Summary:
In zip code 33603, there is one middle school, Memorial Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8 with 973 students in the Hillsborough district, an area where 67.42% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Memorial Middle School faces significant challenges, most notably a critically high chronic absenteeism rate of 46.7% for the 2023-2024 school year, far exceeding the district and state averages of about 31%. This likely contributes to the school's low academic performance, as it consistently underperforms district and state averages in nearly every subject. For example, in the 2025-2026 school year, only 21% of 7th graders were proficient in math compared to 53% statewide, and just 31% of 8th graders were proficient in science versus 52% statewide. The school's overall state ranking is in the bottom 15% of Florida middle schools, earning a 1-star rating, and its ranking has declined from the 17th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 14th percentile in 2025-2026.
Despite these struggles, there is a notable bright spot: the Algebra 1 End-of-Course exam. In the 2025-2026 school year, 90% of students taking this advanced test were proficient, dramatically outperforming the district and state averages of 63%. This "Algebra 1 Paradox" suggests that while the school's general instruction struggles, its advanced math program is exceptionally effective for a select group of students. The school spends $10,420 per student, a significant investment that is not translating into broad academic success, indicating that the combination of high poverty and extreme absenteeism may be overwhelming current resources. For parents, this school offers a strong advanced math track but requires serious attention to attendance and core subject support for most students.
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