Choosing the right elementary school is one of the biggest decisions families face when moving to or within Valrico. Hillsborough County Public Schools operates dozens of elementary campuses in the eastern part of the county, and several of the highest-rated ones sit right in the Valrico, FishHawk, and Lithia corridor.

Here's a no-fluff breakdown of the elementary schools that serve the Valrico area, what makes each one stand out, and what you should know before enrollment.

How Are Valrico Elementary Schools Rated?

Florida uses a school grading system based on standardized test performance (FSA/FAST), learning gains, and other academic indicators. Schools earn letter grades from A to F. Most elementary schools in the Valrico area consistently earn A or B grades, which is one reason families gravitate toward this part of Hillsborough County.

Beyond state grades, many parents also reference GreatSchools ratings (1-10 scale) and Niche.com rankings. No single rating tells the whole story, but the Valrico area consistently lands multiple schools in the top tier across all three systems.

Buckhorn Elementary

Location: 3236 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico, FL 33596

Buckhorn Elementary is one of the most established schools in the Valrico area. It feeds into Burns Middle School and eventually Bloomingdale High School. The school has maintained strong academic performance for years and is known for an engaged parent community and active PTA.

Buckhorn's strengths include a solid reading program and consistent test scores across grade levels. The campus is well-maintained and the school regularly hosts family events that build community connections. One thing to note: the school zone covers a popular residential area, so enrollment can run high. If you're considering a home in the Buckhorn zone, verify current capacity with the district.

Cimino Elementary

Location: 3536 Cimino Dr, Valrico, FL 33596

Cimino Elementary serves the Bloomingdale and southern Valrico neighborhoods. It feeds into Barrington Middle School and Bloomingdale High School. The school has earned A grades in recent years and benefits from a strong volunteer base.

Cimino is particularly well-regarded for its STEM enrichment opportunities and its approach to differentiated instruction. Teachers here tend to group students by ability level for core subjects, which helps advanced learners stay challenged while giving struggling students more targeted support. The school also has an active after-school program through the district's extended day services.

Colson Elementary

Location: 2815 S Miller Rd, Valrico, FL 33596

Colson Elementary serves parts of central Valrico and feeds into Burns Middle School. It's a smaller campus compared to some of the newer schools in the area, which many families see as a plus -- smaller class sizes and a tighter-knit community.

Colson has historically earned B grades from the state, though performance varies by year. The school has invested in reading intervention programs and has a dedicated ESE (Exceptional Student Education) program. If your child needs specialized support, Colson's team has a good reputation for working with families to build effective plans.

Stowers Elementary

Location: 509 N Valrico Rd, Valrico, FL 33594

Stowers Elementary is one of the older schools in Valrico and sits closer to the Brandon border. It feeds into Randall Middle School. The campus underwent renovations in recent years, and the school has focused on improving literacy outcomes.

Stowers serves a diverse student population and offers Title I resources, which means additional federal funding for academic support programs. For families who value diversity and community-oriented schools, Stowers is worth a look. The school also runs an active aftercare program.

FishHawk Creek Elementary

Location: 16515 FishHawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547

FishHawk Creek Elementary consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in all of Hillsborough County. It serves the FishHawk Ranch community and feeds into Randall Middle School (or Barrington, depending on zone) and Newsome High School.

This school regularly earns A grades and posts some of the highest test scores in the district. The parent community is extremely active, and the school benefits from the planned-community infrastructure of FishHawk Ranch. FishHawk Creek also offers robust gifted programs and enrichment activities.

The trade-off? Homes in the FishHawk Creek Elementary zone typically carry a price premium. Families routinely pay $30,000 to $50,000 more for a comparable home inside this school zone versus a similar home just outside it. That's the school-zone effect in action.

Randall Middle School Connection

While this guide focuses on elementary schools, it's worth noting that Randall Middle School -- located at 4305 Lithia Pinecrest Rd -- serves as a feeder for several of these elementary campuses. Randall has earned strong grades and offers a Cambridge program, which provides advanced coursework for qualifying students. When evaluating elementary schools, think about the full K-12 pipeline, not just the first stop.

How Do School Zones Affect Home Values in Valrico?

This is one of the most common questions buyers ask, and the answer is straightforward: school zones directly impact home prices in Valrico.

According to the National Association of Realtors, homes in top-rated school districts sell for 5-10% more than comparable homes in lower-rated districts. In the Valrico area, that premium is most visible around FishHawk Creek Elementary and in the Newsome High School zone.

If you're buying a home and schools matter to your family, always verify the school zone on the Hillsborough County School District website before making an offer. Zones can shift -- the district adjusted several boundaries in the 2026-2027 cycle -- and a real estate listing's stated school zone isn't always current.

For help finding homes in specific school zones, check out our neighborhoods guide or start your home search.

Enrollment Tips for Valrico Families

1. Verify your zone first. Use the district's official school locator tool at hillsboroughschools.org. Don't rely on third-party sites.
2. Register early. Hillsborough County opens registration for the upcoming school year in the spring. Popular schools can fill up.
3. Bring documentation. You'll need proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage), your child's birth certificate, immunization records, and a physical exam form.
4. Ask about gifted screening. If your child qualifies, gifted programs are available at most Valrico-area elementary schools. Request screening through the school's guidance counselor.
5. Tour the campus. Most schools offer open house events in the spring. Walk the halls, meet teachers, and get a feel for the culture before committing.

FAQ

Which elementary school in Valrico has the highest test scores? FishHawk Creek Elementary consistently posts the highest standardized test scores among elementary schools serving the Valrico and Lithia area, often earning straight-A grades from the state.

Can I choose which elementary school my child attends in Hillsborough County? Yes. Hillsborough County offers a school choice program that allows families to apply to attend schools outside their zoned campus. However, admission is not guaranteed and depends on available capacity. The application window typically opens in January.

Do Valrico school zones change often? The district reviews boundaries periodically, especially when new schools open or enrollment shifts significantly. The most recent boundary changes affecting Valrico took effect for the 2026-2027 school year. Always check the district's current zone map.

How does school zoning affect home prices in Valrico? Homes in top-rated school zones -- particularly FishHawk Creek Elementary and Newsome High School zones -- typically sell for a measurable premium over comparable homes in lower-rated zones. Buyers with school-age children consistently prioritize school quality in their home search.

---

Looking for a home in a specific Valrico school zone? Browse Valrico neighborhoods or start your home search. Questions? Call Barrett Henry at (813) 733-7907.