Dorothy C York Pk-8 Magnet School

Dorothy C York Pk-8 Magnet School in Apollo Beach, FL, is a large public magnet school serving 1,381 students from Pre-K through 8th grade, consistently ranking in the top 20% of Florida elementary schools and standing out as a high-achieving school within the Hillsborough district.

This school delivers exceptional academic results across nearly every subject and grade level, far outpacing nearby schools. For example, 87% of 3rd graders are proficient in ELA, compared to 28-75% at neighboring schools, and 89% of 8th graders are proficient in math. The school also excels in advanced coursework, achieving 100% proficiency in Geometry and 96% in Algebra 1 for two consecutive years. Its low chronic absenteeism rate of 11.7% is about one-third the rate of nearby schools like Cypress Creek Elementary School (41.6%) and Corr Elementary School (41.3%). The school also operates efficiently, spending $10,878 per student—less than many lower-performing neighbors—while achieving far better outcomes.

One notable area for improvement is 7th grade math, where only 29% of students are proficient, well below the state average of 53%. This persistent weakness over three years suggests a need for targeted support. The closest competitor, Apollo Beach K-8 School, ranks in the 78th percentile but trails Dorothy C. York in most subjects, including Civics (86% vs. 65%). Overall, Dorothy C. York offers a strong, continuous educational pathway through middle school, making it a top choice for families seeking high academic standards and a stable learning environment.