The three school districts that serve Greater Tampa Bay students all tout top rankings. Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties’ school districts are some the best in the Sunshine State for academics, teachers, diversity, college preparation and clubs and activities based directly on parent and student opinion.
Gathering these recorded opinions, nationally-recognized education review site Niche.com took many factors into consideration to give Pinellas County School District its overall B+ rating.
Superintendent Dr. Grego let the district’s high ranking speak for itself. He said parents should feel confident sending their children into PCSD schools, which lead students to a bright future.
“Our graduates go on to the best colleges, universities, technical programs and military academies in the country,” Grego said.
Niche agrees. The review site’s public relations specialist, Natalie Tsay, said that while each district had to perform well in all the factors, the top three districts collectively scored far above average for diversity, based on race, economics and sports metrics.
“Because the culture and diversity grade is worth 10% of the best districts’ ranking while sports are 2.5%, it’s safe to say diversity was these districts’ strongest factor and did the most to increase their overall grade and ranking,” Tsay said.
Pinellas County School District
B+ | just under 100,000 students
Mission statement: “Educate and prepare each student for college, career and life”
PCSD nabs Niche’s top spot for school districts with an overall grade of B+. It was recognized by Magnet Schools of America and the Brookings Institute for its robust school choice programs. At 91.5%, PCSD had the highest graduation rate of the 10 largest districts in Florida.
The impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1 among all elementary, middle and high schools allows students to work closely with educators, giving them the extra edge for success.
Grego implemented five forward-thinking initiatives for 100% student success, including Bridging the Gap, a program to close the gap between racially diverse students, and Summer Bridge, an off-season curriculum to keep adolescents academically engaged on a season break.
PCSD sets the bar high, with 80 magnet programs, countless certification programs, rigorous coursework and personalized pathways for success. The National Association of Music Merchants named PCSD the Best Community for Music Education. The fully accredited school is also nationally recognized, with an invitation to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022. The Largo area district location rates high with Niche, getting an A- overall for cost of living, housing and being good for families.
PCSD’s philosophy is to ensure each student is challenged to exceed their expectations. The district achieves this by offering including 70 application programs; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs; and magnet and career programs that academically engage students of all grade levels.
Hillsborough County School District
B+ | 220,252 students
Mission statement: “To provide an education and the supports that enable each student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen.”
HCSD’s philosophy –– preparing students for life with an engaging curriculum and a fully committed staff –– is backed by community service and scholarship opportunities that truly turn out young leaders ready to take on careers.
HCSD is named second-best by Niche, with an overall grade of B. While programs for gifted students challenge young minds, initiatives including Project PROMISE support neglected and at-risk students and offer the extra guidance they need for success.
Elementary, middle and magnet high schools offer a more tailored education, with STEM programs and performing arts, for example.
HCSD’s Realizing Exceptional Achievement at a Community Hospital program provides public transportation to real-life workplaces so students receive on-the-job learning. The Family Empowerment Scholarship provided at the Tampa-based district also gives children from financially burdened families opportunities to attend private school.
Alternate educational pathways, including Leary Technical College and Nature’s Classroom, represent the diverse education options for HCSD students.
Pasco County School District
B | 79,340 students
Mission statement: “To provide a world-class education for all students.”
PCSD is based upon three fundamental principles — concepts of continuous progress, continuity of care and ensuring equity and excellence for students in Greater Tampa Bay that readily fulfills its truths.
Niche’s third-ranked PCSD, which has a 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio, lauds as the No. 22 best school district for athletes out of Florida’s 69 total districts. PCSD students have earned 239 advanced diplomas, 38,049 college credits and 1,928 industry certifications in 35 curriculum and technical education programs. PCSD awarded more than $650,000 in scholarships in 2019-20 to assure all students received the best higher education.
Programs within the district, including Success Through Academic Readiness, offer homework assistance and targeted tutoring for student success. After-school enrichment and summer camp programs keep students academically engaged after hours and off-season in the Land O’ Lakes area.
Written by Angela Underwood
