The Best Schools In Tampa

When you are looking for a new home, you will probably make a list of things like your preferred number of bedrooms and bathrooms, ideal neighborhoods, the amenities that you want…and your budget. But if you have kids, then schools should also be on the list. Where you live will affect where your kids will go to school, so it is important to do your research.

Tampa has a lot of great schools, including public and private options. There are also special public schools, known as magnet and charter schools. We have compiled a list of some of the best schools in the Tampa area to help you get started on your search - with the hope that you will also search based on what is important to you and your family.

At Eaton Realty, we work with families hoping to buy, sell, or rent a home in West Central Florida. With deep experience in the Tampa real estate market, we can offer skilled guidance to our clients on everything from the best master-planned communities to the inside scoop on local schools. Reach out to talk to a team member about your real estate needs.

What Makes a Great School?

The concept of what is considered a “good” school has long been problematic. Too often, it is based on factors like the relative wealth of the area and the diversity of a school district. When thinking about the “best” schools in Tampa, it is important to keep those considerations in mind - that some people and some websites may base their analysis on whether a school district is considered wealthy or predominantly white.

Fortunately, many analyses go beyond these numbers to look at other things that go into a great school. This analysis includes factors such as:

The student-to-teacher ratio;

Whether a school touts its test scores, which may indicate a focus on teaching to tests;

The diversity of the student body;

How the district approaches helping children with disabilities;

If parents are involved with the school district;

What the school’s policies are related to discipline, homework, testing, and other matters;

If the school shows a commitment to improvement and change;

Whether there are a range of extracurricular activities, advanced placement, elective classes, and vocational programming;

The overall culture of the school;

The positive attitude of the teachers; and

The cohesiveness of the student body

Importantly, the “best” school might differ for each family based on their unique needs. For example, a wealthier school district may be able to afford to give all kids iPads or other devices starting in Kindergarten - but parents may prefer a school that relies less heavily on technology. Similarly, many highly ranked schools may not be a great fit for a student with learning differences if their priority is getting high test scores.

When you are looking to rent or buy a home in the Tampa region, you may very well consult these ratings to get a better feel for the area and whether the schools will be good for your kids. Touring the schools and talking to parents with kids in the district may also help you make a more informed decision. Our list of the best public and private schools in Tampa is a great place to start your search and can be supplemented with your own research to further narrow down neighborhoods or towns that might work best for your family.

What Are Magnet and Charter Schools?

On our list of best public schools in Tampa, you will notice that several of the top schools are designated as magnet or charter schools. Both types of schools are still considered public schools, but they have important differences.

Generally, magnet schools operate within the public school system and offer a more specialized focus in addition to the standard courses. They are open to all students within a district or metro area. Magnet schools are accountable to the local school board and are held to the same standards as other public schools.

Charter schools are public but operate independently of the school district. They are privately run, either by a nonprofit or for-profit entity. They are open to all students within a district or specified area.

With both magnets and charter schools, students are not charged tuition and cater to students within a geographic area - which may not necessarily be limited to the neighborhood where the school is located. The biggest difference between the two types of schools is who they are accountable to: the state and local school board (magnet schools) or their own charter (charter schools).

There is some controversy about magnet and charter schools, particularly charter schools run by for-profit entities. A magnet or charter school might be a good idea for your family - but you should thoroughly research the school before making any decisions.

Best Public Schools in the Tampa Area

You're in luck if you currently live in or plan to move to the West Central Florida region. The Tampa area is known for its excellent public schools, including those within the Hillsborough County Public Schools, Pinellas County Public Schools, and Pasco County Public Schools districts.

When looking for a house, the zoned school district is often an important consideration for families with kids - particularly if private school isn’t an option. Your kids will spend a significant chunk of their lives in school, and what they learn there will help to inform their futures. You will want to ensure that the schools will work well for your kids wherever you choose to rent or buy a house.

Elementary Schools

The Tampa region has a lot of great elementary schools, which typically serve students from kindergarten through 5th grade. However, some of these schools have up to 8th grade and are also featured on our middle school list.

1. Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School: This Tarpon Springs magnet school is located within the Pinellas County School District. It has 269 students between kindergarten (K) and 5th grade, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
2. Dayspring Academy: In Port Richey, this Pasco County school is a charter school that serves 867 students between kindergarten and 12th grade. The student-to-teacher ratio is 14 to 1.
3. Plato Academy Clearwater: In Clearwater, this charter school falls within the Pinellas County School District. It has 539 students in grades kindergarten to 8th, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
4. McKitrick Elementary School: In Lutz, this Hillsborough County public school has 993 students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The student-to-teacher ratio is 17 to 1.
5. Bevis Elementary School: This Hillsborough County public school is located in Lithia. It serves 867 students between grades K - 5, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
6. Chiles Elementary School: In Tampa, this elementary school has 874 students between K-5, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. It is located within the Hillsborough County School District.
7. MacFarlane Park Magnet School: Located in Tampa, this magnet school has 384 students in K - 5 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. It is within the Hillsborough County School District.
8. Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School: In St. Petersburg, this Pinellas County magnet school has 455 students between K-5. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
9. Pride Elementary School: Located in Tampa, this Hillsborough County school serves 843 students between pre-kindergarten and 5th grade. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
10. Lutz Preparatory School: With 782 students between kindergarten and 8th grade, this charter school is located in Lutz, within Hillsborough County. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.

Middle Schools

Middle schools in West Central Florida often serve grades 6 through 8. However, some of the schools on our list aren’t just middle schools - they teach students from kindergarten through 8th grade. If you are looking for a home, choosing one near one of these schools might be a great option for your children.

