What are the best elementary schools in Valrico?

Lithia Springs Elementary is the top-ranked elementary school in the Valrico area, followed closely by Alafia Elementary and Valrico Elementary. All three consistently score above state averages in reading and math proficiency.

School zones drive home values in Valrico more than almost any other factor. Here's how every elementary school in the area stacks up, with real data from Niche, GreatSchools, and the Florida Department of Education.

1. Lithia Springs Elementary

Niche Grade: A- | GreatSchools: 8/10 | SchoolDigger: 5 stars

Lithia Springs is the standout. Located on Lithia Pinecrest Road, this school consistently lands in the top 15% of all Florida elementary schools.

• Math proficiency: 80%
• Reading proficiency: 77%
• Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
• Enrollment: ~578 students

Parents love the small-school feel and engaged teaching staff. The school draws from neighborhoods like Bloomingdale, FishHawk, and parts of southern Valrico.

Neighborhoods zoned here: Bloomingdale (parts), Lithia Springs area, southern Valrico along Lithia Pinecrest

2. Alafia Elementary

Niche Grade: A- | GreatSchools: 8/10

Alafia Elementary is a newer school that serves the growing communities south and east of Valrico, including parts of the FishHawk corridor.

• Math proficiency: 72%
• Reading proficiency: 63%
• Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
• Enrollment: ~607 students

Strong academics and modern facilities. The school benefits from the high parental involvement typical of the FishHawk/Alafia area.

Neighborhoods zoned here: FishHawk (parts), Alafia area, eastern Valrico

3. Valrico Elementary

Niche Grade: A- | GreatSchools: 8/10

The namesake school, located right on South Miller Road in the heart of Valrico. It's been here for decades and remains one of the area's strongest performers.

• Math proficiency: 71%
• Reading proficiency: 67%
• Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
• Enrollment: ~742 students

A true community school with deep roots. Many parents who attended Valrico Elementary as kids are now sending their own children there.

Neighborhoods zoned here: Central Valrico, Diamond Hill, areas around Miller Road

4. Cimino Elementary

Niche Grade: A- | GreatSchools: 6/10

Cimino sits on Culbreath Road and serves a wide swath of central Valrico. The Niche and GreatSchools ratings diverge a bit here — Niche factors in more than test scores, including teacher quality and parent reviews.

• Math proficiency: 72%
• Reading proficiency: 67%
• Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
• Enrollment: ~809 students

Cimino is one of the larger elementary schools in the area. Parents note that despite the size, the school maintains a welcoming environment.

Neighborhoods zoned here: Buckhorn area, central Valrico, Canterbury Oaks

5. Buckhorn Elementary

Niche Grade: B+ | GreatSchools: 6/10

Buckhorn Elementary is a solid, above-average school that serves the neighborhoods around Buckhorn Road and the northern part of Valrico.

• Math proficiency: 66%
• Reading proficiency: 63%
• Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
• Enrollment: ~686 students

Buckhorn doesn't grab headlines, but it's a reliable school with consistent performance. Parents appreciate the involved PTA and the community events.

Neighborhoods zoned here: Buckhorn Estates, Buckhorn Preserve, northern Valrico

How Valrico elementary schools compare to the rest of Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County is Florida's third-largest school district, and quality varies widely. Valrico's elementary schools, as a group, significantly outperform the county averages:

| Metric | Valrico area average | Hillsborough County average | |---|---|---| | Math proficiency | ~72% | ~55% | | Reading proficiency | ~67% | ~52% |

That 15-20 point gap is a big deal. It's one of the main reasons families pay a premium for Valrico addresses.

What to know about school zones and home buying

In Hillsborough County, your home address determines your school assignment. There's no choosing — your kids attend the school zoned for your street. School choice transfers are available but not guaranteed and have limited spots.

This means if a specific elementary school matters to you, verify the school zone before you make an offer on a house. School zone boundaries change periodically, and a house that's one street over from the line can land your kids in a completely different school.

I check school zones on every single buyer consultation because it matters that much in this market.

FAQ

Do Valrico elementary schools have before and after care?

Yes. Most Valrico elementary schools offer extended day programs. Availability and cost vary by school — contact the front office directly for current pricing and waitlist status.

Are there any private elementary schools in Valrico?

There are a handful of private and charter options in the broader Valrico/Brandon area, including Bell Shoals Baptist Academy and several Montessori programs. However, the public elementary schools in Valrico are strong enough that most families stick with their zoned school.

When do school zones get updated?

Hillsborough County reviews and adjusts school zone boundaries periodically, typically when new schools open or enrollment shifts significantly. Always verify current zone assignments at sdhc.k12.fl.us.

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Barrett Henry is a REALTOR and Broker Associate with RE/MAX Collective, helping families find homes in the right school zones for 23+ years.

Looking for a home in a specific school zone? I know every boundary line in Valrico. Call or text (813) 733-7907 or search homes by area at nowtb.com.