Tampa’s Top High Schools: A Comprehensive List
Tampa, Florida, boasts an impressive array of high schools, each offering unique educational experiences and opportunities for students. Whether you’re a parent seeking the best fit for your child or a student exploring your options, this guide will provide an in-depth look at over 20 high schools in the Tampa area. From public to private institutions, we’ll cover a diverse range of educational environments to help you make an informed decision.
Public High Schools
Alonso High School
- Location: 8004 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33624
- Grades: 9-12
- Key Features: Alonso High is known for its rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and academic clubs.
Blake High School
- Address: 1701 North C Street, Tampa, FL 33602
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Highlights: Blake High School emphasizes a well-rounded education, with a strong arts program that includes visual arts, drama, and music. The school also has a robust athletics department, offering various sports teams for students to join.
Chamberlain High School
- Location: 14625 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618
- Grades Offered: 9-12
- Notable Aspects: Chamberlain High is renowned for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, providing students with a challenging and globally-focused curriculum. The school also boasts a strong college preparatory program, helping students transition smoothly into higher education.
East Bay High School
- Address: 6810 N US Highway 301, Tampa, FL 33610
- Grade Range: 9-12
- Distinctive Features: East Bay High School offers a wide array of career-focused programs, including healthcare sciences, engineering, and business. The school’s innovative approach to education prepares students for future careers and higher education.
Gaither High School
- Location: 16200 Anderson Road, Tampa, FL 33624
- Grades: 9-12
- Notable Points: Gaither High is recognized for its outstanding athletic programs, with a strong emphasis on football and basketball. The school also provides a comprehensive academic curriculum, including AP and honors courses.
George D. Chamberlain High School
- Address: 5350 U.S. Highway 19, Tampa, FL 33703
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Special Features: Chamberlain High offers a unique dual enrollment program, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school. The school also has a strong focus on performing arts, with dedicated programs in drama and music.
Hillsborough High School
- Location: 5005 North Central Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604
- Grades: 9-12
- Key Points: Hillsborough High is one of Tampa’s oldest high schools, known for its rich history and tradition. The school offers a diverse curriculum, including AP and honors courses, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Jefferson High School
- Address: 4401 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33607
- Grade Range: 9-12
- Notable Features: Jefferson High is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in math and science. The school has a dedicated STEM academy, providing students with specialized education in these fields.
Middleton High School
- Location: 4801 North 22nd Street, Tampa, FL 33610
- Grades Offered: 9-12
- Distinctive Features: Middleton High offers a diverse range of programs, including a medical magnet program and a strong focus on the arts. The school aims to provide a well-rounded education, preparing students for college and future careers.
Plant High School
- Address: 4202 South Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Highlights: Plant High is known for its excellent academic reputation, with a strong emphasis on college preparation. The school offers a wide array of AP courses and has a dedicated International Studies Academy.
Robinson High School
- Location: 6301 North Lois Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614
- Grades: 9-12
- Notable Points: Robinson High stands out for its robust fine arts program, including visual arts, drama, and music. The school also has a strong athletic department, offering various sports for students.
Sickles High School
- Address: 6920 West Sheila Street, Tampa, FL 33626
- Grade Range: 9-12
- Distinctive Points: Sickles High is recognized for its exceptional academic programs, particularly in the areas of science and technology. The school has a dedicated biotechnology program, providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
Steinbrenner High School
- Location: 5101 North Central Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604
- Grades Offered: 9-12
- Notable Points: Steinbrenner High offers a comprehensive academic curriculum, including AP and IB courses. The school has a strong focus on college preparation, with dedicated college counselors to guide students.
Tampa Bay Technical High School
- Address: 6100 North 56th Street, Tampa, FL 33610
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Special Features: Tampa Bay Technical High is a unique school offering career-focused education. The school provides various programs, including automotive technology, health sciences, and information technology.
Tampa Catholic High School
- Location: 6215 North Central Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604
- Grades: 9-12
- Key Points: Tampa Catholic is a private, Catholic high school known for its strong academic programs and religious education. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum, including AP courses and a strong focus on college preparation.
Private High Schools
Carrollwood Day School
- Address: 1515 West Busch Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33618
- Grade Range: PreK-12
- Distinctive Features: Carrollwood Day School provides a personalized learning experience with small class sizes. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, including AP and honors courses, and a strong emphasis on character development.
