Is Durant High School a good school?

Durant is a solid school with a 92% graduation rate and an A- Niche rating, though it ranks below Newsome and Bloomingdale on test scores. It serves the eastern edge of Valrico and parts of Plant City, drawing from a more diverse mix of rural and suburban communities.

Here's the honest breakdown.

The numbers

| Metric | Durant | County Average | State Average | |---|---|---|---| | Niche Grade | A- | — | — | | GreatSchools | 4/10 | — | — | | U.S. News Ranking | #240 in Florida | — | — | | Graduation rate | 92% | ~85% | ~87% | | Average SAT | 1140 | ~1050 | ~1050 | | Average ACT | 24 | ~22 | ~22 | | Average GPA | 3.49 | — | — | | Math proficiency | 50% | 52% (state) | — | | Reading proficiency | 47% | 52% (state) | — |

A note on the numbers: the GreatSchools rating of 4/10 looks rough, but GreatSchools weighs factors differently than Niche. The Niche grade of A- accounts for broader factors like college readiness, teacher quality, and student culture. Durant's graduation rate of 92% is above both district and state averages, which tells you students are getting through and moving on.

Academics

Durant offers Advanced Placement courses, though the program is smaller than Newsome's or Bloomingdale's. The AP participation rate is 44%, meaning nearly half of students take at least one AP class.

Available programs include:

• Advanced Placement courses in core subjects
• Dual enrollment through Hillsborough Community College
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs — these are a real strength
• JROTC program
• Agricultural and veterinary science programs

Durant's CTE programs are worth highlighting. The school's location on the edge of rural Hillsborough County means it offers agricultural, veterinary, and trade-focused programs that aren't available at more suburban schools like Newsome or Bloomingdale. For students interested in hands-on career paths, this is a genuine advantage.

Sports

Durant competes in FHSAA Class 7A and has competitive programs across multiple sports. The school's mascot is the Cougar.

Strong programs include:

• Football — competitive program with regular playoff appearances
• Baseball and softball
• Wrestling
• Track and field
• Soccer
• Volleyball

Durant's athletics benefit from strong community support and active booster clubs. The school has a reputation for producing tough, competitive teams, particularly in football and wrestling.

Enrollment and campus

Durant has approximately 2,459 students with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1. The campus is located on Cougar Path in Plant City, though its zone extends well into eastern Valrico.

The campus has been renovated and expanded over the years. Facilities are solid, and the surrounding area has a more open, semi-rural feel compared to the more suburban campuses of Bloomingdale and Newsome.

What parents say

• "Durant gets overlooked because everyone compares it to Newsome, but it's a good school with great teachers."
• "The CTE and ag programs are a real draw if your kid isn't on the traditional college track."
• "Community feel is strong. The school and the surrounding neighborhoods are tight-knit."
• "Test scores are lower, but the graduation rate tells you the school is doing its job."
• "If your kid is motivated, they'll get a good education. The AP and dual enrollment options are there."

The honest reality: Durant's test scores are lower than Newsome and Bloomingdale. If standardized test performance is your primary metric, the other two schools look better on paper. But Durant serves a broader demographic and its programs cater to a wider range of student interests and career paths.

School zone — where you need to live

Durant's zone covers:

• Eastern Valrico — Neighborhoods east of the core Valrico area, including areas along Durant Road
• Parts of Plant City — Western and southern Plant City neighborhoods
• Durant Oaks and surrounding developments — Newer subdivisions named for their proximity to the school

Home prices in the Durant zone are generally the most affordable of the three Valrico-area high school zones, with median prices typically ranging from $300K to $450K. For buyers who want a Valrico-adjacent address with lower price points, the Durant zone is worth considering.

How Durant compares to Newsome and Bloomingdale

| | Newsome | Bloomingdale | Durant | |---|---|---|---| | Niche Grade | A | A | A- | | Graduation Rate | 99% | 91% | 92% | | Average SAT | 1210 | 1160 | 1140 | | AP Participation | 72% | — | 44% | | Enrollment | 3,340 | 2,311 | 2,459 | | Median home price (zone) | $450K-$800K+ | $350K-$550K | $300K-$450K |

The clear pattern: higher academic metrics correlate with higher home prices in the zone. That's not a coincidence — school quality drives real estate values.

Who is Durant best for?

• Families who want good schools at a lower price point — The Durant zone offers the most affordable homes among Valrico-area high schools
• Students interested in CTE, agriculture, or trade paths — Durant's programs in these areas are stronger than the other two schools
• Families who prefer a more open, semi-rural feel — The eastern Valrico/Plant City area has more space and less density
• Motivated students — The AP and dual enrollment options exist for college-bound students who seek them out

FAQ

Is Durant considered a Valrico school?

It's complicated. Durant's address is technically Plant City, but its zone includes a significant portion of eastern Valrico. Many families in Valrico are zoned for Durant. It's common for real estate listings to say "Valrico" when the school zone is actually Durant.

Can my kid transfer from Durant to Newsome or Bloomingdale?

School choice transfers are available but competitive. Transfers to Newsome in particular are very difficult to secure because the school is already at capacity. If a specific school is your priority, buying in the zone is the reliable approach.

Is Durant improving?

Durant has shown steady improvement in graduation rates and college readiness metrics over the past several years. The school leadership has invested in expanding AP offerings and CTE programs.

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Barrett Henry is a REALTOR and Broker Associate with RE/MAX Collective, helping families navigate Valrico school zones for 23+ years.

Questions about school zones in eastern Valrico? I can help you understand which neighborhoods feed into which schools. Call or text (813) 733-7907 or visit nowtb.com.