Cities in Hillsborough County • Apollo Beach • Lithia • Sun City • Balm • Lutz • Sun City Center • Bearss Plaza • Mango • Sydney • Brandon • Northdale • Tampa • Carrollwood • Odessa • Temple Terrace • Citrus Park • Plant City • Thonotosassa • Dover • Riverview • Valrico • Durant • Ruskin • Wimauma • Gibsonton • Seffner • Ybor City

The School District of Hillsborough County is the 10th largest school district in the United States and has a budget of 2.2 billion and supports 198 schools. Hillsborough County has a Pre-K to 12th grade student population of more than 180,000. There are also about 8,000 adult academic students and more than 3,000 adult vocational students, for a total student body of more than 191,000. Parents are deeply involved in the system: 52,000 are members of PTA/PTSAs in Hillsborough County.

The School District of Hillsborough County allows school choice, for parents and students who desire a specialized or thematic curriculum - such as magnet schools, elementary academies, and International Baccalaureate - for their children. Others want schools that are closer to their place of employment or childcare. Below is some information and trusted links to help you become more familiar in what the school system in Hillsborough County has to offer.

Fast Facts about Hillsborough County School District:
• Comprised of 198 public schools
• 130 are elementary, 41 are middle, 3 are K-8 and 23 are high schools.
• In addition, there are 73 other centers such as Charter Schools, Magnet Schools, Early Childhood Education
and ESE programs.

Charter schools are independent public schools operated by a non-profit organization. They hire their own teachers, design their own academic program, and control their own finances. They have their own board of directors that make decisions for the school. All charter schools in Hillsborough County must provide a curriculum that meets the Sunshine State Standards. These schools must also hire certified teachers. In Florida, charter schools are accountable to the school district in which they reside for student academic performance and fiscal management, but they are not managed by the district but while financially independent, Charter schools are still accountable to the district in which they reside and must adhere to district rules and policy.

Magnet schools offer students opportunities to discover their talents and explore their interests while focusing on strong academic excellence. Magnet schools support the district's mission to provide all students the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their highest potential. Magnet schools have a strong commitment to academic achievement while allowing students the opportunity to explore their unique abilities in a technologically enhanced environment. Focused on innovative teaching techniques and technology, the Hillsborough County School District is dedicated to providing the finest possible education and skills to benefit the students and prepare them for post-secondary education.

If you are looking to send your child to a private school you will be pleased to know that Tampa has an abundance of private schools for you to choice from. Whether you are interested in a religiously-affiliated school or just a private institution, Hillsborough County is home to plenty of schools to suit all your needs.

Finally, Hillsborough County is home to many accredited Colleges and University’s satisfying the needs and expectations of students of all ages. Both the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida are located in Tampa as well as Hillsborough Community College.