Tampa, Fl. (October 15, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce that 38 schools have been designated as 2025-2026 Florida Schools of Excellence by the Florida State Board of Education on October 14, 2026. The designation recognizes schools whose sustained academic performance places them among the highest-performing schools in the state.

The Schools of Excellence designation is awarded by the Florida State Board of Education pursuant to Florida law and honors schools that demonstrate exceptional student achievement and academic outcomes.

The following Hillsborough County Public Schools were included in the 2025-2026 designation:

“Being recognized as a Florida School of Excellence is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the hard work happening in classrooms across our district every day,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “This achievement belongs to our students, teachers, support staff, school leaders, and families who work together to create outstanding learning environments for our students. We are incredibly proud of these schools and grateful for their commitment to excellence.”

The recognition adds to a growing list of academic accomplishments across Hillsborough County Public Schools and highlights the district’s continued focus on student achievement, high expectations, and supporting each student's success.