2020 Best High Schools in the Tampa AreaAbout this List

Berkeley Preparatory School

• Private School
• Tampa, FL
• PK, K-12
• 78 reviews

Junior: Berkeley Preparatory School has become one of the best things that has happened to me. I am so grateful to be able to go to a school with such care for the students, and their incredible strive for the students’ success. Each and every faculty member gets to know all of their students, which makes Berkeley a safe and welcoming environment—that many other schools cannot provide. I am very proud to call myself a Berkeley buccaneer, and I guarantee you will too!
Read 78 Reviews

• A+

• 1,340 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Shorecrest Preparatory School

• Private School
• St. Petersburg, FL
• PK, K-12
• 62 reviews

Senior: I've loved my time at Shorecrest! The faculty is outstanding and I have a plethora of opportunities. I am very involved in the musical theater program and in some of the many clubs offered. There's a great sense of community, and there's a college counciling office that helps us with the college application process.
Read 62 Reviews

• A+

• 974 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Tampa Preparatory School

• Private School
• Tampa, FL
• 6-12
• 46 reviews

Parent: The choice our family made to send our child to Tampa Prep has been one of the best decisions we have made in education. The ability for our child to grow, enjoy a diversified student body, be encouraged by faculty and students to try new things and excel beyond what could be possible at other schools is priceless!
Read 46 Reviews

• A+

• 616 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Carrollwood Day School

• Private School
• Tampa, FL
• PK, K-12
• 87 reviews

Parent: Carrollwood Day School is an excellent school with a top level education that includes outstanding caring teachers, a challenging IB program, balanced activities and academics, and a strong influence on caring for others. My daughter is in 7th grade and started there in fifth grade, it is the best school she has been in during her entire education. The teachers will challenge the student while offering support and encouragement! The program is well rounded and my daughter is able to excel there while managing training for competitive tennis after school five days a week! Homework is balanced and being well rounded while academically successful is completely possible! The administration is wonderful and communicate with parents easily! My daughter loves her education and will be above and beyond prepared for college in a few years!
Read 87 Reviews

• A+

• 1,084 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Academy of the Holy Names

• Private School
• Tampa, FL
• PK, K-12
• 106 reviews

Senior: Academy has provided for a safe, comfortable, and challenging learning environment. I have enjoyed my time at AHN from the clubs and volunteer opportunities, to the social and athletic events. Academy has prepared me for college with a challenging, yet nurturing high school experience.
Read 106 Reviews

• A+

• 920 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Petersburg Collegiate High School

• Pinellas County Schools, FL
• 10-12
• 291 reviews

Senior: St. Petersburg Collegiate High School provides the great opportunity to graduate high school with your A.A. degree. On the high school side, the faculty invests their time in getting to know you, ensuring that you are passing, and teaching you life skills for post-graduation -- this is a major highlight of this school that is (from what I've noticed) absent from nearby public high schools. In the past two years, we learned proper professional attire/eating habits/greetings, how to craft a resume, leadership skills, and more.
On the college side, since all of your classes are college courses, you eventually learn how to interact with professors (about grades, assignments, etc.) and how to adapt to college coursework/expectations. You definitely cultivate independence and time management since all responsibilities are placed on you, the student (no direct parent communication allowed with the professors!). Transferring here has been my best major life decision!
Read 291 Reviews

• A+

• 234 Students
• 47:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Jesuit High School

• Private School
• Tampa, FL
• 9-12
• 113 reviews

Junior: Jesuit High School is the premiere college preparatory school in the Tampa Bay Area and beyond. Jesuit’s academics truly challenge every student. The quality of the teachers are far beyond any high school. Four of my teachers this year have PhDs, and almost all of my teachers have taught at a university. With these great teachers, and the extremely rigorous curriculum required for every Jesuit course, every student receives an education that simply cannot he matched by any other high school in the area. In addition to Jesuit’s academic excellence, Jesuit also truly succeeds in its mission to instill every student with their motto “Men for Others.” This can be seen in the impact their alumni have made, and the leadership roles they merited. Jesuit High School has a reputation for forming some of the influential people in the Tampa Bay Area.
Read 113 Reviews

• A+

• 775 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Academy at the Lakes

• Private School
• Land O Lakes, FL
• PK, K-12
• 18 reviews

Parent: We have been at this school for 8 years and feel it is the best fit for us. The school has a family type atmosphere and the teachers are phenomenal. There is diversity, acceptance, and support for every aspect of your child's education. We have experienced all divisions and found each one to be of the highest quality and the staff caring, inspiring, and well supported. It is expensive, but more than worth it.
Read 18 Reviews

