Apollo Beach K-8 posted the biggest improvement among K-8 schools highlighted by Hillsborough County Public Schools this year, gaining 126 points while retaining its A grade. Lennard High School ranked third among the district high schools highlighted for improvement, gaining 53 points while retaining its B.

Both SouthShore schools were among the standouts as Hillsborough County Public Schools highlighted academic gains across the district in its latest report.

Graduation rate reaches record 92.8%

The district's Impact Report, released Friday, Oct. 2, lists a 92.8% graduation rate for traditional high schools, the highest in district history. The figure represents the 2024-25 graduation rate.

HCPS also reported a 71% college and career acceleration rate, another district record. The measure reflects students who graduate having completed qualifying college- or career-level coursework or credentials.

The report builds on another milestone first announced in July. The Florida Department of Education awarded HCPS its first A district grade since 2014.

Across the district, 127 of 214 graded traditional schools earned an A or B. The number of A-rated schools rose to 74 from 70, while B-rated schools increased to 53 from 44.

Every school in the district's Transformation Network earned an A, B or C for the first time in HCPS history.

Superintendent Van Ayres credited students and employees across the district for the results.

"Behind every number in this report is a student who worked hard and a team of dedicated employees who helped make that success possible," Ayres said in the report.

When the A grade was first announced July 1, the district pointed to its record graduation rate and rising college and career acceleration rate as signs of broader academic improvement.

Apollo Beach K-8 gains 126 points

Apollo Beach K-8 led the K-8 schools highlighted by the district for year-over-year improvement, gaining 126 points while maintaining an A grade.

The school is in the midst of its transition from an elementary school to a K-8 campus. HCPS added sixth grade in 2024-25, seventh grade in 2025-26 and eighth grade for the 2026-27 school year.

Lennard High School also ranked among the district's biggest high school gainers. The Ruskin school added 53 points while maintaining its B grade. Among high schools highlighted by HCPS, only Wharton, with a 76-point gain, and Sumner, with a 67-point gain, improved by more.

SouthShore graduates head to college

Three SouthShore valedictorians from the Class of 2026 illustrate the academic paths available to area graduates.

Lennard's traditional-program valedictorian, Hao Tran, finished with an 8.58 GPA and planned to attend either the University of Florida or Georgia Tech, according to the Osprey Observer.

Lennard's Collegiate Academy valedictorian, Izabel Wiltz, posted an 8.39 GPA and planned to attend the University of South Florida Honors College. East Bay High School valedictorian Samantha Perkins earned a 7.29 GPA and planned to attend Kansas State University.

Florida's school grading system considers student achievement, learning gains, graduation, college and career acceleration and performance among students who need additional support.

The full Impact Report is available through Hillsborough County Public Schools.