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Dowdell Middle Magnet School

Public, Magnet Grades 6-8

1090^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,216 Florida Middle Schools

Better than 10% of Florida middle schools

Summary

Dowdell Middle Magnet School in Tampa, FL, serves 657 students in grades 6-8 within the Hillsborough district, and it is a school of stark contrasts where a standout Algebra 1 program rivals top magnet schools, yet overall academic performance and attendance challenges place it among the lowest-ranked middle schools in the state.

The most remarkable feature of Dowdell is its Algebra 1 program: in the 2025-2026 school year, 92% of students taking the Algebra 1 End-of-Course exam were proficient, matching the performance of high-performing magnets like Wilson Middle School (97%) and Williams Middle Magnet School (95%), and far exceeding nearby schools with similar demographics like Giunta Middle School (69%). However, this success does not extend to other subjects: only 33% of 8th graders are proficient in English Language Arts, 46% in grade-level math, and 32% in science—all well below district and state averages. The school also struggles with a chronic absenteeism rate of 45.7%, nearly three times higher than Wilson (16.0%) and Williams (13.6%), and comparable to other struggling schools like Mann Middle School (49.9%).

This "tale of two schools" suggests that while Dowdell effectively channels top math students into advanced coursework, the majority of students are not meeting grade-level benchmarks. The school's magnet focus may be highly specialized, as its overall performance aligns more with struggling neighborhood schools than with other magnets in the district. With a student-teacher ratio of 23.3:1 and spending of $8,906 per student—both less favorable than peers—Dowdell faces systemic challenges. To improve, the school must urgently address its attendance crisis and find ways to replicate its Algebra 1 success across all subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education for every student.

657

Students ?

23.3

Student/teacher ratio ?

$8,906

Per pupil spending ?

66.7%

Free/discounted lunch ?

1208 Wishing Well Way
Tampa, FL 33619

(813) 744-8322

District: Hillsborough

Students who attend Dowdell Middle Magnet School usually attend:

High:

East Bay High School

Feeder schools for Dowdell Middle Magnet School:

Elementary:	Clair-Mel Elementary School
	Gibsonton Elementary School

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

57.5%

African American:

24.2%

White:

13.9%

See top rated Florida middle schools

Compare Dowdell Middle Magnet School to nearby middle schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 13th percentile in 2016 → 10th in 2026

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Florida average (38% vs 62% meeting standards)

!In the lower quartile statewide (10th percentile)

!High chronic absenteeism (46% vs 31% Florida)

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school38%

District avg58%

Florida avg62%

1,090^th of 1,216

Florida public middle schools ?

Bottom 10%▼ down 2 pts since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Florida Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

38^th of 41Middle Schools in the Hillsborough

45^th of 70Hillsborough among Florida districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	14.8	1090 of 1216	10.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	11.4	1102 of 1205	8.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	20.0	998 of 1196	16.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	19.4	990 of 1177	15.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	21.9	933 of 1148	18.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	16.1	986 of 1136	13.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	16.3	953 of 1099	13.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	9.9	953 of 1035	7.9%	☆☆☆☆☆
2017	14.9	903 of 1031	12.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2016	16.4	871 of 997	12.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2014	23.4	791 of 999	20.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	24.8	733 of 956	23.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2012	19.2	737 of 897	17.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2011	17.7	741 of 891	16.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2010	17.2	705 of 839	16.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2009	21.4	625 of 780	19.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2008	20.0	607 of 740	18.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2007	22.9	590 of 736	19.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2006	22.4	531 of 675	21.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2005	29.1	461 of 602	23.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2004	27.5	456 of 593	23.1%	★☆☆☆☆

By subject vs Florida (2025-2026) ?

