Hillsborough County Schools & Education
Hillsborough County, Florida
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,130
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,118
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
State School Rank
#41
of 67 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Hillsborough County, Florida
One of Florida's Largest Education Systems
Hillsborough County manages a massive network of 305 public schools serving 224,384 students. The infrastructure is extensive, featuring 182 elementary schools, 44 middle schools, and 53 high schools. This scale allows for a wide variety of specialized programs and diverse educational pathways across the Tampa metro area.
High Performance Across a Massive District
Despite its size, Hillsborough maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county spends $6,130 per pupil, almost exactly matching the Florida state average of $6,118. A school score of 51.6 places the county slightly above the state average, reflecting a solid return on investment for its large student body.
Innovation Through Extensive Charter Options
The Hillsborough district is notable for its 55 charter schools, representing 18% of all public campuses in the county. While the district-run Jule F. Sumner High School is a giant with 3,827 students, the Florida Connections Academy charter also serves over 5,100 students. This blend of traditional and charter options provides families with numerous choices for their children's education.
Suburban Life with Large-Scale Campuses
Hillsborough is primarily a suburban district, with 177 schools located in residential suburbs and 102 in city centers. Average school size is 750 students, but high schools like Newsome and Alonso often exceed 2,700 students. The environment ranges from intimate urban elementary schools to sprawling, high-energy secondary campuses.
Finding Your Place in a Top-Tier District
For families moving to the Tampa area, Hillsborough County offers some of the most diverse and high-performing school options in the state. From quiet suburban cul-de-sacs near top-rated elementary schools to urban lofts near specialized charters, your home search can be tailored to your specific school preferences. Use the county’s strong academic data to guide your investment in local real estate.
School Overview
Total Schools
305
in Hillsborough County
Total Enrollment
224,384
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
55
18% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Hillsborough County
HILLSBOROUGH
305 Public Schools in Hillsborough County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLORIDA CONNECTIONS ACADEMY | HILLSBOROUGH | KG–12 | Charter | 5,126 |
| JULE F SUMNER HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 7–12 | High | 3,827 |
| NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 3,203 |
| ALONSO HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,795 |
| RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,599 |
| DURANT HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,589 |
| STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,558 |
| PLANT HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,507 |
| STEINBRENNER HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,475 |
| PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,474 |
| LENNARD HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,404 |
| ARMWOOD HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,400 |
| SICKLES HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,368 |
| BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,304 |
| WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,289 |
| GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,123 |
| LETO HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,062 |
| TAMPA BAY TECH HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 2,015 |
| EAST BAY HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 1,995 |
| HILLSBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL | HILLSBOROUGH | 9–12 | High | 1,891 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,130
State avg $6,118
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Hillsborough County, Florida — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Hillsborough County, Florida?
Hillsborough County manages a massive network of 305 public schools serving 224,384 students. The infrastructure is extensive, featuring 182 elementary schools, 44 middle schools, and 53 high schools. This scale allows for a wide variety of specialized programs and diverse educational pathways across the Tampa metro area.
How do schools in Hillsborough County perform academically?
Despite its size, Hillsborough maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county spends $6,130 per pupil, almost exactly matching the Florida state average of $6,118. A school score of 51.6 places the county slightly above the state average, reflecting a solid return on investment for its large student body.
What are the major school districts in Hillsborough County, Florida?
The Hillsborough district is notable for its 55 charter schools, representing 18% of all public campuses in the county. While the district-run Jule F. Sumner High School is a giant with 3,827 students, the Florida Connections Academy charter also serves over 5,100 students. This blend of traditional and charter options provides families with numerous choices for their children's education.
What is the school experience like in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough is primarily a suburban district, with 177 schools located in residential suburbs and 102 in city centers. Average school size is 750 students, but high schools like Newsome and Alonso often exceed 2,700 students. The environment ranges from intimate urban elementary schools to sprawling, high-energy secondary campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Hillsborough County, Florida?
For families moving to the Tampa area, Hillsborough County offers some of the most diverse and high-performing school options in the state. From quiet suburban cul-de-sacs near top-rated elementary schools to urban lofts near specialized charters, your home search can be tailored to your specific school preferences. Use the county’s strong academic data to guide your investment in local real estate.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.