Summary
Alonso High School in Tampa, FL, is a large public high school serving 2,863 students in grades 9-12 within the Hillsborough district, and it stands out for its exceptional graduation rate and cost-effective operations. With a 98% graduation rate—well above the district (90.9%) and state (92.2%) averages—Alonso consistently earns a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger, placing it in the top 30% of Florida high schools. This stability is a key strength, as its state percentile rank has remained between the 69th and 74th percentiles over the past five years, unlike nearby Gaither High School, which saw a drop from the 73rd to the 63rd percentile in a single year.
Alonso achieves these results while spending just $7,883 per student, the lowest among comparable nearby schools. For context, Sickles High School spends $8,630 per student, and Chamberlain High School spends $10,773, yet Alonso matches Sickles’ graduation rate (98% vs. 97.5%) and far exceeds Chamberlain’s (81.5%). This efficiency is notable, though the school faces challenges: chronic absenteeism is high at 37.8% (above the district’s 31.3%), and Algebra 1 proficiency is a weak point at 44%, compared to the state average of 63%. However, Alonso excels in humanities, with US History proficiency at 81% and Biology at 77%, both well above district and state averages.
Interestingly, Alonso’s high absenteeism rate contrasts with its stellar graduation rate, suggesting robust credit recovery or alternative pathways for students. Test scores have also shown a clear upward trend over the last four years, with 9th-grade ELA proficiency rising from 50% to 64%. When compared to Jefferson High School (94.1% graduation rate) or Chamberlain (81.5%), Alonso’s consistent performance and efficient use of resources make it a strong choice for families seeking a stable, high-graduating school in the Tampa area.
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