Paul R. Wharton High School is a public high school in Tampa, Florida, United States. It was established in 1997 and is part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district.
Serving 2,186 students in grades 9-12, Wharton High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,186 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in FL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 57% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wharton High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Wharton High School's student population of 2,186 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 99 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,186 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
99 teachers
Year Founded
1997
Colors
White, Navy Blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Wharton High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,704 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wharton High School is 0.74, which is more 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
#2809 out of 3704 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
52%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
3%
Hispanic
31%
37%
Black
31%
21%
White
27%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
42%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wharton High School's ranking?
Wharton High School is ranked #2809 out of 3,704 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Wharton High School often compared to?
Wharton High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Freedom High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wharton High School?
The graduation rate of Wharton High School is 89%, which is higher than the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Wharton High School?
2,186 students attend Wharton High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
31% of Wharton High School students are Black, 31% of students are Hispanic, 27% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Wharton High School?
Wharton High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Wharton High School offer ?
Wharton High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wharton High School part of?
Wharton High School is part of Hillsborough School District.
In what neighborhood is Wharton High School located?
Wharton High School is located in the County Line Coalition neighborhood of Tampa, FL. There are 3 other public schools located in County Line Coalition.
School Reviews
1 4/27/2020
This school is very bad. No adult on campus gives 2 Removed about the students. There have been many times where they could have prevented a gang fight but choose to watch instead.
1 3/30/2020
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A SCHOOL WERE THE STAFF AND TEACHERS TALK TO YOU LIKE YOUR THE STUDENT NOT MINORTY VERY UNPROFFESIONAL STAFF. YOU WONDER WHAT MAKES KIDS SNAP?? STAFF MOUTH, YOU SHOULD BE ENCOURRAGING STUDENTS BUT YET YOU TEAR THEM DOWN. YES MAM NO SIR WHY? WHEN YOU DON'T RESPECT THEM.
2 7/6/2015
I would never recommend this school. There are more fights and lock downs than there is actually teaching. The school is very sexist when it comes to dress code and the food closely resembles garbage. I have had bugs in it, expired, and paper. The staff could care less and text more than they actually teach. The ladies that are supposed to greet you when you first show up to the school are rude and look at themselves more than they care. There is constant bullying that never stops. Never EVER go to this school
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