Riverhills Elementary Magnet School

Riverhills Elementary Magnet School in Temple Terrace, FL, is a public magnet school serving 497 students in grades PK-5, and it stands out as a high-performing academic island in an area where most nearby schools struggle significantly. The school consistently ranks in the top 30% of Florida elementary schools (70th percentile for 2025-2026) and has maintained a stable 3-star rating for most of the past decade, with a peak of 4 stars in recent years. This performance is particularly impressive when compared to its immediate neighbors: while schools like Temple Terrace Elementary, Lewis Elementary, and Robles Elementary rank in the bottom 10% of Florida elementary schools, Riverhills achieves proficiency rates that are more than double theirs in English Language Arts (72% vs. 33%) and math (66% vs. 35%).

One of the school's most notable strengths is its remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of 14.5%, which is far better than the district average of 31.3% and a stark contrast to the severe attendance crises at nearby schools like Woodmont Charter School (63.7%) and James Elementary (55.5%). Riverhills also demonstrates efficient use of resources, spending $12,396 per student—less than many high-poverty schools in the area—while achieving far superior academic results. The school serves a moderately diverse student body, with 47.7% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, which is significantly lower than its immediate neighbors but higher than the elite Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary School (8.2%). This makes Riverhills a compelling example of success in a more economically diverse setting.

While Riverhills is a clear standout, there is one area for parents to watch: a recurring dip in 5th-grade math proficiency, which has consistently lagged behind other subjects and even fallen below the district average in recent years. Overall, the school offers a high-quality education with strong academic outcomes, low absenteeism, and efficient spending, making it an excellent choice for families in the Hillsborough County School District who are seeking a magnet program that delivers results in a diverse and well-managed environment.