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Living in Tampa isn’t just about having fun in the summer sun. Floridians take school seriously too and a new home in South Tampa gives you access to some of the top school districts in the state. 

Even if your child isn’t attending in-person classes this Fall, learning about the surrounding districts and the resources they offer is still a big part of finding a new home. Our staff at Arjen Homes did a little research to give you a head start on the two districts we build in the most: Hillsborough and Pinellas. 

Hillsborough County Public Schools

Residents from new homes in South Tampa and Thonotosassa will likely feed into Hillsborough County Public Schools. This is the seventh-largest school district in the country with 235 instructional sites that serve nearly 224,000 students every year. Niche.com ranked Hillsborough County as the second-best school district in the Tampa area and 19th in the state citing its diversity, athletic opportunities and quality education in addition to a 17 to 1 student-teacher ratio. 

Hillsborough County Public Schools operates nearly 200 elementary schools, 91 middle schools and 61 high schools across the district and 60 of those earned an A- or better in Niche.com’s ratings. 

As for their reopening plans, Hillsborough County Public Schools sent out a survey to parents and teachers which helped shape its policies. Slightly more than half the respondents opted to return, but the district will offer a choice for in-person or eLearning classes this semester. Classrooms have been rearranged to comply with social distancing guidelines, schools have adjusted their cleaning routines and everyone present will wear masks throughout the day. 

Pinellas County Schools

Earning a top ranking in the Tampa area, Pinellas County Schools has positioned itself as a leader in STEM-based learning with 250 before- and after-school programs for students in grades 2-12. Pinellas County is a significantly smaller district than Hillsborough but is still the eighth-largest in the state and 28th in the nation. 

Pinellas County Schools serve Arjen Homes’ St. Petersburg residents in nearby Largo. The district is comprised of 102 elementary schools, 46 middle schools and 38 high schools with an enviable 13 to 1 student-teacher ratio according to Niche.com.

This district also developed a few schooling options for families to consider this Fall. First, students can still receive face-to-face instruction with extra health and safety protocols through the Traditional program. Families that are more comfortable with remote work, but want to keep their seat within an assigned school can select MyPCS Online. And finally, the Pinellas Virtual School will continue to serve students through self-paced courses without a direct tie to one specific school in the district. 

Learning at home

Depending on which path your family chooses, there may be new challenges for your life and home. Do you have enough space for kids to spread out for online courses? Will you have the separation for your own remote work? 

Arjen Homes has adjusted to the needs of families in South Tampa for more than a decade with modern custom homes. Learn more about Arjen Homes and how we can help your family find or build the perfect home -- in the right school district -- for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment and tour one of our available homes in Tampa.