H.B. Plant High School is a public high school located in the neighborhood of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, United States. It opened in 1927 between South Himes Avenue on the east and Dale Mabry Highway on the west.
Serving 2,391 students in grades 9-12, Plant High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 73% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,391 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 28:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 10% in FL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 70% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 73% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 80% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Plant High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Plant High School's student population of 2,391 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 86 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,391 students
Total Classroom Teachers
86 teachers
Year Founded
1927
Colors
Black, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Plant High School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Plant High School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#523 out of 3662 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
18%
38%
Black
6%
21%
White
66%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
- Henry B. Plant High School was opened in 1926 on South Himes Avenue in Tampa, Florida. The school is named in honor of railroad and hotel magnate Henry B. Plant. The school mascot is the Panther. A statue of the Panther is often stolen or vandalized by both the senior class and the administration as a prank or Spirit Week joke. The school motto is "Strength Through Unity."
- The school established an Air Force Junior ROTC program in the 2005-2006 school year. The leaders of the AFJROTC program for Plant High School are Maj. Geoffrey Patterson and Sgt. Fortino Garcia. The estimated number of students enrolled in H B Plant High School AFJROTC is approximately 90.
- Plant High School's biggest rivals are Hillsborough High, Robinson High, and Jefferson High School.
- The athletic stadium is named Dad's Stadium, and hosts football, soccer and lacrosse games, track and field meets, and pep rallies. The flag team is known as the Pantherettes and the dance team is known as the Danceros.
- The school has a notable academic reputation, and is consistently ranked among the 100 Best High Schools in America (as designated by Newsweek). Plant High also offers free AP testing, which contributes to the high number of students who may take AP courses beginning as early as sophomore year.
- Competition for school choice (a new program in Florida that allows students to apply to attend school outside of their district) is fierce, as Plant is overcrowded and thus not an available choice to students living outside the school district's boundaries. There is a zero-tolerance policy towards the common practice of claiming a relative or friend's in-district address to attend the school.
- Plant High School Vision Statement: Plant High School will provide the optimal environment to produce life-long learners who are "temperate, courageous, and just" world citizens.
- Plant High School Mission Statement: H. B. Plant High School's mission is to recognize and empower the multifaceted characteristics and individuality of the students who enter our school. We strive to incorporate the diversity of our students and of our community into the educational process. We offer a curriculum which addresses the needs and goals of our student body and offers challenges and preparation for any post-high school endeavor. Our students will acquire attributes enabling them to: Be temperate, courageous and "just" world citizens.
- Acquire an intrinsic love of learning.
- Be prepared to contribute to the welfare and betterment of all mankind.
- Make healthy and considered life decisions leading to personal achievement and fulfillment.
- Notable Alumni and Staff: Leo Gallagher, is a World-Famous comedian and prop comic. Inceptor of The Sledge-O-Matic. He is one of the most successful stand up comedians of all time because of his constant touring and loyal following. Leo Gallagher, is a World-Famous comedian and prop comic. Inceptor of The Sledge-O-Matic. He is one of the most successful stand up comedians of all time because of his constant touring and loyal following.
- Wade Boggs, World Series-winning third baseman and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Mickie James, Professional Wrestler.
- Steve Beasley, Alligator Wrestler.
- Mike Williams, former USC and current NFL wide receiver.
- Plant High School Band, Chorus & Drama: Plant High School boasts the 2006-2007 Marching Panther Band, performing their show "Channel One Suite", originally performed by the Buddy Rich Big Band, and the DCI drum corps Blue Devils. The show features a Trumpet solo performed by band captain J.J. Marion. The Band Director of the Marching Panthers is Mr. John Sinibaldi. The Plant High Marching Panthers recently earned a Superior rating at the Chamberlain Invitational competition, and placed 5th overall out of 20 bands.
- Plant High School's chorus has more than 200 members and is led by director Bruce Yost (affectionately known as Yosty by varsity womens). The chorus puts on several performances each year, including several Madrigal Dinner performances and an annual show famed among students, called "Rick's Cafe". The show is a showcase of performances from both famous and obscure musicals, featuring acting, singing and dancing. Past shows have featured numbers from RENT, Grease, Chicago, Gypsy: A Musical Fable, Little Shop of Horrors, and Wicked.This year's main events include Les Miserables, Anne, and Oklahoma.
- Members of the drama program put on plays and musicals every year that produce sell out crowds. Recent shows include Grease, A Midsummer Nights Dream, The Odd Couple:Female Version, Bathroom Humor, and the award winning Mystery of Twickanam Vicarage.
- Plant High School Service Clubs: Plant High School enjoys a fine tradition of community service, as shown by the seven service clubs (boys and girls) on campus. Students who are interested in joining are assigned to a random club and are "tapped" during homeroom. These clubs perform a variety of services to the community and loyalty to one's club is strong.
- Boys Service Clubs: Key, Sertoma, Delphi.
- Girls Service Clubs: Keywanettes, La Sertoa, Zeta, Anchor.
- Plant High School Varsity Football Team: Plant High School won their first State Football Championship on December 9, 2006. They defeated Ponte Vedra Beach Nease High School 25-21 on a touchdown pass to Derek Winter with 18 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter. Prior to the 2006 championship game, Plant High School made history when the team won their first state semi-final game against Booker T. Washington; a team who had previously made the semi-final game for four years in a row. Plant High School's team had previously made it to the semi-final game in 1973, 1976, and 1978 but had gotten no further.
- Plant High School Varsity Sailing Team: The Plant High School Flying Panther Sailing Team is considered another premier sport at H.B. Plant High School. The sailing team practices at Davis Island Yacht Club and races all over the continental U.S. The H.B.P.F.P.S.T. won their first regatta of the 2006 year. The team attended the ISSA national championship in Grosse Pointe, Michigan in spring of 2006, finishing 11th. The team also finished 13th at the 2005 ISSA national championship in Port Angeles, Washington. The National Championship is an invitational regatta that only the top three teams from the South Atlantic District are able to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plant High School's ranking?
Plant High School is ranked #523 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Plant High School often compared to?
Plant High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Robinson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 73% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Plant High School?
The graduation rate of Plant High School is 97%, which is higher than the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Plant High School?
2,391 students attend Plant High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Plant High School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Plant High School?
Plant High School has a student ration of 28:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Plant High School offer ?
Plant High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Plant High School part of?
Plant High School is part of Hillsborough School District.
In what neighborhood is Plant High School located?
Plant High School is located in the Palma Ceia neighborhood of Tampa, FL. There are 1 other public schools located in Palma Ceia.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I have attend schools in two different states, and Plant High actually teachs you something. I today use what I learned from my partial education at Plant High. Whatever you do, do not send your children to the school in Louisiana.
5 10/10/2025
I have 7 sons who all went to H.B. Plant H.S. and did incredibly well!. The calibur of dedicated teachers and administration accompanied by good athletic coaches was a great learning environment. 5 of my sons reeived college scholarships, all graduated well prepared for the next stage of their live's. Community support and involvement was and continues to be unparelleled!
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