Algebra 192%+29 vs state

Civics49%-28 vs state

English Language Arts35%-27 vs state

Math34%-24 vs state

Science32%-20 vs state

2.2

5 ratings · 5 written reviews

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1★3

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What people are saying

by a citizen
Monday, November 3, 2014

Only as a last resort would I suggest substitute teaching at this school. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, August 28, 2014

While the caliber of student leaves a little to be desired, my daughter is attending her third year at this school and I love it. The teachers are wonderful and engaged. The principal and his staff are wonderful and making constant improvement. Close Quote

by a student
Friday, April 26, 2013

this school is horrible. you try to make a complaint and they wont do anything the problem wouldnt get solved. in 6th grade the principle was very cool he listen and tried to fix the problem or issues in school but this new principle doesnt do anything. some teachers are racist and dont care about you nor other students they have. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, May 14, 2012

There is a new Principal at this school, and he is doing a great job! The teachers are dedicated and have been very attentive to parent input. The Magnet program is unlike any other -- there are chickens, rabbits, and fish for the real "hands-on" experience. The kids love it. Just like any school, if you are an involved parent who cares, your child will have a great education and experience. Close Quote

by a student
Saturday, March 27, 2010

I am a student, I am 14 and about to finish 8th grade, but in 6th grade, I went to this school and it was awful, the teachers were not watching the kids, so i got bullied, when i told the teachers, they rarely did anything, and when they did, they didn't really solve the problem. Do not put your kid in this school. Close Quote

Schools Near Dowdell Middle Magnet School

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Ranking:

