Summary
Cimino Elementary School in Valrico, FL, serves 789 students in grades PK through 5 and is a solidly performing school within the Hillsborough district, consistently earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger for the last nine years.
Cimino is a reliable, above-average option in a high-achieving area, though it sits in the middle of the pack compared to nearby schools. For example, while Bevis Elementary and Fishhawk Creek Elementary are top-tier 5-star schools, Cimino consistently outperforms district and state averages in nearly every subject. The school has a notable "math-first" profile, with math proficiency rates (77%, 71%, and 74% across grades) consistently higher than its English Language Arts rates (75%, 71%, and 66%). A standout positive is a remarkable turnaround in 5th Grade Science, which jumped from 52% proficiency in 2024-2025 to 65% in 2025-2026, well above the state average of 60%. Additionally, Cimino’s chronic absenteeism rate of 24.1% is significantly lower than the district average of 31.3%, indicating a strong culture of attendance.
When comparing Cimino to its neighbors, the differences are striking. The school serves a moderately diverse community, with 30.4% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, which is higher than the 10-15% at top schools like Stowers Elementary and Bevis, but much lower than the 48% at Nelson Elementary. Interestingly, Cimino spends $11,821 per student—more than Bevis ($10,047) and Fishhawk Creek ($10,769)—yet doesn't achieve the same academic results, raising questions about resource allocation. While Cimino’s state ranking has slipped slightly from the 79th to the 75th percentile in recent years, it remains a stable, high-quality choice for families seeking a dependable school in the Valrico area.
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