Providing Challenge & Opportunity

The school district also boasts nine national Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, of which two have received the honor twice. Of particular distinction, this district was the only one to receive two American School Board Magna Awards from among more than 400 entrees during the most recent competition.

Primrose School of Cross Creek is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACs) and the Commission on International and TransRegional Accreditation (CITA). We have earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Excellence from the Florida Department of Children and Families for our quality care program and designation as a Peak Performance School for 2002 and 2003 during our Standards of Excellence Accreditations.

Primrose School of Tampa Palms is now accredited by the prestigious Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Commission on International and TransRegional Accreditation (CITA). We've also earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Excellence from the Florida Department of Children and Families for our quality preschool programs. We scored a PERFECT 100% on our Standards of Excellence Accreditation!

Primrose School of Cross Creek is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACs) and the Commission on International and TransRegional Accreditation (CITA). We have earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Excellence from the Florida Department of Children and Families for our quality care program and designation as a Peak Performance School for 2002 and 2003 during our Standards of Excellence Accreditations.

Primrose School of Tampa Palms is now accredited by the prestigious Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Commission on International and TransRegional Accreditation (CITA). We've also earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Excellence from the Florida Department of Children and Families for our quality preschool programs. We scored a PERFECT 100% on our Standards of Excellence Accreditation!

The school opened in August 2001 and is named after former Governor Lawton Chiles.
Vision Statement
Lawton Chiles Elementary School will educate and inspire students to pursue lives of integrity and excellence.

Mission Statement
The educators, staff, parents and volunteers of Lawton Chiles Elementary School are committed to:

Harold H. Clark Elementary opened in 1998 and is located in the West Meadows subdivision of New Tampa. The school was named after Mr. Harold Clark, a former Assistant Superintendent with the district. Our students chose the "Cougar" as the school's mascot, and the school colors are navy blue and red. The school motto is: "We're Making Our Mark at Clark!"

Heritage Elementary opened in August 2003. Our student population continues to grow as our community grows. Our Heritage Family provides our students with the knowledge and support to reach academic success. School colors are blue and gold and the mascot is a Florida Bobcat. The Heritage Elementary School motto is "Learners of today, Stars of tomorrow." We are an A+ school!

Hunter’s Green Elementary opened in October 1992. It is named after the development in which the school is located.

Pride Elementary School opened in August 2000, and is named after former school social worker, principal and supervisor for the school district, Richard Pride. POINTS OF PRIDE 2001 Golden School Award David B. Frye Memorial Award The PAL Program 5 Star Award 4th and 5th Grade Math Academy 2001-2002 Attendance award, State of Florida school grade A, Instructional Model-Specialization with grade level looping, student peer mediation program, Pride Chorus, Strings.

Tampa Palms Elementary School was built in 1989. The school is located in the heart of the New Tampa Community, surrounded by lakes, parks and conservation wetlands. The school mascot is the eagle. The school colors are Navy blue and white.

Benito Middle School opened for the 1997-98 school year. It was named for Louis Benito, who was the owner of a successful advertising agency and an energetic community activist. In 1980 he was named "Citizen of the Year". Florida Writes! Scores - 4.6average - 2nd in District; Superior rating for 5th year music program; 1st Place in Black History essay contest ( Tampa Police Department); Placed 1st and 2nd in the "Stomp It Out" contest (American Cancer Society); Regional Math Counts competition winner; numerous State Science Fair Winners. Five star school, Golden school, Hillsborough County Math League Champions, Odyssey of the Mind State Finalist, Geography Bee Winner, Boys and girls extramual cluster champions Home of the 1999 National Spelling Bee Champion.

Opened 2002. Our students will excel in a challenging and diverse culture as creative and resourceful citizens of society. Students will have pride and respect in themselves, their school, their community, and their country. Freedom High School will provide a safe and caring environment which will foster students' growth, responsibility, and positive self-esteem to develop motivated, self-disciplined individuals who will reach their academic and career potentials. .

Wharton High School opened on August 21, 1997. The facility was dedicated to Mr. Paul R. Wharton. Mr. Wharton served the Hillsborough County School System for 38 years. 1st graduating class garnered $975,000 in scholarships in all areas; 1 National Merit Finalist; Many students achieved district, state and national fame.

The University of South Florida, created in the 20th Century to meet the needs of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area and the state of Florida, is driving higher education on a fast track into the new millennium. Already one of the 20 largest universities in the United States, USF has built a solid reputation as a leader in learning, offering comprehensive state-of-the-art, student-centered programs. With growing prestige and a dedicated faculty, including 73 Fulbright Scholars and 42 endowed chairs, USF has become a research powerhouse. With its metropolitan focus, USF also is engaged in developing the community and improving the quality of life. Founded in 1956, USF opened its doors in 1960 to 2000 students. Today the university serves approximately 34,000 students - with nearly 200 programs at the undergraduate, master's, specialty and doctoral levels, including the M.D.

Offering more than 60 comprehensive areas of undergraduate study, UT follows a well-defined mission aimed at providing students with a high level of academic excellence. Through the University's Honors Program, academically-gifted students can enrich their educational experience with special research and travel opportunities.

All UT students can expect to receive personal attention from a university committed to small classes (19 is average) and to learn from some of the most qualified faculty in the country. They can expect to make lifelong friendships on UT's largely residential campus. And, they can expect to expand their knowledge of other people and cultures. With students from 50 states and U.S. territories and approximately 80 countries, UT is a global community. See institutional profile for more about the UT campus.

Hillsborogh District Calendar