By combining talent, technology and a culture of teamwork, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida advances its goal of remaining a leader in pediatric neurology and neurosurgical care that proactively pioneers new treatments and diagnostic methods. Before becoming the newest neurosurgeon at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Myron Rolle, MD, played football both at Florida... Read More
Seeing the Big Picture
Proper eye health starts with routine exams and recognizing issues before symptoms arise. It would seem obvious that having good vision is imperative for our daily routines and living a high quality of life, yet too often proper eye health is an afterthought. With an aging population leading to an increase in vision loss and eye diseases, routine screenings have perhaps never... Read More
Ahead of the Curve
Headlands Research Orlando specializes in diverse clinical trials and programs to help those affected by memory loss. With the upcoming holiday season presenting opportunities for extended families to connect, it is the best time to collaborate with one another on how to best support a loved one experiencing cognitive changes. Early signs of a neurodegenerative disease may be subtle... Read More
A Quick Study: The 2025 Private High School Report Card
With another school year upon us and children back in the classroom, it’s time for Orlando Family Magazine to take a closer look at how some of the region’s leading private high schools are preparing students for academic success. We worked directly with the schools to obtain key information in areas like average SAT scores, tuition rates, student-to-teacher ratios and more.... Read More
Welcome to Winter Garden
Get to know the charming little city where good things grow. Head just 14 miles west from Downtown Orlando and you’ll find yourself in Winter Garden, a former citrus-growing hub nestled on scenic Lake Apopka that’s just far enough away from the energy and excitement of world-famous theme parks to feel like a comparatively peaceful escape. There is still plenty to do, though.... Read More
Top Physicians 2025
Whether you’re looking to treat an injury or illness, in the market for a new physician after a beloved practitioner retired, or need a dedicated specialist to help you manage a tricky diagnosis, this region is chock-full of medical experts delivering the compassion and care you and your loved ones need to restore your quality of life. Our annual Top Physicians list—which... Read More
Higher Learning: The 2025 Public High School Report Card
As students return to the classroom and teachers work on their lesson plans, it’s the time of year when we take our annual look at the area’s public high schools. Using information gleaned from the Florida Department of Education, we obtained key stats in notable areas like average SAT scores and graduation rates. We also spoke to Scott Howat, chief communications officer for... Read More
A Delicate Balance
We talk to some Central Florida mothers about how they’ve found personal and professional fulfillment without sacrificing either, and the importance of being gentle with yourself when you just can’t be two people at once. Reaping the rewards of growing your family or advancing you career often feels like an either-or decision rather than two goals one person can achieve, albeit... Read More
Parenting Guide: Family Fun
Orlando Science Center / Photo by Roberto Gonzalez Educational Fun Instilling a love for education at an early age can go a long way in securing a successful future for your child, and Florida has plenty of venues to help. Florida is a treasure trove of entertainment, arts and culture, educational centers and beyond. Museums and other educational attractions aren’t just for... Read More
Parenting Guide: Special Needs
Embracing the Individual Every child with special needs is unique and it takes a personalized approach to provide the best possible care. Raising a young child with special needs can present a unique set of challenges for many parents who find themselves trying to navigate unknown territory. Whether a child has emotional, behavioral or learning difficulties, special needs require... Read More
Parenting Guide: Senior Living
Facing the Golden Years Without Fear Retirement can be a rewarding chapter, but caring for elderly loved ones can be stressful without adequate support from compassionate, well-trained experts who are here to help with everything from legal advice to memory care so everyone can find some peace of mind. The phenomenon of “the sandwich generation”—individuals from any generational... Read More
Parenting Guide: Health & Wellness
A Glut of Information Doctors are generally encouraged by patients doing online research about their health, but warn that it comes with certain risks. As a family and urgent care physician for the past 30 years, Dr. Tim Hendrix can recall a time early in his career when patients would regularly bring in magazine clippings, worried about the so-called “disease of the week.”... Read More
Weathering the Storms
Another Atlantic hurricane season is promising to be an active one, but Central Floridians can find some peace of mind with diligent, proactive awareness and preparation. There’s not a storm brewing in the Atlantic basin yet, but the conditions are right for Floridians to face another active hurricane season. It’s still too early to know how many of those anticipated storms... Read More
Top Vets
Local veterinarians providing comprehensive and compassionate care to beloved animal companions Whether you own a cat, dog, bird or otherwise, being a pet parent can be an overly enjoyable experience as they become beloved members of the family. So, it’s no surprise how important it is to have a veterinarian you can rely upon when medical needs arise—no matter how big or small.... Read More