Calvary Christian High School
- Location: 16333 Sussex Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613
- Grades Offered: 9-12
- Notable Points: Calvary Christian is a private, Christian high school known for its strong academic programs and religious education. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum, including AP courses and a focus on character development.
Catholic High School
- Address: 17301 Dalton Drive, Tampa, FL 33647
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Highlights: Catholic High is a private, Catholic high school with a strong focus on faith-based education. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, including AP courses, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Hillsborough School for Creative Learning
- Location: 3415 East De Leon Street, Tampa, FL 33610
- Grades: 6-12
- Key Features: Hillsborough School for Creative Learning is a unique, public charter school with a focus on project-based learning and creativity. The school offers a personalized education, catering to each student’s individual needs and interests.
Berkeley Preparatory School
- Address: 4802 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614
- Grade Range: PreK-12
- Distinctive Features: Berkeley Prep is a private, non-sectarian school known for its strong academic programs and diverse student body. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service.
Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
- Location: 4615 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617
- Grades Offered: 9-12
- Notable Points: Brooks DeBartolo is a unique, charter high school with a focus on college preparation. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, including AP courses, and a dedicated college counseling program.
Cambridge Christian School
- Address: 5225 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614
- Grade Levels: PreK-12
- Highlights: Cambridge Christian is a private, Christian school with a strong emphasis on character development and academic excellence. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum, including AP courses and a robust fine arts program.
Carrollwood Montessori School
- Location: 1515 West Busch Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33618
- Grades: PreK-12
- Key Points: Carrollwood Montessori is a private school following the Montessori educational philosophy. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and individual freedom within a structured environment.
George J. Fogel Elementary School
- Address: 3910 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614
- Grade Range: K-5
- Distinctive Features: George J. Fogel Elementary is a unique, public school with a focus on STEM education. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, including specialized STEM programs and hands-on learning experiences.
Leto High School
- Location: 4402 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614
- Grades Offered: 9-12
- Notable Points: Leto High is a public high school known for its strong academic programs and diverse student body. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service.
St. John’s Episcopal School
- Address: 3102 West Watkins Street, Tampa, FL 33607
- Grade Levels: PreK-12
- Highlights: St. John’s Episcopal is a private, Episcopal school with a strong focus on faith-based education and character development. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum, including AP courses and a robust fine arts program.
Tampa Preparatory School
- Location: 701 West Paris Street, Tampa, FL 33606
- Grades: 6-12
- Key Features: Tampa Prep is a private, college-preparatory school known for its rigorous academic programs and diverse student body. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service.
Notes:
📌 Note: This guide provides an overview of high schools in Tampa, Florida. For the most up-to-date information and specific details about each school, we recommend visiting their official websites or contacting the schools directly.
Final Thoughts
Tampa offers a diverse range of high schools, each with its unique strengths and programs. Whether you’re seeking a public school with a strong academic focus or a private institution that aligns with your values and beliefs, this guide should provide a solid starting point for your research. Remember, the best school for your child is the one that meets their individual needs and interests, so take the time to explore and discover the perfect fit.
FAQ
What is the average class size in Tampa’s high schools?
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Class sizes vary across Tampa’s high schools, but most public schools aim for a student-teacher ratio of around 20:1. Private schools may have smaller class sizes, ranging from 10 to 15 students per class.
Do Tampa’s high schools offer advanced placement (AP) courses?
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Yes, many high schools in Tampa offer AP courses. These courses provide students with an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school, which can be beneficial for college applications and future academic pursuits.
Are there any specialized programs or academies within Tampa’s high schools?
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Absolutely! Tampa’s high schools offer a variety of specialized programs and academies, such as STEM academies, medical magnet programs, and fine arts academies. These programs provide students with focused education and hands-on learning experiences in their areas of interest.
How can I learn more about a specific high school’s curriculum and extracurricular activities?
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The best way to learn about a high school’s curriculum and extracurricular offerings is to visit their official website. Most schools provide detailed information about their academic programs, sports teams, clubs, and other activities. Additionally, attending open houses or contacting the school directly can provide valuable insights.
What factors should I consider when choosing a high school for my child?
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When choosing a high school, consider factors such as academic reputation, available programs and courses, extracurricular activities, location, and the school’s overall culture and values. It’s essential to find a school that aligns with your child’s interests, learning style, and future goals.
