Summary:
The five schools in zip code 33534 (Gibsonton, FL) serve students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade and are all part of the Hillsborough district, which holds a 2-star rating. The most critical challenge across the area is chronic absenteeism, with rates ranging from 41.3% to 52.9%—far exceeding the state average of 31.4%—and this likely drives the generally low academic performance and state rankings seen at most schools.
Despite these challenges, there are notable standouts. Gibsonton Elementary School is the only school showing consistent improvement in its state ranking, rising from the 25th to the 31st percentile, and it excels in mathematics with 3rd and 4th graders outperforming district and state averages—all while serving the highest percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch (72.55%). Eisenhower Middle School presents a paradox: its overall performance is very low (1-star), yet its advanced math students achieve elite results, with Geometry EOC proficiency at 88% compared to the state average of 56%. East Bay High School is a relative bright spot, boasting the highest graduation rate (95.7%) and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (43.6%) in the area.
Spending varies dramatically, with the Eisenhower Exceptional Center spending $42,025 per student—over four times that of East Bay High School ($9,961)—reflecting the intensive resources needed for its alternative program, though its graduation rate (70.0%) lags behind district and state averages. Corr Elementary School and Gibsonton Elementary have lower student-teacher ratios (15.8:1 and 13.8:1, respectively) than the middle and high schools, which may support more individualized attention. Overall, families should consider that while some schools show pockets of excellence, the systemic absenteeism issue is a key factor affecting all schools in this zip code.
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