Hillsborough Schools Named Among Top Magnet Schools In America

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A record number of Hillsborough County magnet schools have been recognized by the Magnet Schools of America National Merit Awards Program as top magnet schools in the nation.

This year, 21 Hillsborough County magnet schools were recognized and six earned top honors, receiving the Magnet School of Excellence Award.

The Magnet School of Excellence Award winners are:

• MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet School
• Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts
• Roland Park K-8 Magnet School
• Shore Elementary Magnet School of the Arts
• Tampa Bay Technical High School
• Williams Middle Magnet School

The second category is the Magnet School of Distinction, with 15 Hillsborough County schools earning this honor.

The Magnet School of Distinction Award winners are:

• Armwood Collegiate Academy
• Howard W. Blake High School
• Boys Preparatory Academy at Franklin Middle Magnet School
• Dunbar Elementary Magnet School
• Lennard High School
• The Collegiate Academy at Leto High School
• Lincoln Elementary Magnet School for International Studies
• Jefferson High School
• Muller Elementary Magnet School
• Rampello K-8 Downtown Partnership Magnet School
• Riverhills Elementary Magnet School
• Sligh Middle Magnet School
• Tampa Heights Elementary Magnet School
• Walker Middle Magnet School
• Young Middle Magnet School

Hillsborough County Public Schools has tuition-free magnet school options that focus on a variety of disciplines include the performing and visual arts, architecture and environmental design, computer game design, health professions, veterinary science, business and finance, culinary arts and marine science. Currently, Hillsborough County has 13 magnet high schools, 16 magnet middle school and nine magnet elementary schools.

Magnet Schools of America National Merit Awards Program recognizes the top magnet schools in the United States that show a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, diversity initiatives, specialized teaching staffs, and parent and community involvement.

“We are responding to what our families are asking for in our schools," said Superintendent Jeff Eakins. "We have world-class schools that our families can choose from – schools that meet the best interests of their children. This recognition for 21 of our schools shows the dedication of our teachers, administrators and support staff at each of these award-winning schools."

The first application period to apply for magnet schools for the 2020-21 school year ended Dec. 31. The second application period opens April 3 and ends April 13.