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Below Average

#3263 of 3,777 schools in FL

Gaither High School

High School · HILLSBOROUGH

16200 N DALE MABRY HWY, Tampa, FL 33618

Enrollment

2,078

Student-Teacher

21.4:1

Score

4.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Tampa

#141 of 161

public schools

Florida high schools

#495 of 748

In district

#250 of 286

HILLSBOROUGH

About Gaither High School

Gaither High School serves 2,078 students in grades 9-12 in Tampa's well-established suburban community along North Dale Mabry Highway. With 97 full-time teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21.4:1, providing a substantial high school experience in Hillsborough County. Academically, Gaither High School has room for growth, with 51% of students performing proficiently in English Language Arts and reading across grade levels.

The school ranks in the 41st percentile among Florida's high schools, indicating opportunities for continued improvement in student achievement and college readiness. The school draws from a stable suburban neighborhood where families demonstrate a strong commitment to education, with 45% of adults holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The surrounding 33618 ZIP code reflects middle to upper-middle class demographics, with a median household income of $74,016 and median home values around $355,200.

The relatively low poverty rate of 7.6% suggests most students come from economically stable households. Located in Tampa's large suburban landscape, Gaither High School sits within a community of nearly 28,500 residents who have chosen this area for its suburban amenities and proximity to Tampa's broader opportunities. The school serves as an integral part of this established North Tampa corridor.

What Parents Should Know

Gaither High School is a large school with 2,078 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

The student-teacher ratio at Gaither High School is 21.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.6Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-6.26 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.6Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30%
Reading/ELA Proficiency48%
Reading vs. State Avg-4.6 pts
Overall Proficiency39%
Expected (poverty-adj.)54%
vs. Expected-14.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile27th
College Readiness8.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation24.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.6Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,837

Gaither High School — Students at Gaither High School score 39% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

41.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 42.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 51.0%
School
State
52.7%

Based on 6 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
54%
ELA
54%
2021*
Math
30%
ELA
48%
2024
ELA
51%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.6/10.

How Gaither High School Compares

See how Gaither High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
14th percentile in FL
Academic
4.6/10
4.6/10
Growth
1.6/10
Below average
Environment
3.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
97 teachers

Location

16200 N DALE MABRY HWY, Tampa, FL 33618

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Gaither High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. NORTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.8/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CARROLLWOOD K-8 SCHOOL (rated 8.6/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CLAYWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tampa, see our Tampa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.4 mi
School Distance Rating
NORTHDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tampa 0.3 mi 6.5
CLAYWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 1.2 mi 8.2
PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CARROLLWOOD Tampa 1.8 mi
CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL Tampa 1.9 mi 5.8
DOROTHY THOMAS CENTER Tampa 2.2 mi 6.4
HEBREW ACADEMY OF TAMPA Tampa 2.1 mi
BUCHANAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Tampa 2.2 mi 4.9
HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL Tampa 2.3 mi 5.7
LAKE MAGDALENE UMC EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Tampa 2.5 mi
SCHWARZKOPF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lutz 2.6 mi 8.0
HILLEL ACADEMY OF TAMPA Tampa 2.7 mi 7.9
MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA Lutz 2.7 mi 6.6
SUNLAKE ACADEMY OF MATH AND SCIENCES Lutz 3.0 mi 8.1
NORTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 2.7 mi 8.8
CARROLLWOOD K-8 SCHOOL Tampa 3.3 mi 8.6
MONTESSORI EARLY LEARNING CENTER Tampa 3.4 mi
LA ROCA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tampa 3.1 mi
ESSRIG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 3.2 mi 6.9
LAKE MAGDALENE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 3.4 mi 6.5
LUTZ PREPARATORY SCHOOL Lutz 3.4 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 33618 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$79,850

Median Home Value

$379,200

Median Rent

$1,400/mo

Population

27,588

College Educated

47.9%

Homeownership

69.8%

Avg Commute

27.8 min

Poverty Rate

7.1%

Median Age

41.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Gaither High School has a median household income of $79,850. It is a well-educated community where 48% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $379,200, with a median rent of $1,400/month. The local poverty rate of 7.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL Tampa, FL 4.8
BOYD H. ANDERSON HIGH SCHOOL Lauderdale Lakes, FL 4.8
DEERFIELD BEACH HIGH SCHOOL Deerfield Beach, FL 4.8
EDGEWATER HIGH Orlando, FL 4.8
JAMES RICKARDS HIGH SCHOOL Tallahassee, FL 4.8
MIRAMAR HIGH SCHOOL Miramar, FL 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Gaither High School

What grades does Gaither High School serve?

Gaither High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Gaither High School?

Gaither High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,078 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Gaither High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Gaither High School is 21.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Gaither High School rank in FL?

Gaither High School is ranked #3263 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Gaither High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Gaither High School has a composite rating of 4.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Gaither High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Gaither High School has 42.0% math proficiency and 51.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Gaither High School a charter school?

No, Gaither High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Gaither High School a Title I school?

No, Gaither High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gaither High School?

41.2% of students at Gaither High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
50 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
53 Bikeable
City Safety
High (1,917/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tampa). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,078
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
97
Free/Reduced Lunch
41.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Hillsborough County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

HILLSBOROUGH
District Enrollment
224,152
Schools in District
305
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,590
District Rank
#250 of 286

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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