As a lifelong Tampa local and real estate agent, I’ve worked with countless families looking for the perfect home in the best school districts. Whether you’re a parent with school-age kids or you’re excitedly planning for the future, thinking long-term to choose a neighborhood with top-rated schools in Tampa is a smart investment.
Great schools not only provide quality education but also help maintain strong property values! Even if you don’t have kids in school, buying in a top-rated school district can boost your home’s resale value. Homes in A-rated school zones tend to sell faster and at higher prices than those in lower-rated districts.
Tampa is a truly remarkable place to raise Littles and provide lots of activities for the whole family. Let’s dive into the best school districts in Tampa, including public and private options and neighborhood price comparisons. Plus: what you need to know about school zone boundaries!
What You Need to Know: Tampa School Zone Boundaries and Enrollment Requirements
When buying a home based on school districts, it’s important to understand school zone boundaries and enrollment policies. Hillsborough County Public Schools assigns students based on residential address. Always verify a home’s zoning on the Hillsborough County School Locator before purchasing. Some schools, like Plant High, have specific boundaries, and homes just outside the zone do not qualify for enrollment. Magnet and charter schools offer alternative enrollment options but often require applications and lotteries. Private schools have an application process, entrance exams, and tuition requirements.
Top-Rated Public School Districts in Tampa
Tampa has some fantastic public school districts that consistently rank among the best in Florida with outstanding student progress. If schools are a top priority in your home search, here are some of the best areas to consider:
Westchase
I have to kick this list off with Westchase. It is one of the most sought-after communities in Tampa, known for its family-friendly vibe and beautiful homes. It’s a planned area with a good mix of suburban and urban feel, and the developers really thought of everything. One of the biggest draws to Westchase is its excellent public and private schools. Families moving into the neighborhood have access to some of the top-rated schools in Hillsborough County.
Check out these schools:
- Westchase Elementary School
- Deer Park Elementary School
- Davidsen Middle School
- Alonso High School
Westchase Elementary and Davidsen Middle School, both highly rated by academic review organizations and parents alike, provide quality education and a range of extracurricular activities. Known for its diversity, Westchase’s Alonso High School boasts a four-year International Baccalaureate program, and it offers a wide range of sports, academic, and arts clubs.
Homes in Westchase range from mid-$400,000s for average townhomes to over $1 million for luxury properties.
South Tampa (Plant High School District)
South Tampa could very well be the subject of its own post when it comes to education. If you’re looking for one of the highest-rated high schools in Tampa, Plant High School consistently ranks as one of the top schools in Florida year after year within Hillsborough County, with diverse Advanced Placement (AP) offerings and demanding coursework designed for college readiness. In fact, Tampa boasts some of the best high schools in Florida.
Still have Littles in grammar school? Gorrie Elementary School in super-walkable Hyde Park is the winner of the Five Star School Award, Golden School Award, and the Florida School Recognition Award. Established in 1889 as Hyde Park Grammar School, it is the oldest operating elementary school in the state.
You should also check out:
- Ballast Point Elementary School
- Coleman Middle School
- Primrose School of South Tampa
- Mitchell Elementary School
- Wilson Middle School
I absolutely love South Tampa. It’s a fabulous mix of historic homes, modern new builds, and waterfront properties. Expect home prices in South Tampa to range from $600,000 for smaller homes to multi-million-dollar estates.
New Tampa (Hunter’s Green & Tampa Palms areas)
New Tampa is another great choice for families seeking newer developments with top-rated schools. Here’s what you’ll find in New Tampa:
- Chiles Elementary School
- Liberty Middle School
- Paul R. Wharton High School
These public schools have excellent academic programs and extracurricular activities. Homes in New Tampa start around the $400,000s, with gated communities offering resort-style amenities.
FishHawk Ranch (Lithia)
FishHawk Ranch is outside Tampa proper but worth mentioning because of its A-rated schools and master-planned community. Schools here include:
- Bevis Elementary School
- Randall Middle School
- Newsome High School
Newsome High School is third-ranked for high schools in the Tampa area (U.S. News & World Report, 2024). Newsome has a near-perfect graduation rate of 99% and a college readiness index of 62.0 (2024). It has an extremely robust athletics program and offers a variety of AP courses.
Homes in FishHawk range from the high $300,000s for townhomes to over $1 million for larger single-family homes in gated sections.
Pasco County: Classical Preparatory School (K-12)
Classical Preparatory School in Pasco County is an A-rated, top charter school providing a tuition-free, liberal arts, classical education that ranks #2 for Florida high schools. It has an impressive 100% graduation rate and 81.2 college readiness index (U.S. News & World Report, 2024). They also have an athletics program.
Top Private Schools in Tampa
If private education is more aligned with your family’s needs, Tampa has some outstanding options. Tuition is not cheap, but if you’re considering a private education, you are probably already prepared for the price tag. However, the cost of living in Florida may surprise you if you compare lifestyles to those of our friends in large cities like California or New York, so keeping yearly school tuition under $25K feels like a bargain!
Academy of the Holy Names (PreK-12)
A prestigious private Catholic school known for its rigorous academics and values-based education, Academy of the Holy Names is a private co-ed Catholic elementary school and a college prep high school for young women. The school spans 19 acres across scenic Bayshore Boulevard near downtown Tampa. In addition to academics, it also offers athletics, such as basketball, rowing, and dance, as well as clubs like debate, theater, language, and pre-law.
Jesuit High School
Jesuit is a top-rated, all-boys Catholic college prep school, with 94% of students continuing on to four-year colleges. It ranks #2 for all-boy high schools across Florida, and its athletics programs are among the best in Florida—their football team, the Tigers, hit the top of the scoreboard with the Florida High School Athletic Association. They offer a full array of AP and bridge programs, social activities, and clubs.
Berkeley Preparatory School (PreK-12)
One of the most sought-after private schools in the region, offering a strong college preparatory program.
Tampa Preparatory School (6-12)
An independent day school with a reputation for academic excellence and a strong arts and athletics program.
Carrollwood Day School (PreK-12)
A highly rated IB (International Baccalaureate) school that focuses on a global curriculum.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Home in a Top School District in Tampa!
Moving to Tampa with a family? If you’re looking for a home in one of Tampa’s best school districts, I’d love to help you find the perfect fit. I work one-on-one with my clients during their home-buying journey to find homes that match their needs and budget.
I have a ton of guides to help you with your search. Reach out to me directly; I am a wealth of information and would love to tell you all I know. Let’s make sure your next home is in a neighborhood you’ll love—and a school district that adds value to your investment.
P.S. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Tampa is also great for your children-with-fur!