5 Key Facts About Sulphur Springs K-8 School: Tampa's Community Hub And Educational Transformation

Contents

Sulphur Springs K-8 School in Tampa, Florida, is more than just a traditional educational institution; it stands today, in late 2025, as a vital center for neighborhood revitalization and a model for community-based learning. Once known strictly as an elementary school, its evolution into a K-8 structure reflects a strategic commitment by Hillsborough County Public Schools to provide comprehensive, sustained support to one of Tampa's most historic and challenged neighborhoods.

This deep-dive article explores the most current and significant facts about the school, from its academic standing and student body profile to the major community initiatives that are transforming the entire Sulphur Springs area. The focus is on the latest 2024–2025 academic and community developments, offering a fresh, authoritative look at this critical Tampa Bay asset.

The Sulphur Springs K-8 School Profile and Academic Snapshot

The transition from a standalone elementary school to the Sulphur Springs K-8 School model is central to its current identity. This structure allows students to remain in a familiar, supportive environment from Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through the 8th grade, fostering stronger relationships with teachers and peers during crucial developmental years.

The school is located at 8412 N 13th St in the heart of Tampa and is an integral part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools district.

Key Facts and Figures (Based on Latest Available Data)

  • Current Name: Sulphur Springs K-8 School
  • Grade Levels Served: PK (Pre-Kindergarten) through 8th Grade
  • Total Enrollment: Approximately 623 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1
  • School Grade: The school received a 'C' from the Florida Department of Education in the latest available School Grades data (2024).
  • Academic Proficiency: Latest state test scores indicate that 29% of students are proficient in math and 18% are proficient in reading.

The school's inclusion in the Transformation Network MOU for 2024-2025 highlights the district’s ongoing effort to improve educational outcomes and provide targeted support to schools serving high-need populations, reinforcing its role as a focus for academic transformation.

Sulphur Springs K-8: The Community School Model in Action

A key differentiator for Sulphur Springs is its designation as a Community School. This model transforms the school into a neighborhood hub, offering a range of services beyond the classroom to students, families, and the wider community. This holistic approach recognizes that non-academic factors—such as health, stability, and access to resources—significantly impact a child’s ability to learn.

The Community School approach involves strategic partnerships with local organizations to provide essential wraparound services. The school acts as a focal point for organizations committed to making an impact in the Tampa Bay community.

Partnerships and Community Services

The school is a designated service area for several critical initiatives, including:

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay: The school hosts the After-Zone Elementary School Initiative, a program funded in part by the Children's Board, which provides crucial after-school support and enrichment activities for students.
  • Champions For Children: This organization is committed to meeting community needs and is active in the Sulphur Springs area, focusing on family support and child welfare.
  • City of Tampa Engagement: The City actively uses the Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School as a venue for community input workshops related to major neighborhood planning.

By integrating these services, the school addresses barriers to learning, such as food insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and need for academic tutoring, creating a more stable environment for its students.

Major Neighborhood Initiatives Shaping the School’s Future (2024-2025)

The status of Sulphur Springs K-8 is inextricably linked to the ongoing revitalization efforts in the surrounding Sulphur Springs neighborhood. The City of Tampa has spearheaded a comprehensive Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan, which directly impacts the school and its families.

The latest phase of this plan, Phase 2: Vision and Draft Neighborhood Plan, was scheduled to take place from December 2024 through April 2025. This phase involves seeking crucial community input to shape the future development of the area, including residential development and public art initiatives.

Infrastructure and Safety Improvements: Safe Routes to School

One of the most tangible recent updates involves infrastructure improvements aimed at student safety. The Safe Routes to School initiative is specifically targeting the area around the K-8 campus.

  • Improvements include the construction of new 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalks along the east side of 12th Street, spanning from E Seward St to N 13th St.
  • Intersection improvements are also planned to enhance pedestrian safety, recognizing the importance of a secure path for students walking to and from the school.

These infrastructure projects are a direct investment in the well-being of the students and their families, ensuring that the Sulphur Springs K-8 School remains a safe and accessible educational center for the entire Hillsborough County area.

Looking Ahead: The 2025–2026 Academic Year

As of late 2025, the Sulphur Springs K-8 School is actively preparing for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year. The school leadership is focused on leveraging its Community School status to continue academic growth and strengthen neighborhood ties.

The school's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its participation in the Transformation Network and its collaboration with the Florida Department of Education to raise student proficiency levels. The focus on grades PK-8 provides a unique opportunity for long-term student development, allowing educators to track progress and intervene effectively over a nine-year period.

For parents and community members, the school represents a beacon of hope and a center for critical resources. The ongoing Neighborhood Action Plan ensures that the physical and social environment around the school is also improving, creating a more supportive ecosystem for students to thrive.

The story of Sulphur Springs K-8 School is a powerful narrative of transformation—from an elementary campus to a comprehensive K-8 Community School—demonstrating a deep commitment to educational equity and neighborhood revitalization in Tampa.

5 Key Facts About Sulphur Springs K-8 School: Tampa's Community Hub and Educational Transformation
sulphur springs elementary tampa
sulphur springs elementary tampa

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