Best Elementary Schools in Tampa, FL

This analysis covers 94 elementary schools in Tampa, Florida, all part of the Hillsborough school district, serving grades from K-5 to K-8 and reflecting a wide range of socioeconomic and performance levels across the city.

The data reveals a stark contrast between top-performing and struggling schools. Standout high achievers include Bryant Elementary School, Grady Elementary School, and Mabry Elementary School, all consistently ranking in the 97th to 99th percentile statewide with 5-star ratings, very low chronic absenteeism (below 10%), and exceptional test scores—for example, Bryant’s 5th-grade math proficiency is 90% and Grady’s 3rd-grade math hits 98%. In contrast, schools like Potter Elementary School and Twin Lakes Elementary School rank in the 1st percentile, with chronic absenteeism rates exceeding 38% and proficiency rates as low as 15% in 5th-grade math. The 33647 zip code (New Tampa) is a notable hub of high performance, with schools like Turner-Bartels K-8 School and Chiles Elementary School all ranking in the top 30% of the state.

Key metrics show a strong link between poverty, attendance, and outcomes: schools with the highest free/reduced lunch rates (e.g., Legacy Preparatory Academy at 94%) often have the highest absenteeism and lowest scores, while affluent schools like Trinity School For Children (1.65% FRL) excel. Per-student spending varies widely, from $8,250 at Horizon Charter School Of Tampa to $29,681 at Patricia Sullivan Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School, but higher spending does not guarantee higher performance. A bright spot is Desoto Elementary School, which, despite a high FRL rate of 73%, achieves remarkable math proficiency (93% in 3rd grade), suggesting effective local strategies. Additionally, many K-8 schools show a "7th-grade math slump," with proficiency dropping sharply—for instance, Roland Park K-8 Magnet School falls from 85% in 3rd grade to 18% in 7th grade.