Guide to Local Schools in Tampa, FL

Guide to Local Schools in Tampa, FL


Tampa, Florida is a great city for families, with outdoor activities at local parks and beaches, cultural institutions like the Glazer Children's Museum, and amusements like Busch Gardens. Beyond the great amenities for weekends and other free time, families also love that the city offers several of the best elementary schools in the state for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, from the prestigious Berkeley Preparatory School to the acclaimed Carrollwood Day School. Moreover, with excellent high schools like Jesuit and Henry Bradley Plant High School, Tampa is an ideal location for parents who want to ensure their children receive a top-notch education.

Berkeley Preparatory School

If you're looking for a top private school near Tampa, Berkeley Preparatory School should be on your list. This Episcopal day school offers education from pre-kindergarten up to 12th grade. Families are consistently impressed by Berkeley's academic excellence and commitment to community service. If your family is particularly service-minded, you'll be pleased to learn that Berkeley students perform a cumulative 30,000 hours of community service. The college acceptance rates for seniors are also impeccably high. And with over 70 advanced courses, there are plenty of opportunities for students to challenge themselves and explore their interests.

Tampa Preparatory School

Tampa Preparatory School is an excellent middle and high school option for students in grades 6–12. The school aims to prepare its students for all aspects of life by focusing on academic success and wellness. Students can attend wellness seminars covering stress management, communication, and social media use. As for physical health, the school offers middle school athletics every afternoon as part of the standard curriculum, ensuring every student can play on a school team at least once yearly.

Senior internships further help students prepare for their future by teaching them resume writing, interview skills, and time management. Notably, most classes begin with meditation, which helps students start their day centered and focused. Overall, Tampa Preparatory School is an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded education that considers their whole person.

Carrollwood Day School

Carrollwood Day School, located near single family homes for sale in Tampa FL, has had an exceptional reputation for over four decades. With two campuses strategically stationed in the town, the school prides itself on being an International Baccalaureate Continuum School. The curriculum boasts a staggering 34 IB courses for students to take up for study. The school ensures that each student gets individual attention, with student-to-teacher ratios between 7:1 and 12:1 (depending on grade level).

For sports enthusiasts, the school offers 17 competitive sports for middle and upper school students and an intramural sports program available in four sports for elementary and early childhood students. If you are looking for a well-rounded and academically challenging institution for your children, consider Carrollwood Day School.

Academy of the Holy Names

If you're looking for a school with a solid academic and strong spiritual foundation, the Academy of the Holy Names might be the perfect fit. The Catholic school, which has served the community since the 1880s, offers pre-kindergarten through middle school education for both boys and girls. The Academy of the Holy Names also offers an all-girls high school.

The class of 2021 served nearly 20,000 community hours, demonstrating the school's commitment to community involvement and service. The school has a 100% college acceptance rate and offers an impressive 22 AP courses, 35 athletic teams, and 38 fine arts courses. With nine mission trips offered annually, the Academy of the Holy Names is an excellent option for those looking for a school that values education, community service, and spiritual growth.

Academy at the Lakes

Families who want a school near luxury homes for sale in Tampa FL that emphasizes personal attention and college readiness may choose Academy at the Lakes as the perfect fit. With an impressively small student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1, students benefit from individual attention and support. Students contributed an impressive 8,500+ community service hours last year, showing a commitment to helping others. In addition, all seniors who applied to university received an acceptance letter.

Academy at the Lakes also offers unique signature programs, like the house system and an internship at Amazon. The Medical Seminar course is another exciting opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. If your family prioritizes teacher attention and strong post-high-school readiness for your student, Academy at the Lakes may be the right choice. 

Jesuit High School

Are you seeking a top-notch Catholic, boys-only high school in Tampa? Look into Jesuit High School. Jesuit High has been educating young men since its founding in 1899 and is dedicated to forming religious, intelligent, loving students who are open to growth. Jesuit offers a Dual Enrollment program with Saint Louis University, allowing students to earn college credits that transfer to more than 500 institutions. Whether you're looking for a challenging college preparatory curriculum or the chance to develop personal and spiritual growth, Jesuit High School is the perfect choice for local young men.

Universal Academy of Florida

With a curriculum that spans from daycare to 12th grade, Universal Academy of Florida is equipped to serve students at every level. As an Islamic school, UAF stands out from other Tampa schools. Currently serving over 740 students and recognized as one of the top 15 Islamic schools in the nation, UAF is a valuable resource for Tampa families seeking to provide their children with a high-quality education emphasizing faith and community. Offering over 30 AP and Honors classes and Dual Enrollment through the University of South Florida, UAF allows students to challenge themselves and gain a competitive edge.

Henry Bradley Plant High School

Henry Bradley Plant High School may be your perfect match if you're looking for a public high school in Tampa with abundant extracurricular activities. With 14 different honor societies and 42 student interest clubs, the school offers a range of opportunities for students to get involved and pursue their passions. Additionally, Plant High School boasts a variety of athletic teams throughout the year, providing plenty of ways for students to stay active and engaged with their peers. Overall, this school is a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded high school experience in Tampa.

Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School

If you're searching for a high school in Tampa, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School might be worth considering. This school offers a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and over 30 student clubs, providing ample chances for your student to pursue their interests outside the classroom. If you're interested in Dual Enrollment, Brooks DeBartolo offers the opportunity to earn an Associate of the Arts through Hillsborough Community College. While choosing a school can be daunting, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School has several factors worth considering.

Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School

If you're looking for a high school experience that offers a wide variety of opportunities, Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School is worth considering. This school is relatively new, having opened its doors in 2019, but it has already attracted 750 students who appreciate their many options. With over 30 extracurricular activities and athletic programs, students can pursue their interests and develop new skills outside the classroom.

The Cambridge University AICE Diploma is available for academically motivated students, allowing them to earn at least 21 hours of college credit before graduation via Dual Enrollment. Honors-level and AP courses are also available for students who want a challenge. Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School is ideal for students who want many extracurricular opportunities, advanced courses, and the ability to earn college credit.

Tampa is home to top-quality schools offering unique opportunities for its students. With many different types of schools available, local families can choose the best option that meets their needs while ensuring their children have access to quality education and resources. If you are looking for other Tampa area recommendations or Tampa real estate, reach out to one of the experienced Tampa real estate agents at KVA Group today.

*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash



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