Summary:
The eight schools in Tampa's 33614 zip code, all part of the Hillsborough County School District, serve elementary through high school grades and face significant challenges, with most schools performing below state averages despite a few notable exceptions.
Alexander Elementary School stands out as the top performer, earning a 3-star rating with test scores near state averages and a low 22.9% chronic absenteeism rate, despite 69% of students being economically disadvantaged. In contrast, Twin Lakes Elementary School is the most challenged, with a 0-star rating for three consecutive years and proficiency rates in the 15-30% range. Pierce Middle School presents a paradox: while ranked in the 1st percentile overall, it achieves a remarkable 93% proficiency rate in Algebra 1, far exceeding the district average of 63%. Leto High School boasts a 95.2% graduation rate but struggles with a 54.2% chronic absenteeism rate and below-average test scores. Crestwood Elementary School and Egypt Lake Elementary School fall in the middle, with moderate performance. The two alternative schools, Caminiti Exceptional Center and Detention Center West, serve specialized populations with very high per-student spending but extreme absenteeism rates.
Chronic absenteeism is the most critical issue across the zip code, with four of six standard schools exceeding the district average of 31.3%. Economic disadvantage is high across all schools, ranging from 56.79% to 73.64% of students receiving free or reduced lunch. The contrast between Alexander and Twin Lakes Elementary—both with similar poverty levels but vastly different outcomes—shows that school leadership and targeted interventions can overcome socioeconomic hurdles. Addressing attendance is likely the single most impactful step for improving academic results in this area.
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