HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — U.S. News & World Report’s new rankings group schools by region and the Best High Schools report named its top schools in Tampa Bay, placing Hillsborough County high schools in the top four positions.

  • Hillsborough County schools named four top schools in Tampa Bay 
  • Ranks are based on six elements of criteria
  • Superintendent Jeff Eakins gives credit to numerous leaders 
  • SEE THE LIST: Best ranked high schools in Bay area

12 of the top 18 spots were filled by schools in Hillsborough County, with 11 schools operated by Hillsborough County Public Schools and one independently operated charter school.

The top-ranked schools in Tampa Bay from highest to lowest are:

   1. Plant High School in Tampa (95% Graduation Rate, 67.3 College Readiness Score)

   2. Steinbrenner High School in Lutz (96% Graduation Rate, 56.2 College Readiness Score)

   3. Newsome High School in Lithia (97% Graduation Rate, 58.8 College Readiness Score)

   4. Sickles High School in Tampa (95% Graduation Rate, 51.6 College Readiness Score)

The school ranking are based on college readiness, math, reading profiency, math and reading performance, underserved student performance and college curriculum breadth and graduation rate.

“Credit for this goes to every single person on these campuses: students, parents, teachers, support staff and partners. Our district has been laser-focused on student success and increasing graduation rates, and it’s great to be recognized for everyone’s hard work,” Superintendent Jeff Eakins said.

 “We’re proud of our work as state and national leaders in this area,” he said.