Plant High School

2415 S Himes Ave
Tampa, FL 33629
(School attendance zone shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%
Serving 2,514 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 67% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 48%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Florida state average of 64% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,514 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 31%
  • : 97% (Top 20% in FL)
  • : Top 20%
  • : 67% (Top 20%)
  • : 75% (Top 10%)
  • 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:

School Overview

Plant High School's student population of 2,514 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 108 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,514 students
This chart display total students of Plant High School by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Gender %
This chart display gender of Plant High School
Total Classroom Teachers
108 teachers
This chart display the total teachers of Plant High School by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Students by Grade
This chart display the students of Plant High School by grade.

School Rankings

Plant High School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,655 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Plant High School is 0.49, 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.
Definition of Terms 2021-2022 School Year Data
This School
State Level (FL)
#434 out of 3655 schools
(Top 20%)
This chart display the overall school rank of Plant High School, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
67%
48%
This chart display the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of Plant High School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Math of public schools in Florida by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
75%
52%
This chart display the percentage of students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Plant High School and the percentage of public school students that scored at or above 'proficient' levels in Reading/Language Arts of Florida by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
16:1
This chart display the student teacher ratio of Plant High School and the public school average student teacher ratio of Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
3%
This chart display the percentage of Asian students in Plant High School and the percentage of Asian public school students in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Hispanic
19%
36%
This chart display the percentage of Hispanic students in Plant High School and the percentage of Hispanic public school students in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Black
4%
21%
This chart display the percentage of Black students in Plant High School and the percentage of Black public school students in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
White
69%
36%
This chart display the percentage of White students in Plant High School and the percentage of White public school students in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
This chart display the percentage of students of two or more races in Plant High School and the percentage of public school students of two or more races in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
All Ethnic Groups
This chart display the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Plant High School.
This chart display the percentage breakdown of public school students of all ethnic groups in FL.
0.49
This chart display the diversity score of Plant High School and the public school average diversity score of Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
97%
89%
This chart display graduation rate of Plant High School and public school graduation rate of Florida by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
50%
This chart display the percentage of students who is eligible for free lunch in Plant High School and the percentage of public school students who is eligible for free lunch in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
This chart display the percentage of students who is eligible for reduced lunch in Plant High School and the percentage of public school students who is eligible for reduced lunch in Florida by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • 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 #434 out of 3,655 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?
67% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 48% FL state average), while 75% 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 89%.
How many students attend Plant High School?
2,514 students attend Plant High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Plant High School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Plant High School?
Plant High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 16:1.
What grades does Plant High School offer ?
Plant High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Plant High School part of?
Plant High School is part of Hillsborough School District.

School Calendar

View the Plant High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Seniors' Last Day
May 21, 2024 (Tuesday)
Last Day of School/End of 4th Grading Period (End of 2nd Semester)
May 24, 2024 (Friday)
First Day of School
August 12, 2024 (Monday)
Fall Break/Non-Student Days *
November 25, 2024 (Monday)
Spring Break/Non-Student Days
March 17, 2025 (Monday)

School Reviews

5   4/4/2008
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!
- Posted by Parent - sport
5   9/26/2007
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.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - house

Review Plant High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Back to School: Getting Up to Date with Required Vaccinations
Back to School: Getting Up to Date with Required Vaccinations
Stay up to date on the current requirements for vaccinations for school-age children today, as well as some of the problems schools face when parents do not properly immunize their kids.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.
Public Schools in a Minute
January 27, 2024
Public Schools in a Minute
Explore the diverse world of public schools in a minute! Our brief overview provides a snapshot of the educational landscape, school districts, curriculum, and more. Get a quick glance at the big picture of K-12 education.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,514 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 31%
  • : 97% (Top 20%)
  • : Top 20%
  • : 67% (Top 20%)
  • : 75% (Top 10%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education

Related School Videos

Quick Links