Hillsborough

The Hillsborough school district in Florida encompasses 300 schools, including 183 elementary schools, 44 middle schools, 52 high schools, and 21 alternative schools. The district serves a diverse student population across a range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Several standout schools emerge from the data, including Newsome High School, ranked 73 out of 807 Florida high schools with a 5-star rating, and Plant High School, ranked 77 with a 5-star rating. These schools boast exceptional test scores, with 73-93% of students proficient in EOC exams and 10th grade ELA. At the elementary level, Grady Elementary School, Gorrie Elementary School, and Lithia Springs Elementary School also earn 5-star ratings and have outstanding performance, with 71-92% proficiency in math and ELA.

However, the district also exhibits significant disparities, with some schools struggling to meet proficiency standards. Graduation rates hover around 89.7%, while chronic absenteeism averages 31.4%. Schools with higher free/reduced lunch rates tend to have lower test scores, suggesting a correlation between socioeconomic status and academic achievement. Addressing these inequities should be a priority for district leaders as they work to raise the overall performance of Hillsborough schools.