E = Elementary, M = Middle, H = High, A = Alternative, P = Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				FAST English Language Arts (2026)			FAST Math (2026)			Statewide Science Science (2026)	EOC Algebra 1 (2026)	EOC Geometry (2026)	EOC Civics (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Dowdell Middle Magnet School	Public, Magnet	6-8	1208 Wishing Well Way	Tampa	33619	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	Yes	No	Yes	(813) 744-8322	657	28	23.3	66.7%	91 (13.9%)	159 (24.2%)	378 (57.5%)	4 (0.6%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	24 (3.7%)	14.8	1090^th of 1216 public middle schools	10.4%		11.4	1102^nd of 1205 public middle schools	8.5%	12	35.0	36.0	33.0	29.0	23.0	46.0	32.0	92.0		49.0	$8,906	$1,129	$7,776
Giunta Middle School	Public	6-8	4202 S Falkenburg Rd	Riverview	33569	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	No	No	Yes	(813) 740-4888	964	45	21.5	63.7%	119 (12.3%)	377 (39.1%)	403 (41.8%)	16 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	48 (5.0%)	11.8	1110^th of 1216 public middle schools	8.7%		14.2	1071^st of 1205 public middle schools	11.1%	39	35.0	40.0	34.0	33.0	18.0	33.0	27.0	69.0	84.0	52.0	$10,797	$1,767	$9,030
Progress Village Middle Magnet	Public, Magnet	6-8	8113 Zinnia Dr	Tampa	33619	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	Yes	No	No	(813) 671-5110	849	43	19.9	43.1%	214 (25.2%)	323 (38.0%)	253 (29.8%)	8 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	50 (5.9%)	64.1	410^th of 1216 public middle schools	66.3%		58.7	477^th of 1205 public middle schools	60.4%	67	70.0	64.0	68.0	61.0	40.0	72.0	66.0	84.0	100.0	80.0	$10,638	$1,055	$9,582
Franklin Middle Magnet School	Public, Magnet	6-8	3915 E 21st Ave	Tampa	33605	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	Yes	No	Yes	(813) 744-8108	327	21	15.6	53.2%	61 (18.7%)	163 (49.8%)	78 (23.9%)	3 (0.9%)	1 (0.3%)	1 (0.3%)	20 (6.1%)	33.5	866^th of 1216 public middle schools	28.8%		26.5	928^th of 1205 public middle schools	23.0%	62	53.0	62.0	42.0	51.0	40.0	50.0	33.0	74.0		60.0	$16,155	$1,851	$14,304
Williams Middle Magnet School	Public, Magnet	6-8	5020 N 47th St	Tampa	33610	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	Yes	No	No	(813) 744-8600	856	33	25.6	35.2%	109 (12.7%)	332 (38.8%)	157 (18.3%)	213 (24.9%)	6 (0.7%)	1 (0.1%)	38 (4.4%)	81.4	176^th of 1216 public middle schools	85.5%		82.1	185^th of 1205 public middle schools	84.6%	9	82.0	77.0	81.0	75.0	39.0	88.0	73.0	95.0	97.0	85.0	$9,232	$602	$8,630
Orange Grove Middle Magnet School	Public, Magnet	6-8	3415 N 16th St	Tampa	33605	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	Yes	No	Yes	(813) 276-5717	497	23	21.6	56.1%	83 (16.7%)	260 (52.3%)	129 (26.0%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	22 (4.4%)	43.3	725^th of 1216 public middle schools	40.4%		49	606^th of 1205 public middle schools	49.7%	119	57.0	64.0	68.0	42.0	13.0	58.0	47.0	75.0		73.0	$10,679	$1,176	$9,502
Ferrell Middle Magnet School	Public, Magnet	6-8	4302 N 24th St	Tampa	33610	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	Yes	No	Yes	(813) 276-5608	437	22	20.0	55.6%	74 (16.9%)	173 (39.6%)	146 (33.4%)	14 (3.2%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (6.4%)	50.7	608^th of 1216 public middle schools	50.0%		61.8	430^th of 1205 public middle schools	64.3%	178	53.0	66.0	58.0	60.0	35.0	71.0	49.0	99.0		77.0	$11,181	$1,141	$10,039
Young Middle Magnet School	Public, Magnet	6-8	1807 E Dr Martin Luther King	Tampa	33610	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	Yes	No	Yes	(813) 276-5739	307	17	17.5	75.6%	9 (2.9%)	215 (70.0%)	61 (19.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (7.2%)	33.7	861^st of 1216 public middle schools	29.2%		34.9	819^th of 1205 public middle schools	32.0%	42	46.0	43.0	48.0	61.0	33.0	63.0	35.0	100.0		49.0	$14,974	$1,839	$13,136
Mann Middle School	Public	6-8	409 E Jersey Ave	Brandon	33510	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	No	No	Yes	(813) 744-8400	977	42	23.2	61.5%	223 (22.8%)	281 (28.8%)	409 (41.9%)	14 (1.4%)	2 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	47 (4.8%)	23.8	992^nd of 1216 public middle schools	18.4%		20.7	992^nd of 1205 public middle schools	17.7%		43.0	48.0	45.0	37.0	22.0	49.0	38.0	86.0		57.0	$9,283	$1,147	$8,136
Wilson Middle School	Public	6-8	1005 W Swann Ave	Tampa	33606	Hillsborough County	Hillsborough	No	No	No	No	(813) 276-5682	598	28	21.0	16.1%	401 (67.1%)	38 (6.4%)	96 (16.1%)	23 (3.8%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (6.4%)	83.8	144^th of 1216 public middle schools	88.2%		83.6	162^nd of 1205 public middle schools	86.6%	18	86.0	76.0	75.0	84.0	56.0	83.0	74.0	97.0	100.0	93.0	$10,244	$615	$9,628

Frequently Asked Questions about Dowdell Middle Magnet School

What district is Dowdell Middle Magnet School in?

Hillsborough

How many students attend Dowdell Middle Magnet School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 657 students attended Dowdell Middle Magnet School.

What is the racial makeup of Dowdell Middle Magnet School?

Students at Dowdell Middle Magnet School are 58% Hispanic, 24% African American, 14% White, 4% Two or more races.

Is Dowdell Middle Magnet School a good school?

Dowdell Middle Magnet School ranks in the bottom 10.4% of Florida middle schools.

What high school do graduates of Dowdell Middle Magnet School attend?

Students who attend Dowdell Middle Magnet School usually go on to attend East Bay High School

Rate Dowdell Middle Magnet School!

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.