Hillsborough High School is a public high school located at 5000 N. Central Ave, in the heart of the historic Seminole Heights neighborhood, in Tampa, Florida. Hillsborough High is the oldest public high school in Hillsborough County, Florida.
Serving 1,679 students in grades 9-12, Hillsborough High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,679 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Btm 50% in FL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hillsborough High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Hillsborough High School's student population of 1,679 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 72 teachers has declined by 28% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,679 students
Total Classroom Teachers
72 teachers
Year Founded
1885
Colors
Black, Red
School Calendar
School Rankings
Hillsborough High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hillsborough High School is 0.67, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2644 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
49%
38%
Black
28%
21%
White
13%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Hillsborough School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Terrier
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hillsborough High School's ranking?
Hillsborough High School is ranked #2644 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hillsborough High School?
The graduation rate of Hillsborough High School is 87%, which is equal to the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Hillsborough High School?
1,679 students attend Hillsborough High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Hillsborough High School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 13% of students are White, 7% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hillsborough High School?
Hillsborough High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Hillsborough High School offer ?
Hillsborough High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hillsborough High School part of?
Hillsborough High School is part of Hillsborough School District.
In what neighborhood is Hillsborough High School located?
Hillsborough High School is located in the Old Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, FL. There are 7 other public schools located in Old Seminole Heights.
School Reviews
Review Hillsborough High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
