Summary:
Zip code 33616 in Tampa, Florida, is home to three schools within the Hillsborough County School District, a 2-star district ranked in the bottom half of Florida: one high school and two elementary schools, serving a total of 1,979 students.
The standout performer in this area is Robinson High School, a consistent 4-star school that significantly outpaces district and state averages. With a 93.1% graduation rate and strong proficiency in subjects like US History (87-93%) and Biology (77-79%), it is a high-performing outlier within a low-performing district. In contrast, the two elementary schools present a stark contrast. Lanier Elementary School is a rising 3-star school, while Westshore Elementary School has declined to a 0-star rating, ranking in the bottom 10% of Florida elementary schools. Westshore struggles critically in math, with only 24% of 3rd graders proficient compared to the state average of 66%, and has a 33.5% chronic absenteeism rate.
A key takeaway is that higher spending does not guarantee better performance. Both elementary schools spend over $16,400 per student—nearly double the $9,512 spent at Robinson High School—yet their academic outcomes are far lower. This suggests the elementary schools face greater challenges, particularly economic disadvantage, which is highest at Westshore (67.57% free/reduced lunch) and lowest at Robinson (28.51%). Chronic absenteeism is a systemic issue across all three schools, ranging from 24.6% at Robinson to 33.5% at Westshore, and is a likely driver of the performance gaps. For parents, this area offers a top-tier high school but a mixed picture at the elementary level, where school choice and community engagement may be critical factors.
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