• A+

• 457 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Plant High School

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 405 reviews

Senior: It was a incredible experience! I truly believe Plant High School prepared me to excel in college. They surround you with teachers who truly care about your future and to teach you about the subject. Also, Plant High School has the best of the best students and you are always competing with them in education, sports, or art. I love my 4 years here and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have made so many connections with friends and teachers. I think Mr. Bush (principal) and the administrators are welcoming and trying to start a relationship with the students and help them in their lives too.In all honesty, I don’t think Plant should anything. There’s a reason why we are 1 in our county for education and sports. I will always bleed that black and gold (school’s colors). “PLANT PLANT PLANT”!
Read 405 Reviews

• A+

• 2,359 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Strawberry Crest High School

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 541 reviews

Alum: I honestly had a great experience at Strawberry Crest. There was hardly any fighting, bullying, or crimes like most high schools tend to have. The teachers truly cared about the students and wanted us to do our best. They also tried their best to prepare us for the real world and college! There was also an abundance of clubs to join, each organized very well.
Read 541 Reviews

• A

• 2,319 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School

• Private School
• Spring Hill, FL
• 9-12
• 69 reviews

Parent: This is an amazing school. We transferred to Bishop from the local, oversubscribed public high school because my daughter was falling through the cracks. She got caught up with a bad crowd and was leaving campus. None of the staff even noticed she left. At Bishop all the faculty and staff know her name, they ask how she's doing and care about the response, they even notice if she's late for class. this attention has changed her completely. She's engaged, has made friends, and she does her homework because she wants to keep up with her classmates. She looks forward to school now. Thank you Bishop!
Read 69 Reviews

• A

• 320 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Canterbury School of Florida

• Private School
• St. Petersburg, FL
• PK, K-12
• 69 reviews

Parent: We knew we wanted a environment that fostered more of a individualized education. We found that and so much more at Canterbury School of Florida! Excellent academics, incredible college preparation, teachers who know your child well beyond just their name and grades. The small class sizes allow the teachers to give more individualized attention while having open, ongoing communication with the parents. Class trips focus on self reflection while team building at the same time. The skills learned prepare them for after graduation. And then there is the athletics! The athletic department focuses on character development, a we is greater than me mentality, all while developing the skills needed to play at a state championship level. All of this while having fun! Canterbury has opened up doors for my children in academics and athletics that we could not imagine even existed. Our gratitude to Canterbury School of Florida is beyond measure.
Read 69 Reviews

• A

• 475 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Steinbrenner High School

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 489 reviews

Parent: My son started Steinbrenner as a junior. Everyone thought this would be a tough transition and that he would never feel at home at Steinbrenner. Nothing could be more wrong. He has met some amazing, intelligent and friendly students, joined a very successful sports team and has thrived in general at Steinbrenner. The students welcomed him immediately, his teachers have been impressive, tough and supportive. The coaches (XC) are phenominal, supportive and all in for their team. He has definitely been more challenged academically than at his previous high school. The guidance office/counselors are available and have assisted our college prep. The parents have also welcomed our family and we have developed great relationships in just a year at this school. Given the choice, I wish we would've made our way to Steinbrenner sooner!
Read 489 Reviews

• A

• 2,347 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Palm Harbor University High School

• Pinellas County Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 776 reviews

Junior: For starters, I didn't spend much time in this high school since I was enrolled in college program starting my junior year, but from the little bits and pieces I gathered, I have to agree with everyone else who reviewed this that Palm Harbor University High School is a great school, and i'm fairly sure its one of the best in Pinellas county. They offer a select number of AP and IB courses and a numerous amount of clubs and honor societies. They even have their own medical program! Staff is often great and is willing to help. Can't say much about the teachers since I didn't speak to most, but the ones I encountered were a either really experienced or completely new to their job and the school. These qualities don't excuse it for some faults that I heard about: If you needed help over coursework, then you will have a hard time getting it. Overall, if I came here my Freshman year, then I would have taken any opportunity this school offers.
Read 776 Reviews

• A

• 2,508 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Clearwater Central Catholic High School

• Private School
• Clearwater, FL
• 9-12
• 57 reviews

Senior: Central Catholic High School is an amazing place to spend your highschool years. As an athlete, I loved the school spirit and the involvement of my teachers, fellow students and administration. Everyone supports each other in their chosen endeavors. I felt very comfortable asking teachers and staff for help with everything from my studies to important life decisions. I would send my own children there someday!
Read 57 Reviews

• A

• 540 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 245 reviews

Niche User: Brooks DeBartolo provides for me a safe and wonderful learning experience. All the teachers are really helpful and care about you, whether it is school related or personal issues. It has all sort of activities to go around so that the students always have the opportunity to engage in school events. There are a wide variety of clubs to join from the Mu Alpha Theta to the Dungeons and Dragons Club, and if you are not satisfied with your options, you can create your own depending on what you want to do! Overall, Brooks is a very good school with its only down side being a small school, but I don't necessarily that is a bad thing.
Read 245 Reviews

• A

• 570 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Land O' Lakes High School

