Best High Schools
in Tampa, Florida
We ranked all 37 high schools in Tampa. The top 25 scored between 4.9 and 7.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Florida education data
Tampa's ranked high school landscape spans 28 schools, with composite scores ranging from well below average to a top mark of 7.4/10 earned by Tampa Residential Facility. That spread tells a real story: only 4 schools — 14% of the ranked pool — clear the 7-out-of-10 threshold, while the metro average sits at 5.5/10. Knowing where a school lands relative to those benchmarks is a useful starting point before weighing other factors. The table below lets you sort by overall score, student-teacher ratio, and other key metrics to find the right fit. Columbus Residential Juvenile Facility, Robinson High School, Carver Exceptional Center, and Plant High School round out the top five, each posting scores at or above 6.9/10. Use the columns to zero in on what matters most — whether that's academic performance, school size, or something else entirely.
TAMPA RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
COLUMBUS RESIDENTIAL JUVENILE FACILITY
ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Tampa's High 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 high schools in Florida. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Florida, with 37 schools spanning 2 school districts, plus 6 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 high school in Tampa, Florida?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, TAMPA RESIDENTIAL FACILITY is the top-rated high school in Tampa with a composite score of 7.4/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many high schools are in Tampa, Florida?
Tampa has 37 high schools, including 6 charter schools. Of these, 32 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Tampa?
The average composite score for Tampa high schools is 5.6/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Florida).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Tampa has 6 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.