Skip to main content

Below Average

#3515 of 3,777 schools in FL

Pierce Middle School

Middle School · HILLSBOROUGH

5511 N HESPERIDES ST, Tampa, FL 33614

Enrollment

879

Student-Teacher

21.4:1

Score

4.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Tampa

#151 of 161

public schools

Florida middle schools

#556 of 573

In district

#269 of 286

HILLSBOROUGH

About Pierce Middle School

Pierce Middle School serves 879 students in grades 6-8 in Tampa's Hillsborough County, operating with 41 full-time equivalent teachers for a student-teacher ratio of 21.4:1. This regular public school is working to support student achievement, with room for academic growth as evidenced by its current performance metrics. The school's academic results show 27% of students performing at proficient levels or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 33% reach proficiency in Mathematics.

With a MySchoolScout rating of 2.1 out of 10 and ranking at #3605 among Florida's 3816 schools, Pierce Middle School is focusing on strengthening educational outcomes for its diverse student body. Located at 5511 N Hesperides Street in the 33614 ZIP code area, the school serves a community where the median household income is $50,168 and median home value reaches $259,400. About 24% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the local poverty rate stands at 15.3%.

The neighborhood's population of 46,844 reflects the substantial residential community surrounding the school. Pierce Middle School operates within Tampa's large suburban setting, providing educational services to families in this established residential area of Hillsborough County.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Pierce Middle 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.1Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.47 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.8Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency35%
Reading/ELA Proficiency32%
Math vs. State Avg-20.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22.4 pts
Overall Proficiency34%
Expected (poverty-adj.)38%
vs. Expected-4.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
Resources & Environment3.6Fair25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,837

Pierce Middle School — Students at Pierce Middle School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

70.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 36.2%
School
State
52.5%
ELA Proficiency 30.0%
School
State
51.8%

Based on 10 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
48%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
35%
ELA
32%
2024
Math
32.7%
ELA
27%

* 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: 4.1/10.

How Pierce Middle School Compares

See how Pierce Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
7th percentile in FL
Academic
4.8/10
4.8/10
Growth
4.1/10
Below average
Environment
3.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
71%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
41 teachers

Location

5511 N HESPERIDES ST, Tampa, FL 33614

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pierce Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. HORIZON CHARTER SCHOOL OF TAMPA (rated 8.4/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is DETENTION CENTER WEST (rated 7.1/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CRESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tampa, see our Tampa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.7 mi
School Distance Rating
ALEXANDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 0.2 mi 6.4
LETO HIGH SCHOOL Tampa 1.0 mi 5.4
DETENTION CENTER WEST Tampa 1.3 mi 7.1
ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Tampa 1.1 mi 6.6
LES PETERS ACADEMY Tampa 1.3 mi
CRESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 1.5 mi 7.0
JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL Tampa 1.4 mi 6.4
EGYPT LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 1.4 mi 4.9
TAMPA BAY BOULEVARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 2.2 mi 4.8
OAK GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 2.2 mi 5.1
TRINITY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN Tampa 2.3 mi 6.6
LEARNING FOR LIFE ACADEMY Tampa 2.6 mi
MENDENHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 2.4 mi 5.6
LAVOY EXCEPTIONAL CENTER Tampa 2.8 mi 6.3
ROLAND PARK K-8 MAGNET SCHOOL Tampa 2.9 mi 7.0
TAMPA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Tampa 2.6 mi 6.2
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL Tampa 2.7 mi 3.9
HORIZON CHARTER SCHOOL OF TAMPA Tampa 2.7 mi 8.4
JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL Tampa 3.0 mi 4.7
TOWN & COUNTRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tampa 2.7 mi 5.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 33614 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$51,143

Median Home Value

$295,700

Median Rent

$1,399/mo

Population

46,218

College Educated

23.1%

Homeownership

42.2%

Avg Commute

26.3 min

Poverty Rate

16.5%

Median Age

40

Community Profile

The community surrounding Pierce Middle School has a median household income of $51,143. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $295,700, with a median rent of $1,399/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.5%. The average commute for residents is 26 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
GULF MIDDLE SCHOOL New Port Richey, FL 4.2
MANN MIDDLE SCHOOL Brandon, FL 4.2
MEMORIAL MIDDLE Orlando, FL 4.2
OLSEN MIDDLE SCHOOL Dania Beach, FL 4.2
SLEEPY HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL Lakeland, FL 4.2
BEULAH MIDDLE SCHOOL Pensacola, FL 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pierce Middle School

What grades does Pierce Middle School serve?

Pierce Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Pierce Middle School?

Pierce Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 879 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pierce Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Pierce Middle 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 Pierce Middle School rank in FL?

Pierce Middle School is ranked #3515 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Pierce Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Pierce Middle School has a composite rating of 4.2 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 Pierce Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pierce Middle School has 36.2% math proficiency and 30.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Pierce Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Pierce Middle School a Title I school?

No, Pierce Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pierce Middle School?

70.8% of students at Pierce Middle 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

City Safety
High (1,917/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
879
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
41
Free/Reduced Lunch
70.8%
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
#269 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

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.