Best Elementary Schools in tampa, FL (2026 List)

Tampa, Florida, located along the Gulf Coast, is known for its historic neighborhoods, professional sports, and growing tech and healthcare sectors. With a population over 400,000, Tampa is served by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), the 7th-largest district in the U.S., educating more than 220,000 students. The graduation rate is about 86%, while reading and math proficiency averages 45–60%, with top schools like Plant High School gaining national attention. HCPS invests in STEM education, career academies, and early childhood learning, though improvement is needed in achievement gaps and infrastructure. Tampa is the hometown of celebrities like Channing Tatum and Tony La Russa. The city continues to balance urban growth with educational progress.