Whether traditional classes, a magnet program, or a private school is right for your child, Tampa Bay has the options to fit your needs. When it comes to how we stack up against students across the country, we rank among the best of them.
The school system led the state of Florida in National Merit Semifinalists, with 60 students earning the honor. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests 4th and 8th graders in reading and science, and our students scored the highest in reading and in the top three in math, among all of the 22 districts tested. AP exam participation has increased more than 100 percent over the past six years, and the number of students earning mid-to-high scores (3, 4 and 5) has also risen.
The variety and quality of magnet and choice attractor programs add to Tampa Bay’s reputation. From magnet programs like International Baccalaureate (IB) and Maritime and Marine Environmental Science Honors Academy to choice attractor programs in aerospace engineering, pharmacy, and visual and performing arts, students are able to follow a track of interest in preparation for their futures. Magnet Schools of America recently recognized 22 local magnet schools as Magnet Schools of Excellence or Magnet Schools of Distinction. Tampa Bay region also offers a variety of private schools for students of all ages, including religious-affiliated, preparatory, Montessori, and independent schools.
