Summary:
In Tampa's 33647 zip code, two public middle schools—Benito Middle School and Liberty Middle School—serve grades 6-8 within the Hillsborough County school district, which holds a 2-star rating (36th percentile) statewide.
Benito Middle School has historically been the higher-performing school, earning a 4-star rating in 2024-2025 and maintaining a lower chronic absenteeism rate (34.2% vs. 42.6%) and a lower percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch (28.68% vs. 39.28%). However, their state rankings have converged for the 2025-2026 school year, with Benito ranking 398th (67th percentile, 3 stars) and Liberty ranking 403rd (67th percentile, 3 stars). Liberty Middle School spends $664 more per student ($11,172 vs. $10,508) yet struggles with worse test scores in most subjects and a significantly higher chronic absenteeism rate—over 11 points above the state average. The most dramatic finding is in 7th-grade math proficiency: only 36% of Liberty's 7th graders were proficient in 2025-2026, compared to 53% statewide, while Benito's 7th-grade math proficiency was 45% in 2024-2025.
Despite these challenges, both schools excel in advanced coursework, consistently achieving 94-100% proficiency in Algebra 1 and Geometry End-of-Course exams—far exceeding district (53-63%) and state (55-63%) averages. This creates a stark "two-tier" system where advanced students thrive while standard-track students, particularly in 7th-grade math, fall behind. Liberty's high chronic absenteeism rate (42.6%) is a critical red flag likely driving lower test scores, while Benito's ranking drop from the 76th to 67th percentile suggests emerging challenges. For parents, Benito offers slightly stronger overall academics and attendance, but both schools provide exceptional advanced coursework opportunities.
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