• Pasco County School District, FL
• 9-12
• 483 reviews

Senior: My experience at Land O' Lakes High school throughout my High School career has been very good. The school has many benefits compared to other schools, especially in the area. Land O' Lakes High School offers an IB (International Bacculerate) Program and academies such as Culinary Arts and Agritechnology. Amongst offering countless AP rigorous courses and the chance for enrollment in Dual-Enrollment courses. Land O' Lakes High School definitely prepares you for college and the real world after school! They also offer many sports, clubs, and activities for anyone to join. The teachers invest a lot of time, energy and passion into you no matter the class they want to see you do good and succeed not only in school but in life.
Read 483 Reviews

• A

• 1,780 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sickles High School

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 491 reviews

Senior: Excellent learning environment! There are so many choices of clubs at the school like from chest club to Key club. What sickles is really good at is building up character and preparing students for college and most important life. At sickles high school the teachers do their best to help you succeed and push you enough so that you reach your full potential. The past four years at this high school has really shaped me into the person I am today, I have learned so many things from my peers because of the peer to peer discussion in every class. All of the administration has done their best to provide a safe learning environment and gone out of their way to build trusting relationships with the students.
Read 491 Reviews

• A

• 2,344 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Robinson High School

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 321 reviews

Senior: Robinson high school is quite frankly,a really great place to be. We have incredible teachers and administrators,as well as a great outdoors environment. The school is very open and makes you feel welcomed. There’s a large parking space for students,like myself to park. And right at the front gate,there is always someone to greet you as you walk in. Robinson hosts a lot of school events, such as: pep rallies,spirit weeks,sports,special events, and many clubs to choose from. Another great attribute of Robinson is the safety,we have multiple safety drills that ensure we all know what were doing. These drills are great for a school to have,that way we know what to do Incase of an emergency.
Read 321 Reviews

• A

• 1,664 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cambridge Christian School

• Private School
• Tampa, FL
• PK, K-12
• 63 reviews

Alum: In attending the school since the first grade, I was able to experience various changes over the years. Despite any sort of bump, the school was generally able to maintain a sufficient, Christian culture. I greatly appreciated the rigorous academics available to me in high school, but really wished there was more opportunities to study in the English and History areas. My teachers were always seeking my own success and were willing to do anything for me to get it. I was able to talk to teachers as friends, but also have them as mentors. Overall, I would not have wanted to graduate from anywhere else - it will forever be one of my favorite homes because of the teachers and warmth there.
Read 63 Reviews

• A

• 650 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Petersburg High School

• Pinellas County Schools, FL
• 9-12
• 366 reviews

Senior: There are many things to love and dislike about this school as with any other. Among the benefits of attending St. Pete High are the many programs that it offers its students. Whether its AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, Traditional, Construction, or Management, there is a program out there for students to explore. From experience, both the AP and IB curriculums are challenging and help students understand their academic potential. Tradition is also important: Interschool rivalries, myths about ghosts, and the split courtyards for lunch are somethings I will miss going off into college. Teachers aren't scary either. I am never afraid to ask them for tutoring or help outside of school if im ever struggling. They are there to help you succeed!
Read 366 Reviews

• A

• 2,010 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Universal Academy of Florida

• Private School
• Tampa, FL
• PK, K-12
• 73 reviews

Senior: Overall, being a religious and small school containing only about 600-800 people it is very diverse. All races are welcome and common here within this lovely school. Although it contains a small amount of students, it is very large and contains newly installed facilities. This being a college preparatory school, has its standards. Thus, this school being an A school, the teachers here are very welcoming and teach in multiple different ways. Insuring that the student is capable in understanding the subject in any way possible. As well as, the sports program being excellent with daily practices and all types of sports being added every year! Lastly, the food being very traditional and made the day before. Thus insuring it being fresh and ready for consumption! It is also a tradition for Pizza to be sold in our cafeteria every Wednesday.
Read 73 Reviews

• A

• 644 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

East Lake High School

• Pinellas County Schools, FL
• PK, 9-12
• 629 reviews

Alum: I absolutely loved the teachers, advanced classes, environment, clubs and theatre department. The teachers are phenomenal and prepare you for college so well. The extracurricular activities are great as well, plenty of clubs to choose from. The theatre department is beyond comparable. They produce professional level shows! I would like to see minor changes in the organization of administration and a handful of school rules that don’t seem relevant or realistic.
Read 629 Reviews

• A

• 2,174 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Genesis Preparatory School

• Private School
• New Port Richey, FL
• 6-12
• 3 reviews

• A

• 64 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Dayspring Academy

• Pasco County School District, FL
• K-11
• 14 reviews

Parent: Dayspring has been an amazing environment for my daughters to grow up in! We have been very happy with their performing arts program, technology integration and high level of education. We would highly recommend this school to anyone in Pasco County.
Read 14 Reviews

• A

• 694 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio