2023 Best Schools with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Tampa Area

• Tampa, FL•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: After my wife and I toured numerous private school options, it was evident that the academic rigor, location, and sense of community at Prep was irreplaceable. Our son is a rising Junior and we cannot be more thrilled with how he has progressed academically, socially, and as a newly minted global citizen (having traveled through Europe via a Tampa Prep based practicum). However, what has amazed us the most, was experiencing the thoughtfulness demonstrated by the faculty, when my son fractured his leg. I was shocked at the number of phone calls we received from the teachers, coaches, etc. They genuinely wanted to understand how they could be supportive throughout his future healing process. It has also become clear that the leadership team is best in class. While it is typically difficult for any organization to execute on their long-term strategies while maintaining a consistent standard of excellence day to day...Tampa Prep continues to deliver. See you on campus soon!... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 704

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  321 reviews

Senior: Basically you are a college student. You take college courses that suit your career path. These are college courses that give actual college credit. This means when you graduate you get a high school diploma and an Associates degree. Since SPC is a relatively small college, the classes are tinier, making it easier to establish a connection with your professors. There are plenty of clubs around the high school you can join, and much more college clubs when you become a senior. There are classes that suit just about every major, so its okay to reconsider your classes. The high school has these weekly seminars that are all about college readiness. They talk about financial aid, SAT & ACT, and the college application process. The campus has a Nature's Table cafe. Its genuinely the most delicious and healthiest food I've ever had. The only perceivable downside is the lack of diversity. The majority of the students and staff are Caucasian, but it doesn't bother me. Best high school NA.... Read 321 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 234

• Student-teacher ratio 47:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  464 reviews

Senior: I excelled my first 3 years (stArted struggling in Junior year because of personal influences and poor teaching) but then struggled in senior year due to personal influences. Before Covid, everything was very good (academics wise)! I did't like how little food they give for free lunches. I barely had food at home because I was broke, so the amount of food they gave at school really didn't help. Little-no nutritional value and small portions! (Example, A slice of pizza and a milk is considered a full meal). Bathrooms constantly had people doing drugs or just making messes, but that was student's fault not administration. They finally fixed the issues by putting staff in the bathrooms at lunch this past year. Some teachers didn't care if students vaped in class and stuff, which would be fine, but if another kid doesn't want to breathe that in, they shouldn't have to, so I didn't like that most teachers would do nothing about it, even if it was brought to their attention.... Read 464 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,477

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  585 reviews

Freshman: Steinbrenner is amazing! It’s so much fun to come to school everyday. I look forward to sports, my classes, and my friends. The school has a beautiful campus with kind teachers and staff. As a freshman, I wasn’t worried at all coming in. I have friends in all grades and I am excited to have these amazing friendships my first year. Everyone is super welcoming! The one thing I would change, is extracurricular practices. Most of mine and other kids activities have practices that start at 6:30 am. The only thing I would change about this awesome school is the way some sports have practices very early. It makes everyone tired for the rest of the day. But everything else is great! I feel like I’m in a movie every day with how amazing everything is here.... Read 585 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,489

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  613 reviews

Senior: Strawberry Crest truly creates a culture of excellence. Not only do students excel in the classroom, with a variety of options including the IB program or AP classes as well as the culinary or firefighting program, the administration and teachers truly care about the students. Moreover, the opportunities for involvement are wonderful. I have taken leadership roles in Student Government and Dance Marathon to continue to cultivate our collaborative and success-oriented culture, and truly cannot think of a better high school experience. Once a Charger, always a Charger!... Read 613 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,265

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  573 reviews

Senior: The staff at Sickles is amazing. Most of the teachers are super welcoming, they care about their students, and you can tell that they love what they do. There's always someone to talk to during difficult times, and their assistance in helping students transition from high school to college is outstanding. Not only is academic growth nurtured at the school, but the staff also encourages social interaction with various clubs and student events. Even with e-learning, Sickles did everything in their power to make sure every student was prepared and supported, regardless of outside circumstances. The only thing I would change about the school is the physical environment. At times, our bathrooms went without paper towels or soap, and some students were seen littering. But these issues are fixable, and I know Sickles will prioritize items that students care about!... Read 573 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,362

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Pasco County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  552 reviews

Senior: I’m an proud to say that I am a Land O’ Lakes gator! We have lots of school spirit and I enjoy being apart of gator nation. Events such as butter-bowl (the varsity football game against Sunlake high-school) and homecoming are ones to remember. Attending all four years and now being a senior, I am proud to say that I feel prepared for college. I have received adequate education along with sisterhood on the girls varsity basketball team.... Read 552 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,969

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  862 reviews

Junior: Palm Harbor University high school has truly changed my life. As a person whom is very enthusiastic about medicine and anything within that wondrous field of science, I’d signed up for the medical program. Being in the program, I had a large variety of teachers whom had not only valued education but also connecting with students. Everyone here was so kind and are not the stereotypical ‘divided into cliques’ kind of way like they show in the movies. Everyday, I walk down the halls to smiling teachers standing patiently by their doors, greeting me. I’ve started off my high school experience during covid, a time where I’d spent the entirety of the school year online. I thought it’d be difficult to make friends and accustom myself to the layout of the school afterward, but because of how great this school was those worries now appear as funny because, now knowing the school, such things are very easy to fix. I’d had a wonderful time at this school and it had truly changed my life.... Read 862 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,513

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  362 reviews

Alum: As a 2021 IB senior, RHS was the perfect fit for me. The classes are challenging, but the majority of teachers really care about helping their students grow, and will spend the extra time with you to ensure understanding and make classes engaging. The IB guidance counselor/administration is also INCREDIBLE! They go above and beyond to ensure our success, and keep the program running smoothly. Outside of academics, the school also offers a variety of competitive sports teams (especially xc, flag football, softball, & baseball) that are small enough to feel comfortable joining without a great deal of prior experience and have very supportive coaching staff. If athletics are not your thing, the music programs and wide variety of clubs are a great way to make new friends. My complaint with RHS was the lack of support from the district/admin for the IB program. It often felt as though IB students’ needs were marginalized to satisfy the complaints of others.... Read 362 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,452

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  410 reviews

Junior: Enjoyed going to St. Petersburg High, the programs were overall very good and there are many activities, clubs, and courses that students can take to enjoy their high school career!... Read 410 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,760

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  580 reviews

Senior: Hi! I enjoy my time at Newsome High School in Lithia, Florida. My school offers many different levels of classes, from regular classes to advanced AP courses and dual enrollment options. My school's administration and staff are always very helpful and the school is ran very successfully. There are also many activities to get involved with, such as, clubs, student government, athletics and many other great opportunities. The teachers at my school are very good, they are very successful at helping students understand content and score well on exams and other tests, such as the SAT. I would like to see a a change in the class size and environment, my school is very crowded and in some classes it can feel overwhelming and loud at times. Overall, my school does a very good job with course options and staff. Thank you!... Read 580 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,978

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Pasco County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  551 reviews

Senior: The experience at James W. Mitchell High School is very unique. The students spread kindness and diversity to all around. The teachers teach their subjects vividly and in a variety of ways, such as through notes, videos, and real-world simulations. Unfortunately there aren’t many clubs to participate in and a multitude of assessments. However, everyone works together and gets through it with excellence!... Read 551 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,066

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Pasco County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  651 reviews

Senior: I had a wonderful four years at Wiregrass Ranch High School! I loved the variety of extracurriculars like sports and clubs that were available to the students. One change they could make would be to make sure the students are really informed about what is required for graduation in terms of credits per year and volunteer hours. Students should also be well informed on the scholarships, internships, and programs that the school offers!... Read 651 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,066

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  557 reviews

Senior: Bloomingdale High School has the best school spirit I have ever seen! Students deck themselves out with paint, tutus, wigs and more for every football game, pep rally, and spirit week. The student body makes going to school and participating in activities so exciting. Going to Bloomingdale has allowed me to make the most out of my High School years, and i'm proud to be a bull!... Read 557 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,263

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  48 reviews

Alum: My time in Bell Creek Academy High School was a very positive experience, whereas I got to experience a great highschool life with wonderful teachers who are dedicated to the learning and growth of their students. In my time at BCA High School, I dedicated it to the pursuit of classes, extracurriculars, clubs, sports, etc. It was a very positive learning period of my life, many of the students enrolled are very dedicated to their learning, whereas many are very passionate for certain subjects, such as math, or history. Others pursuit other goals such as the caretaking of the environment through environmental club, or question their place in the universe through philosophy club, and others pursuit competitive extracurriculars such as sports or debate. I was fortunate enough to have a splendid time with many members of the faculty and staff. The teachers are very dedicated, and the student body was very kind, it was a great school experience and I encourage others to seek out theirs!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A

• Students 533

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  694 reviews

Senior: East Lake High School has great teachers and guidance counselors striving to help students with all their goals. The competitive environment among the students helped myself strive to be the best student possible. There is many fun opportunities for seniors. Also, there is a variety of classes so everyone can find something they like (Engineering, Biomed, Robotics, Theater, Business/ Computer classes, and an endless amount of AP and dual enrollment classes.) We also have amazing sports teams with most of them winning district titles. If you are choosing between East Lake and another school I recommend going to East Lake. You won't regret it.... Read 694 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,361

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  426 reviews

Alum: Osceola Fundamental High School is a school where you wish you went! Our academics were amazing and our graduation rate was 98%! With me graduating in the year 2020 during the pandemic, Osceola gave us a nice graduation in their own style. They were very flexible and very supportive of the students and staff. The teachers were decent and average. However, the football team and marching band need some work... Overall, a very amazing and unforgettable experience!... Read 426 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,698

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  347 reviews

Senior: Middleton High School is a great school and environment for me. Enrolled in the CSIT Magnet program, I was able to gain important knowledge and certifications that other students would have to use extra money and resources to procure. Great teachers and advisors helped me acquire real world communication, networking, and academic skills that are necessary for work environments.... Read 347 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,539

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 253

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: The teachers make the difference here. They help the students find and develop their areas of strength while helping students work on areas of weakness by offering before or after-school tutoring for students, rewriting opportunities within their writing program, a math program that promotes different methods to problem solving, and leadership opportunities.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 656

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: Williams is a great school. There are lots of academic opportunities for those interested. They have a large Model UN group, excellent FBLA, several math competition groups, among others. Orchestra teacher is excellent. The administration is very creative with resources. While this is by far not a school with that raises lots of $ in fundraisers or has as large parent involvement as neighborhood schools they consistently perform well in tests and competitions and students come out ready for IB high schools. I wish parents were more willing to offer more support for the school but that comes with wide attendance area schools.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A

• Students 847

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Pasco County School District, FL•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  22 reviews

Sophomore: I love Dayspring. This school has changed my life for the better. I started off a poor mid boy in the Verandas. My education was second class at River-Ridge but then, it all changed. My shining light and grace, Dayspring Academy brings joy and happiness into my life each and every day. I love how interactive the work is, and the way students can get involved. The teachers could be professors at Harvard or Princeton but chose us over fame. The sacrifices made by staff for our well-being inspire me to rise up to the occasion, and fulfil my calling towards being a teacher at Dayspring Academy.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• Students 920

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  411 reviews

Alum: Hillsborough High School was an extremely welcoming school from the beginning. The staff were highly involved and always checking on students wellbeing, counselors were genuinely concerned for students and always had the best interest at heart. My favorite part about attending were the various different vocational certificates that we were able to achieve while attending school. These certificates allowed for me to find new interest while also helping further my future.... Read 411 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,894

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: This school has a great academic curriculum. I feel like all the teaches and staff really go above and beyond to help any and all students, also always just an email or phone call away if a parent needs anything. The school I feel is also very safe and takes the children’s safety very seriously!... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• Students 524

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  637 reviews

Alum: I loved the people (both students and staff) I met and got to know over the years. I'll forever deeply cherish the memories made. The reason I wouldn't say 5 stars is because of how rowdy kids can get, and the staff aren't really effective in controlling them or taking preventive measures against them. Also, we're often confused or behind on what's going on because we're rarely updated and there's frequent disorganization. Otherwise, I'd recommend the school because of it's vast opportunities via its many programs. I would say, they should have more clubs (like culture/ethnic clubs); one more thing: let the general STUDENT body elect SGA officers, thanks!... Read 637 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,112

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1