Best Middle Schools
in Tampa, Florida
We ranked all 30 middle schools in Tampa. The top 25 scored between 4.7 and 8.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Florida education data
Tampa's middle school landscape spans 25 ranked schools, with performance ranging widely across the metro. Terrace Community Middle School leads the field at 7.9 out of 10 — a notable gap above the average composite score of 5.5 — followed by Ferrell Middle Magnet School and a cluster of schools in the mid-sixes. Only two schools, or 8% of the ranked pool, clear the 7-point threshold, which means the upper tier is genuinely competitive. The table below lets you sort by overall score, academic growth, and other key metrics. Magnet programs appear throughout the rankings, giving families options beyond their zoned school. Whether you're weighing test performance, student progress, or proximity, the score spread here is wide enough that school choice can make a meaningful difference. Use the columns to filter what matters most to your family and dig into individual profiles from there.
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Tampa's Middle 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 middle schools in Florida. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle 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 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle 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 middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Florida, with 30 schools spanning 2 school districts, plus 1 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 middle school in Tampa, Florida?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, ACADEMY PREP CENTER OF TAMPA is the top-rated middle school in Tampa with a composite score of 8.1/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Tampa, Florida?
Tampa has 30 middle schools, including 1 charter schools. Of these, 29 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Tampa?
The average composite score for Tampa middle schools is 5.7/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Florida).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle 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 middle school rankings?
Yes. Tampa has 1 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.