TAMPA, Fla. (July 1, 2026) — Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has earned an A district grade from the Florida Department of Education, marking the district's first A rating in more than a decade and reflecting continued academic growth and excellence across the district.
The district's A grade follows a year of significant student achievement, including the highest graduation rate in district history and an increase in the college and career acceleration rate, demonstrating that more students are graduating prepared for success after high school.
District Highlights
Of the 214 traditional schools that received a school grade, 127 earned an A or B
Number of A-rated schools increased to 74 from 70
Number of B-rated schools increased to 53 from 44
Two elementary schools improved by two letter grades, moving to a B from a D: Booker T. Washington Elementary and Wilson Elementary
For the first time in district history, all Transformation Network schools earned an A, B, or C
"Earning an A district grade is a milestone that reflects the extraordinary dedication of our students, teachers, support professionals, school leaders, and families," said Superintendent Van Ayres. "What makes this achievement even more meaningful is that it comes during a year in which we achieved the highest graduation rate in district history and continued to increase the number of students earning college credit, industry certifications, and other accelerated credentials before graduation. These results show that our students are succeeding at higher levels than ever before, and we are committed to building on this momentum for each child we serve."
Top 5 Schools by Grade Level with Greatest Improvement
Elementary School | Points Gained | Previous Year’s Grade | This Year’s Grade |
BT WASHINGTON | 147 | D | B |
WILSON | 141 | D | B |
MULLER MAGNET | 140 | C | B |
WIMAUMA | 128 | D | C |
COLSON | 109 | C | B |
K-8 | Points Gained | Previous Year’s Grade | This Year’s Grade |
*APOLLO BEACH | 126 | A | A |
CARROLLWOOD | 112 | B | A |
SULPHUR SPRINGS | 99 | C | C |
ADUM | 92 | A | A |
ROLAND PARK | 65 | A | A |
Middle School | Points Gained | Previous Year’s Grade | This Year’s Grade |
MEMORIAL | 89 | C | C |
FRANKLIN MAGNET | 70 | C | C |
TOMLIN | 66 | C | B |
STEWART MAGNET | 65 | C | B |
SLIGH MAGNET | 61 | C | B |
High School | Points Gained | Previous Year’s Grade | This Year’s Grade |
WHARTON | 76 | C | B |
SUMNER | 67 | C | B |
LENNARD | 53 | B | B |
MIDDLETON | 48 | C | B |
PLANT CITY | 46 | B | A |
The Florida Department of Education also released its 2025-26 School Improvement Ratings for alternative and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) center schools that elect to receive a rating rather than a school grade. HCPS increased the number of schools earning the highest rating of "Commendable" from three to five:
Medical Academy at D.W. Waters
Simmons Career Center
South County Career Center
PACE Center for Girls
Willis Peters Exceptional Center
Florida's school grading system measures performance across five key areas: student achievement, learning gains, graduation rate, acceleration rate, and outcomes for students who need the most support.
For a complete list of Florida Department of Education School Grades and School Improvement Ratings, visit https://www.fldoe.org.