FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tampa, Fl. (February 6, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce that 16 of our high schools have been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning 3 Platinum, 4 Gold, 2 Silver, and 7 Bronze distinctions.
5,723 schools- which represents 36% of eligible high schools – are being recognized for their work creating AP programs that are delivering results for students while broadening participation. Only 1,257 schools (8% of eligible schools) received Platinum recognition. 1,169 schools (7% of eligible schools) received Gold recognition.
Platinum
Durant High School
Steinbrenner High School
Plant High School
Gold
Alonso High School
Newsome High School
Robinson High School
Sickles High School
Silver
Middleton High School
Riverview High School
Bronze
Bloomingdale High School
Freedom High School
Hillsborough High School
King High School
Leto High School
Gaither High School
Wharton High School
“Our success in AP really comes down to our people,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “From dedicated administrators to committed teachers and hardworking students, everyone plays a role. Together, we’ve created a culture where students are encouraged to aim higher—and I couldn’t be prouder of what they continue to accomplish.”
Hillsborough County is proud of its continued success in its AP program, administering over 27,000 exams annually with record breaking success rates. During the spring of 2025, HCPS saw a 70% pass rate on AP exams, the highest ever for the district.
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
To learn more about Advanced Placement opportunities at HCPS, visit hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms