Ballast Point Elementary School
Tampa, FL 33611
Phone: (813) 272-3070
Fax: (813) 276-5923
District: Hillsborough
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 373 students
Ballast Point Elementary School, a public school located in Tampa, FL, serves grades PK-5 in the Hillsborough.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Ballast Point Elementary School is a public school located in Tampa, FL. 373 students attend Ballast Point Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 8/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education, and using 2025 Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education. |
| Student Growth | 9/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Florida Department of Education. |
Posted: August 17, 2026
We were very disappointed with our experience at this school. My daughter was bullied, and despite bringing my concerns to her teachers, the principal, and even the School Board, I never felt that the situation was properly addressed or that we received the support we needed. It was especially difficult because we live within walking distance, so the school was very convenient for our family. Unfortunately, my daughter felt so unhappy that we ultimately decided to leave. We are now at Rampello and are hopeful for a much more positive and supportive experience
Posted: August 17, 2026
Posted: August 17, 2026
Posted: August 17, 2026
Posted: August 17, 2026
Posted: August 17, 2026
Posted: August 14, 2025
Our sons were transferred to Ballast Point for 3rd Grade. We started towards the end of October and did not receive a warm welcome. Day 1 they did not have desks or materials, the secretary failed to inform the teachers that they were starting class. The teachers communication was extremely limited. The principal would quote school policy word for word but would not actually solve problems that took place during school hours. Our sons were constantly denied bathroom rights and were negatively marked for needing the occasional bathroom break. We requested special education testing and were denied several times even though the teachers told us our son would fail regardless of what we did to help. Ballast Point truly cares about test scores and not individual students. The front office staff is extremely rude and demeaning. The principal lacks the intelligence to make decisions on an individual basis for whats in the best interest of each student.
Posted: August 14, 2025
Posted: August 14, 2025
Posted: August 14, 2025
Posted: August 14, 2025
Posted: August 14, 2025
Posted: August 14, 2025
Posted: August 14, 2025
Posted: July 2, 2021
Posted: July 2, 2021
Posted: July 2, 2021
Posted: July 2, 2021
Posted: July 2, 2021
Posted: July 2, 2021
Posted: July 2, 2021
Posted: July 2, 2021
Ballast Point has been a wonderful experience for both of my children. My oldest son with ADHD required a 504 plan for accommodations and the guidance counselor was absolutely incredible and very helpful as we were in uncharted waters planning this. We will forever be grateful for each staff member that has personally helped my two boys succeed. PTA is super great too, the moms and dads do amazing jobs getting everyone involved as much as they can with no pressure at all. My dream was to have this school do K-8 because the middle school is horrendous. Fingers crossed!
Posted: May 6, 2020
Posted: May 6, 2020
Posted: May 6, 2020
This is the best elementary school in my opinion. The teachers and staff are amazing and the principle is outstanding!
Posted: May 6, 2020
Posted: May 6, 2020
Posted: May 6, 2020
Posted: May 6, 2020
Posted: March 1, 2020
110% recommend Im proud to be a bulldog and proud to share this school with my son. Some of my fondest memories were at Ballast Point
Posted: March 1, 2020
Posted: March 1, 2020
Posted: March 1, 2020
They build character in the children and encourage to be a great bulldog! They teach that respect is important and they also show children and parents with same respect.
Posted: March 1, 2020
Principal Hastings, And other administration are upbeat, energetic, compassionate leaders who truly care about each and every student!
Posted: March 1, 2020
Absolutely! They go above and beyond to help children learn to the best of their ability and find the right teaching method to accommodate for learning differences.
Posted: March 1, 2020
Yes they have a no tolerance policy for bullying which is especially important at such a young age. These are the years where self esteem is formed and they do everything they can to mediate the children and or parents. They keep parents involved and aware of all situations.
Posted: August 16, 2018
We've had a great start to the school year! Our family likes how this is a nice, intimate neighborhood school that is "A" rated by the state and has lots of options for active children such as "Morning Mile," ample green space, playground equipment, PE playground equipment, and more. I love the diversity at the school and especially how many wonderful military families are at the school as well. My child loves his teacher as well. So far so good.
Posted: February 20, 2018
Posted: February 20, 2018
The teacher my child currently has should NOT be allowed to teach at all in the district because of her record. As soon as I found out she was his teacher I should have had him moved to a new classroom.
Posted: February 20, 2018
Racist behavior is learned behavior and should not be tolerated at all.
Posted: February 20, 2018
They try to handle everything and wait until things have escalated to even inform you of any incidences.
