School districts nationwide have struggled to recover from pandemic learning losses, but one in Tampa Bay is faring better than the rest.
Third through eighth graders in Pinellas County performed better than students in other districts with similar socioeconomic statuses over the last decade, according to test score data analyzed by the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University.
Reading and math scores dropped almost everywhere in the country for students grades 3-8 last year compared to 2015, the data shows. Average scores were down 83% and 70%, respectively.
The trend is the same in much of Tampa Bay, with students learning at a slower pace below the U.S. average. Pinellas is the exception.
District leaders believe they have found what it takes to buoy young students: investing in prekindergarten education, fostering a fun school environment and prioritizing consistency in school administration.
Pinellas students’ math scores were higher than 63% of school districts reviewed nationwide, and their reading scores were better than 66%, according to the research.
State test score data backs up the study: More Pinellas students scored proficient on last year’s final exams across subjects, including math and English language arts, than students in neighboring districts.
“Outperforming the state in every tested area is an accomplishment worth celebrating and a testament to what is possible when we work together toward a shared vision of student success,” Pinellas Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said.
Pinellas students avoid plummeting reading scores amid national and regional declines
Last year, student grades in the county moved above the pre-pandemic average in reading scores from the year prior. Other Tampa Bay districts still lag more than a grade level below
Test scores are reported in grade level units for grades 3-8, relative to the 2019 national average. No data was recorded for 2020 or 2021.
NAKYLAH CARTER | TimesSource: The Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford
In 2015, Florida districts, including in Tampa Bay, were testing slightly above grade-level reading targets on average. Since then, Hillsborough and Pasco students have dropped at least an entire grade level in reading scores, according to the study. During that time, Pinellas dropped a fifth of a grade level and now tests just shy of targets.
Pinellas was also the only district in the region with math scores above target grade levels.
Although data during the pandemic was not reported in the research, math and reading scores for all districts saw a decline from 2019 to 2022 in reading scores, according to the Stanford study. For math scores, Hillsborough and Pasco saw steep declines while Pinellas was the only Tampa Bay district to see gains.
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(Asked about the study, Hillsborough spokesperson Tanya Arja said its schools are seeing gains in other ways, including a record graduation rate and an A grade from the state this past year. A spokesperson for Pasco was not available to comment.)
Hendrick said investing in the education of the youngest students in the district, a priority prior to the pandemic, is likely what put his district ahead of the curve.
“It’s a long game,” the superintendent said. Hendrick was formerly the district’s chief academic officer.
Florida kindergarteners are required to take a literacy exam the month they start school. In Pinellas, more than half of students were proficient in 2024-25, according to state data. The district ranked third among all public school districts in kindergarten readiness, behind St. Johns and Sarasota.
Some research has shown that third grade is a turning point for children’s learning habits, with studies suggesting if a child is not proficient academically by that time, the likelihood of them recovering is small. This, Hendrick says, is why it’s vital to focus on prekindergarten.
Money from federal programs for low-income students pays for half the district’s expansion of prekindergarten programs, according to Hendrick. The other half is paid by state voluntary prekindergarten dollars.
Pinellas tied for second among all Florida public districts for middle school acceleration, according to state data, with 84% of middle school students passing advanced courses and earning credits before entering high school.
Exposing children to advanced math courses as soon as they enter middle school, regardless of previous behavior or grades, is helpful, said Seminole Middle Assistant Principal Desrine Nation.
Seminole Principal Robert Ovalle said consistency is also key. Regardless of changing schools or teachers, the curriculum and expectations of the district remain the same.
“There’s no gaps,” Ovalle said. “It’s nice to have the support from elementary, middle schools and high schools. I think we’re all singing from the same choir book.”
Hendrick agreed that consistent leadership is essential.
“Our school board has been stable,” he said. “When there has been turnover, there hasn’t been crazy controversy. When you have a lot of change and uncertainty, you find that people lose focus on academics because there’s other areas to focus on.”
Pinellas emphasizes giving students a reason to come to school, too, including field trips and arts programs.
Seminole Middle, for instance, has a student club that creates videos for events and school-wide field days.
“Kids who are connected to school and have a positive limelight on school, they tend to be involved,” Ovalle said. “And they tend to do better.”
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