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7 Shocking Facts About Valrico Elementary School's 2025 'A' Rating And Why It's A Top FL School

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Valrico Elementary School (VES), a cornerstone of the Valrico, Florida community, continues to solidify its reputation as one of the top-performing public elementary schools in the state. As of the current date, December 20, 2025, the school maintains its coveted "A" School rating and has been recognized as a "Five Star School," reflecting its exceptional academic achievement and commitment to student success.

This deep dive into Valrico Elementary School provides an up-to-date look at its recent performance, key leadership, and the innovative programs driving its success within the Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) district. Parents and prospective residents seeking the latest facts about this highly-rated institution will find a comprehensive overview of what makes VES a top choice for elementary education in the Greater Tampa Bay area.

Valrico Elementary School: The Complete 2025 Profile

Valrico Elementary School, often referred to as VES, is an established public school serving the Valrico community. Its profile highlights a strong commitment to academic excellence, faculty retention, and robust community partnerships.

  • School Name: Valrico Elementary School
  • Location: Valrico, Florida (FL)
  • Address: 609 South Miller Road, Valrico, FL 33594
  • School District: Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS)
  • Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through 5th Grade
  • Current Enrollment: Approximately 742 students
  • Principal: Tricia Simonsen
  • Assistant Principal: Michelle Vick
  • Principal's Experience: Tricia Simonsen has 35 years of experience as an educator, including 22 years serving as a school principal.
  • School Rating: "A" School and "Five Star School" distinction.

The Academic Powerhouse: 7 Shocking Facts Driving VES's Top Ranking

Valrico Elementary School’s consistently high performance is not accidental; it is the result of focused leadership, dedicated faculty, and specific, measurable academic success. Here are the key facts that define its elite status in the state.

1. Top 20% Ranking in Florida and a 2025-2026 Projection

Valrico Elementary School consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Florida. The school ranks better than over 80% of all elementary schools in the state. More specifically, it is ranked 29th among 176 ranked elementary schools in its district, placing it firmly in the upper echelon of public education. Furthermore, the school is projected to be ranked in the Top 30% for the 2025-2026 school year, indicating a sustained pattern of academic excellence.

2. The "A" School and Five Star School Double Distinction

The school holds two major distinctions: it is an "A" School, a top academic grade awarded by the state, and a "Five Star School." The "Five Star School" designation is a Florida Department of Education award that recognizes schools for exemplary community involvement, including parent/family involvement, business partnerships, volunteerism, student community service, and school advisory councils. This dual recognition confirms that VES excels not only in test scores but also in fostering a supportive, engaged community environment.

3. High 3rd Grade ELA Proficiency Rates

A critical metric for elementary success is 3rd Grade English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, which is often a predictor of future academic success. In the 2024-2025 school year, 74% of 3rd graders at Valrico Elementary were proficient or better in ELA. This figure significantly outpaces the proficiency rates of many comparable schools in the region, showcasing the effectiveness of the school's literacy initiative and curriculum.

4. A Favorable 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

A lower student-teacher ratio is a key factor in providing individualized attention and improving student outcomes. Valrico Elementary boasts a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. This ratio is notably lower than the Florida state average of 17:1, allowing teachers to dedicate more time and resources to each of the 742 students enrolled in grades PK-5.

5. Active Focus on STEM and Modern Learning

While the school maintains a strong foundation in core subjects, its internal communications, such as the "Hawk's Nest News" newsletter, frequently highlight a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives. This emphasis on modern, project-based learning ensures that students are prepared for the next level of education by developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for a 21st-century workforce.

6. Participation in Key HCPS Initiatives

Valrico Elementary is an active participant in major Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) initiatives designed to boost student success. These include the district’s top-priority Literacy Initiative and the new Kindergarten Attendance Initiative, which offers a unique incentive: the random awarding of three $1,000 scholarships to qualifying students to jump-start their college savings. The school also participates in the annual School Choice Application Window, giving families options for specialized programs.

7. Leadership Stability and Experience

The school is led by Principal Tricia Simonsen, an educator with 35 years of experience, including 22 years as a principal. This remarkable tenure and deep experience provide critical stability and institutional knowledge, contributing directly to the school's consistent academic achievement and ability to retain highly effective faculty and staff members.

Understanding Student Demographics and Community Engagement

The student body at Valrico Elementary School is diverse, reflecting the growing community of Valrico, Florida. The total enrollment of 742 students spans from Pre-K to 5th grade. Minority enrollment at VES is significant, making up 56% of the student body, with a majority Hispanic demographic. This diversity enriches the learning environment and prepares students for a global society.

Community engagement is a hallmark of the school, evidenced by its "Five Star School" distinction. The school’s internal publication, the "Hawk's Nest News" (VES Newsletter), is the primary source of communication, providing "Sneak Peeks of Upcoming Events," "Student Highlights and Celebrations," and updates on various school-wide initiatives. This consistent communication fosters the "outstanding partnerships" that the school values with its families and the wider Valrico community.

FAST Testing and Academic Assessment

Academic performance at Valrico Elementary is measured by the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST Testing). This statewide assessment provides a clear scorecard of the school’s performance across various subjects, including the impressive ELA results. The school’s commitment to transparency means that its performance data is publicly available, allowing parents to compare its academic standing to other schools in the Hillsborough County Public Schools district and across the state of Florida.

For parents moving to the area or considering enrollment, the data confirms that Valrico Elementary School at 609 South Miller Road is a premier public institution. Its sustained "A" rating, low student-teacher ratio, experienced leadership, and active community involvement make it a highly desirable choice for elementary education in Valrico, FL.

7 Shocking Facts About Valrico Elementary School's 2025 'A' Rating and Why It's a Top FL School
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