Falcon pride is not a myth; it is a fact!

Named for Ateo Phillip Leto, a noted Hillsborough County Educator, A.P. Leto Comprehensive High School first opened its doors to students during the fall of 1965. Mr. Leto was to serve as first principal of the school; however, prior to him taking on this task he died unexpectedly while working in his Chamberlain High School Office.

Leto began the school year with grades 9-11. Subsequently, Leto graduated its first senior class in 1967. Leto was the first comprehensive high school in Hillsborough County. The school offered outstanding faculty and state of the art vocational training as well as excellent academic programs. Leto's design was modern, innovative, striking and exceptionally functional. It lacked a gym, football field, baseball and softball field until the 1970's when the population of the North West Hillsborough County exploded, doubling the population of the school during the 1969-1970 school year and continued through the 1983-1984 school year.

The school's colors, mascot, and alma mater were all selected by the students of the first graduating class of 1967. Other traditions such as Night to Fly, Powder Puff, Class Capers, Faculty Frolics, Senior Banquet, and other traditions which are particular to Leto's graduation ceremony were also selected by the class of 1967.

LETO HIGH SCHOOL has inspired many new educational programs and concepts. Its administrators and teachers have been among the best in Hillsborough County. Leto graduates have gone on to achieve great success in a myriad of fields throughout our community, the nation, and the world. Mr. Leto, if alive today, would truly be proud of the legacy blazed by the thousands of Falcons who have had the privilege to attend the school named in his honor.