Best Elementary Schools
in Tampa, Florida
We ranked the 118 elementary schools in Tampa with real test data. The top 25 scored between 8.0 and 9.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Florida education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Tampa for 2026 are Grady Elementary School (9.6/10), Horizon Charter School of Tampa (9.4/10), and Roland Park K-8 Magnet School (9.4/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 118 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Tampa?
Every elementary school in Tampa is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Grady Elementary School
Tampa, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Horizon Charter School of Tampa
Tampa, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Roland Park K-8 Magnet School
Tampa, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Tampa's elementary school landscape spans 98 ranked schools, giving families a wide range of options across the metro. The average composite score sits at 6.9/10, and exactly half of all ranked schools — 49 in total — score 7 or above, signaling a solid mid-to-upper tier across much of the district. At the top, Patricia Sullivan Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School leads with a 9.3/10, followed closely by Grady Elementary at 9.1 and Lanier Elementary at 9.0. The spread between the highest and lowest performers is worth noting as you search — school quality varies meaningfully by neighborhood, so location matters. Use the table below to sort by score, area, or other factors to find the schools that best fit your priorities. Clicking into individual school profiles will give you a fuller picture of what each campus offers.
Grady Elementary School
Horizon Charter School of Tampa
Roland Park K-8 Magnet School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Tampa's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Florida so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 118 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Florida education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Florida. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Tampa
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Tampa's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Tampa
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Tampa's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Florida, with 130 schools spanning 2 school districts, plus 17 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Tampa, Florida?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Grady Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in Tampa with a composite score of 9.6/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Tampa, Florida?
Tampa has 130 elementary schools, including 17 charter schools. Of these, 119 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Tampa?
The average composite score for Tampa elementary schools is 6.2/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Florida).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Florida, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Florida, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Tampa elementary school rankings?
Yes. Tampa has 17 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.