Is Bloomingdale High School a good school?

Yes — Bloomingdale High is an A-rated school that consistently ranks in the top 20% of Florida high schools. It's not quite Newsome, but it's a strong school with a 91% graduation rate, solid test scores, and an active community.

Here's the full picture.

The numbers

| Metric | Bloomingdale | County Average | State Average | |---|---|---|---| | Niche Grade | A | — | — | | GreatSchools | 8/10 | — | — | | U.S. News Ranking | #2,667 nationally | — | — | | Graduation rate | 91% | ~85% | ~87% | | Average SAT | 1160 | ~1050 | ~1050 | | Average ACT | 25 | ~22 | ~22 | | Average GPA | 3.54 | — | — | | ELA proficiency (10th grade) | 72% | 57% | 58% |

Bloomingdale beats county and state averages across every metric. The 72% ELA proficiency rate for 10th graders is 15 points above the county average — that's a significant gap.

Academics

Bloomingdale offers a strong AP program with multiple Advanced Placement courses across core subjects, humanities, and sciences. The school also participates in dual enrollment with Hillsborough Community College.

The Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) program is another standout feature. AICE is an international curriculum and examination program similar to AP but with a British-influenced structure. Students who complete the full AICE diploma earn the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship — a significant financial incentive.

Academic programs include:

• Advanced Placement courses in English, math, science, and social studies
• Cambridge AICE program
• Dual enrollment
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways
• JROTC

Sports and activities

Bloomingdale has competitive athletic programs with a strong tradition in several sports. The school's mascot is the Bull, and the athletics program competes in FHSAA Class 7A.

Notable sports programs include football, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, swimming, and wrestling. The school has produced athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels.

Extracurricular activities are robust:

• Band and color guard (competitive marching band program)
• Drama and theater arts
• National Honor Society
• Key Club
• Student Government
• Robotics
• Various academic competition teams

Enrollment and campus

Bloomingdale has approximately 2,311 students, making it a mid-sized high school by Hillsborough County standards. It's smaller than Newsome (3,340) which some parents see as an advantage — easier for students to stand out and get individual attention.

The campus is located on Bloomingdale Avenue in Valrico and has been renovated and updated over the years. It's an established school (opened in 1987) with mature grounds and solid facilities.

What parents and students say

Themes from reviews:

• "Great school with a strong sense of community. The AICE program is excellent."
• "Teachers genuinely care about student success. You can get a great education here if you put in the effort."
• "It's not as 'shiny' as Newsome, but the education is solid and the community is tight-knit."
• "The band program is outstanding."
• "Some facilities are showing their age, but the district has been investing in upgrades."

The most common comparison is to Newsome, and honestly, it's not entirely fair. Bloomingdale is a very good school in its own right. Not every family needs or wants the intensity of the Newsome environment, and Bloomingdale offers a strong education with arguably a more balanced atmosphere.

School zone — where you need to live

Bloomingdale High's zone covers a large portion of central and western Valrico:

• Bloomingdale community — The namesake neighborhood and surrounding areas
• Central Valrico — Many neighborhoods along SR-60 and Lithia Pinecrest
• Parts of Brandon — Eastern Brandon neighborhoods near the Valrico border
• Diamond Hill — One of Valrico's most established neighborhoods

The Bloomingdale High zone generally has more affordable homes than the Newsome zone, with median prices ranging from $350K to $550K depending on the specific neighborhood.

Feeder schools

Bloomingdale High's primary feeder middle school is Mulrennan Middle School. Students also feed in from several area elementary schools including Cimino, Buckhorn, and Valrico Elementary.

The Bloomingdale vs. Newsome question

Every parent in Valrico asks this question, so let me be direct:

• Newsome has higher test scores, a higher graduation rate, and more AP offerings
• Bloomingdale has the AICE program, a smaller student body, and lower home prices in its zone
• Both are A-rated schools that will prepare your kid for college
• The price difference between the zones can be $50K-$150K+ on a comparable home

If your budget allows the Newsome zone and test scores are your top priority, Newsome is the pick. But plenty of families choose the Bloomingdale zone deliberately — they get a great school AND a more affordable home.

FAQ

Does Bloomingdale High have a magnet program?

Bloomingdale does not have a designated magnet program, but the Cambridge AICE program functions similarly as an academically rigorous track within the school.

What's the Bloomingdale High graduation rate trend?

The graduation rate has ranged from 86% to 93% over recent years, consistently above both district and state averages. The trend is stable to slightly improving.

Is Bloomingdale High School safe?

Yes. The school has standard security protocols including campus resource officers from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The surrounding Bloomingdale community is one of the safest in the Valrico area.

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

Interested in the Bloomingdale High zone? I can show you neighborhoods that fit your budget and lifestyle. Call or text (813) 733-7907 or visit nowtb.com.