Forgotten Florida – Urbex of Glenridge Middle School

There’s a unique thrill in exploring places the world has left behind. Old buildings hold stories, and for urban explorers, schools are a special kind of time capsule. This was the case for the original Glenridge Middle School in Orlando, Florida, a once-bustling campus that became a legendary local urbex spot before its final disappearance.

While these photos capture its final years of decay, the school itself is long gone. For those of us drawn to these forgotten places, its story serves as a classic example of a location’s life cycle from use, to abandonment, and finally to rebirth.

The History of the Original Glenridge Middle School

The original Glenridge campus wasn’t just any school; it was a piece of Winter Park history. According to “The Kilt,” the school’s official newspaper, the plant first opened to students on March 12, 1956. For decades, it served the community, becoming a feeder school for the nearby Winter Park High School.

By the early 2000s, the aging facility was showing its wear. A new, more modern Glenridge Middle School was built at a different location, with classes beginning there in the fall of 2003. After the students and faculty moved out, the old campus was left empty, officially starting its chapter as an abandoned site.

The empty school sat for years, becoming a well-known destination for local urban explorers who documented its slow decay. Ultimately, the site was slated for redevelopment. The old buildings were demolished to make way for the new Audubon Park K-8 School, a project designed to relieve overcrowding at other local schools. The new school, a state-of-the-art, 158,437-square-foot facility, officially opened in August 2018 after some construction delays.

Urbex of an Abandoned Middle School

The following photos are a glimpse into the past, capturing the eerie silence of the abandoned Glenridge Middle School before it was torn down. They show what years of neglect can do to a place once filled with life.

It’s easy to see why an empty school would attract squatters, but for most explorers, the goal is just to see and document. Still, I’d take a clean motel over a dusty, abandoned building for a stay in Orlando any day. The lack of scattered debris alone is worth the price.

You have to hope the classrooms weren’t in this state when students were still attending. If so, it’s no surprise a new school was needed.

Is Urbex Legal? The Risks of Exploring in Florida

If these photos make you want to grab a flashlight and go exploring, you need to understand the risks. The number one rule of urbex is that it often involves trespassing. In Florida, trespassing in a structure is typically a misdemeanor, but it can escalate to a felony if you’re carrying certain tools or a weapon.

Beyond the legal issues, your physical safety is the biggest concern. Abandoned buildings are not maintained, and they hide numerous dangers.

• Structural Instability: Weak floors, crumbling ceilings, and unstable staircases are common. Water damage can rot wood and rust supports, making a collapse a real possibility.
• Environmental Hazards: Older buildings often contain asbestos, lead paint, and toxic black mold. Disturbing these materials can release harmful particles into the air.
• Hidden Dangers: You have to watch out for broken glass, rusted metal, and open elevator shafts or holes in the floor.
• Unwelcome Encounters: Abandoned places can sometimes be used by people involved in illegal activities who may not want to be disturbed.

The urbex motto is “Take only photos, leave only footprints.” This principle encourages respecting the property to avoid vandalism or theft charges, which are far more serious than simple trespassing.

Finding Your Own Urbex Adventures (Safely)

So, if you’re looking for things to do in Orlando, you’ll have to stick to Disney World or other official attractions. Glenridge was demolished years ago, and all that’s left of the original school are these photographs and the memories.

But the spirit of urbex is about finding the history hidden in plain sight. If you’re serious about exploring, the best place to start is a dedicated community resource.

Websites like Urban Exploration Review (UER) are incredible databases for explorers. You can find thousands of locations all over the world. Unlike Glenridge, many are still standing, waiting for you to discover them. Just remember to do your research, understand the local laws, and always prioritize your safety. You’ve been warned.