Best High Schools in Tampa, FL

This analysis examines 27 high schools in Tampa, Florida, all part of the Hillsborough district, serving grades 9-12 across a diverse urban landscape that includes large traditional public schools, charter schools, and specialized centers.

The top-performing school is Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School, which ranks #64 in the state with a perfect 100% graduation rate and exceptional test scores, while spending only $8,159 per student. Other standout schools include Plant High School (5-star, #73 state rank, 98.6% graduation) and Brooks Debartolo Collegiate High School (4-star, 98.7% graduation, 20.4% chronic absenteeism). In contrast, West University Charter High and Seminole Heights Charter High School are the lowest-ranked, with 0-star ratings, graduation rates below 40%, and chronic absenteeism exceeding 90%. Among traditional schools, Chamberlain High School faces the most challenges with a 1-star rating and 81.5% graduation rate.

Key findings show that chronic absenteeism is the strongest predictor of school failure, with every school below 90% graduation having absenteeism above 40%. Per-student spending does not correlate with success—North Tampa Success Center spends $88,069 per student but has a 0% graduation rate, while Dr. Kiran C. Patel spends far less and excels. Traditional schools with moderate free/reduced lunch rates show mixed results: Alonso High School (35.49% FRL) is a strong 4-star school, while Wharton High School (40.52% FRL) is a 2-star school. Charter school performance is highly variable, ranging from the best to the worst schools in the city.