1. Terrace Community Middle School: Located in Thonotosassa, this school has 660 students in grades 6 to 8 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. It falls within the Hillsborough County School District.
2. Williams Middle Magnet School: Based in Tampa, this magnet school has 825 students in grades 6 to 8, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. It is a Hillsborough County public school.
3. Dayspring Academy: In Port Richey, this Pasco County school is a charter school that serves 867 students between kindergarten and 12th grade. The student-to-teacher ratio is 14 to 1.
4. Plato Academy Clearwater: In Clearwater, this charter school falls within the Pinellas County School District. It has 539 students in grades kindergarten to 8th, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
5. Walker Middle Magnet School: Located in Odessa, this magnet school has 1,036 students between grades 6 - 8. It is within the Hillsborough County School District and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 20 to 1.
6. Lutz Preparatory School: With 782 students between kindergarten and 8th grade, this charter school is located in Lutz, within Hillsborough County. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
7. Challenger School of Science: In Spring Hill, this magnet school in Hernando County has 1,470 students between kindergarten and 8th grade. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
8. Roland Park Magnet School: In Tampa, this magnet school serves 803 students between K- 8, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. It is located within the Hillsborough County School District.
9. Clearwater Fundamental Middle School: This public magnet school is located in Clearwater in Pinellas County. It has 761 students between grades 6 - 8, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 20 to 1.
10. Plato Academy Charter School: In Tarpon Springs, this Pinellas County public charter school has 359 students in grades K - 8. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.

High Schools

High schools in the Tampa area generally teach students between 9th and 12th grade, although some offer grades 10 to 12. Student-to-teacher ratios in high school tend to be higher, as older students generally do not need as much individualized attention as younger kids.

1. St. Petersburg Collegiate High School: in St. Petersburg, this Pinellas County charter school serves 240 students between grades 10 - 12. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 48 to 1.
2. Plant High School: In Tampa, this public school teaches 2,514 students between grades 9 - 12 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 23 to 1. It is located within Hillsborough County.
3. Steinbrenner High School: In Lutz, this Hillsborough County school serves 2,506 students between grades 9 - 12. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 24 to 1.
4. Strawberry Crest High School: Located in Dover, this Hillsborough County school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 24 to 1. It teaches 2,427 students between grades 9 - 12.
5. Sickles High School: In Tampa, this school has 2,363 students between grades 9 - 12 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 24 to 1. It is within Hillsborough County.
6. Land O’ Lakes High School: In Pasco County, this Land O’ Lakes public school teaches 2,083 students between grades 9 - 12. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 23 to 1.
7. Palm Harbour University High School: In Pinellas County, this Palm Harbor public school has 2,480 students in grades 9 - 12. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 22 to 1.
8. Robinson High School: In Tampa, this Hillsborough County school has 1,420 students between grades 9 - 12. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 19 to 1.
9. Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School: This public charter school is located within Hillsborough County in Tampa. It has 602 students between grades 9 - 12, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
10. St. Petersburg High School: In Pinellas County, this St. Petersburg public school has 1,745 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 21 to 1. It serves grades 9 - 12.

Best Private Schools in the Tampa Region

There are many great public schools in and around Tampa. However, for some families, private schools are a better fit. This may be due to a student’s special needs, religious beliefs, or simply a desire for a specific type of education. Many private schools in the region teach students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

1. Berkeley Preparatory School: In Tampa, this private Episcopal school teaches students from grades Pre-K to 12. Tuition is $31,360 annually.
2. Shorecrest Preparatory School: In St. Petersburg, this private school is not religious. It serves grades Pre-K to 12, and yearly tuition is $31,670.
3. Tampa Preparatory School: This Tampa-based school serves grades 6 to 12. It is not affiliated with a church, and annual tuition is $28,595.
4. Carrollwood Day School: In Tampa, this nonsectarian private school teaches students in Pre-K to 12. Annual tuition is $25,500.
5. Academy of the Holy Names: This Catholic school is based in Tampa and serves grades Pre-K to 12. Annual tuition is $20,370.
6. Academy at the Lakes: In Land O’ Lakes, this private school is not affiliated with any religion. It serves students from Pre-K to 12, and yearly tuition is $27,600.
7. Jesuit High School: This Catholic school in Tampa serves grades 9 to 12. Yearly tuition is $14,975.
8. Universal Academy of Florida: This Muslim private school is located in Tampa, and teaches students from Pre-K to 12. Yearly tuition is $9,370.
9. Canterbury School of Florida: This Episcopal school in St. Petersburg teaches students from Pre-K to 12. Annual tuition is $22,000.
10. Calvary Christian High School: Located in Clearwater, this Christian school teaches students in grades 9 to 12. Yearly tuition is $15,000.

Go House Hunting with Eaton Realty

Finding the right place to live can be hard - especially when you have kids. You want a house that works for your family and near great public or private schools. The best way to accomplish those goals is by doing some research on your own (you can browse available homes for sale in Tampa on our site) - and by working with a skilled Tampa real estate agent. Our realtors can help you find an excellent home for your family - even during the school year.

Based in Lithia, the realtors of Eaton Realty work with clients to help them find the house that is right for them in the best location. We have more than 20 years of experience in Hillsborough County real estate and can work with you to help you find the best home for you. In addition to helping residents buy and sell homes, our team also offers Tampa property management services and can help you find and manage rentals in Tampa. If you’d like to learn more about any of our services, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 813-672-8022 to talk to a member of our real estate team.