Best of ORL 2024: Kids & Pets Winner Spotlights
Take a closer look at this year's first place winners in the children and pet categories.
Winner: Animal Hospital | Tuscawilla Oaks Animal Hospital
With a compassionate team of veterinarians and staff, Tuscawilla Oaks Animal Hospital provides high-quality care and personalized attention to each pet. A wide breadth of services is offered, from exotic pet medicine and surgery to stem cell therapy, K-laser therapy and hydrotherapy. Boarding and doggie day play is also available.
Winner: Preschool | Ladybird Academy
With 19 Central Florida locations, Ladybird Academy offers high-quality early childhood education and care. Their programs include infant care, preschool and before-and-after school care, focusing on academic and social development. Ladybird believes in encouraging children to reach their potential through a variety of early learning experiences. Their qualified, caring teachers are dedicated to the development of each child.
Winner: Private School K-5 | The Christ School
A private Christian school offering a rigorous academic curriculum combined with spiritual growth and character development, The Christ School serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It emphasizes a holistic approach to education and lessons are focused on the 4Cs: collaboration, communication, creative problem-solving and critical thinking.
Winner: Private School 6-8 | Lake Highland Preparatory School
A prestigious private school in downtown Orlando, Lake Highland Preparatory School (LHP) offers a comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Known for its strong academic programs, extracurricular activities and college preparatory curriculum, LHP is also committed to the development of every child’s moral courage and honorable character, to foster a compassionate and courageous spirit.
Winner: Private School 9-12 | Windermere Preparatory School
Windermere Preparatory School is a top-tier private school, offering an International Baccalaureate curriculum from preschool through twelfth grade. The school focuses on academic excellence, personal growth and global awareness, preparing students for success in college and the world. With a supportive community and diverse programs, Windermere Prep fosters a love of learning and leadership.
Winner: Tutoring Services | Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center provides personalized tutoring and test preparation services. Their programs are designed to improve academic skills, boost confidence and achieve better grades and test scores. With experienced tutors and tailored learning plans, Huntington helps students reach their full potential and succeed in their academic endeavors.
Winner: College Prep and Planning Services | The College Map
The College Map helps students and families navigate the complexities of higher education through its college planning and admissions consulting services. They provide personalized guidance on college selection, application processes and financial aid and aim to make the college journey smoother and more successful as they focus on an individual’s goals and aspirations.
Winner: Summer Camp | Ladybird Academy
At Ladybird Academy’s summer camp, students can work on school assignments in a structured atmosphere designed to strengthen their study skills. But there’s time for fun too! In the Creative Zone, arts and crafts adhere to monthly themes. The Stage Zone combines drama with creative movement and music. Then it’s time to head outdoors for summer sports.
Winner: Pet Friendly Restaurant | Maxine’s On Shine
A popular restaurant in Mills 50, Maxine’s On Shine is known for its eclectic menu and vibrant atmosphere. Its dishes are made with fresh, local ingredients and the restaurant is also celebrated for its lively events and community engagement. Make dinner here a true family affair: Dogs are welcome to pull up a water bowl at an outdoor table.
Winner: Specialty Pet Store | Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
High-quality pet foods, treats and accessories are the orders of the day at Woof Gang, a specialty store that caters to the nutritional needs and tastes of pets. Multiple Central Florida locations provide a convenient and welcoming shopping experience for pet owners looking to pamper their furry friends with gourmet baked goods and premium products.
Winner: Pet Grooming | Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Even the roughest of paws get that certain air of savoir faire at Woof Gang. A full groom includes a full-style haircut, a luxury bath, full body brushing and styling, nail trimming, gentle ear cleansing and more. Then there’s the Blueberry Pie Facial. Sign us up! Wait, it’s for Fido? Some dogs have all the luck.
Winner: Doggie Day Care | Ranger’s Pet Outpost and Retreat
Ranger’s Pet Outpost and Retreat provides excellent care and enjoyment for your furry friend. Need a daytime option for your pup? Doggie Daycare is a supervised activity in which pets are allowed to exercise and interact with staff and other pets in a pack setting. Packs are established by pet size and disposition. Ranger’s is so popular with Central Floridians, in fact, that they have no availability currently, but are taking names for their waitlist.
