Best Elementary Schools
in Tampa, Florida
We ranked all 130 elementary schools in Tampa. The top 25 scored between 7.9 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Florida education data
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.
PATRICIA SULLIVAN METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES PARTNERSHIP SCHOO
GRADY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
LANIER ELEMENTARY 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Florida so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 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, PATRICIA SULLIVAN METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES PARTNERSHIP SCHOO is the top-rated elementary school in Tampa with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.7/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.