Summary:
The nine schools in Tampa's 33607 zip code, part of the Hillsborough district, serve a diverse range of students from elementary through high school, including magnet and alternative programs, and reveal a stark divide in academic performance and resources.
Two magnet schools stand out for exceptional achievement. Roland Park K-8 Magnet School and MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet School consistently earn top state rankings and 5-star ratings, with test scores far exceeding district and state averages. They also boast the lowest chronic absenteeism rates (6.8% and 9.3%, respectively) and lower poverty levels. In contrast, Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School faces significant challenges, ranking in the bottom 2% of Florida elementary schools with critically low test scores and a 46.1% chronic absenteeism rate. The high schools present a paradox: Jefferson High School has a remarkable 94.1% graduation rate despite low state rankings and test scores, while Blake High School has a lower 87.5% graduation rate. Lavoy Exceptional Center, an alternative school, is unique with the highest per-student spending ($78,923) and a very low student-teacher ratio of 3.8:1.
A key takeaway is that spending alone does not guarantee success. While Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary spends the least ($9,675) and performs worst, West Tampa Elementary School spends the most among standard schools ($16,618) but achieves only average results. The data strongly suggests that addressing chronic absenteeism is a critical lever for improvement, as it is tightly correlated with low performance across the zip code. For parents, this area offers a clear choice between high-performing magnet options and neighborhood schools facing significant hurdles.
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