Posted: February 20, 2018
My child has ADHD and I'm glad I can advocate for him because the school des not unless pressured to. I guess it effects their numbers.
Posted: February 20, 2018
My child has been a student at this school since starting kindergarten in Aug 2015. More recently after beginning first grade my child came to me and mentioned some racial remarks another kid in his class had made on more than one occasion. When addressed by the teacher and principal about these incidents they seemed shocked and mentioned that there would be an investigation. Fast forward to this current school year. More issues has arisen and it seems as if this hasn't happened before. Everyone seems shocked! What really grinds my gears is that all of those behaviors are learned behaviors. The way my child is "handled", is as if he is second rate because he is black. The only reason my child started this school was because I am a military member and the school is very close to the base. I can't begin to imagine that if this school wasn't so close to the base how little black children would be able to attend. I am beyond disappointed in the school system and district. They not only have failed my child but failed to uphold accountability for the actions of certain members of this facility.RACD
Posted: February 20, 2017
Fair amount of homework is assigned at the beginning if the week with a recommended schedule. Allows for flexibility for busy afternoons where you can do less homework if you've done more the day prior.
Posted: February 20, 2017
The teachers are wonderful and really take the time to differentiate learning based on individual needs. They also have a terrific gifted learning class. I love the morning mile program where they get to be outside for the first half out of the day.
My daughter looks forward to going to school every day.
What could be better? A foreign language program and music where they pick their own instrument are both missing.
But the social growth and academic growth my daughter has had here far outway any negatives.
Posted: April 12, 2015
I absolutely LOVE this School. Great teachers and the staff is so nice. This is my son's 2nd year there and he loves it. And has had no problems.
Posted: August 24, 2013
Ballast Point is a great school with caring teachers. We have been very pleased with the education our daughter has received over the last 4 years. We only had one classroom that wasn't a good fit for our child and the principal worked with us to resolve the program. The HOST program used to be a good program but was horrible the last 2 years. Fortunately there is a fantastic new after school program at the church across the street. Thank you Ballast Point for providing our daughter with a great education.
Posted: August 16, 2013
Ballast Point is a wonderful school. I have one child in 2nd and have already had one child graduate fifth grade. Every year has been a wonderful experience. The teachers are caring and take the extra time needed to meet the needs of ALL children. I feel very fortunate to live in this school's zone.
Posted: June 27, 2013
LOVE this school! Our son finished Kindergarden this year. At the beginning of the year I was very apprehensive about our little boy starting Elementary School. I had a lot of questions and concerns, however, the teachers and specifically the principal, Ms. Debbie Fitzpatrick took time out of her busy schedule to put my mind at ease. On a few occasions she checked in on our son for us and reported back how he was doing. We are very blessed to be in this school district!
Posted: June 4, 2013
I agree that Ballast Point might be a good school if your child "fits in" and does not have any learning disablities or special needs. However, if you have a child that requires any educational accomdations outside of OR as a supplement to a regular classroom setting is a complete and total nightmare to work with. It's so unfair to the child. The HOST program is horrible as well!!
Posted: December 4, 2012
My son started there in the ASD classes last year, and has been mainstreamed for about a month so far, and counting. The teachers challenge him & keep him on his toes, which is good. The school itself get 5 stars, hands down. The HOST program after school, however, would get 0-1 stars. The expectations from kids as young as 4 & 5 years old is unrealistic, and kids are being kicked out permanently on a fairly regular basis. Lord help you if your child has special needs, as they are unflexible (even if you have an IEP), and inept under their new management this year, at best. At worst, they have no business being around young kids.
Posted: April 22, 2012
This school may be good if your child fits in with the average student; however, if you have a child that requires a different educational approach or additional accomdations to be able to learn, working with this school is a total nightmare. It's so unfair to the child.
Posted: July 26, 2006
Excellent programs ranging from ESL to Gifted. The program for Autistic children is wonderful. The teachers truly care about the students and offers great motivation and rewards for good citizenship, grades, & attendance!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Pavillions | Apartment Complex | Tampa | FL | 0.9 mi | |
| 2 | Hyde Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tampa | FL | 2.7 mi | |
| 3 | Avelar Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Riverview | FL | 10.6 mi | |
| 4 | Harbour Isles | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Apollo Beach | FL | 11 mi | |
| 5 | Panther Trace | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Riverview | FL | 12 mi | |
| 6 | Westchase | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tampa | FL | 13.1 mi | |
| 7 | FishHawk Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lithia | FL | 16.6 mi | |
| 8 | Fish Hawk Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lithia | FL | 17.1 mi | |
| 9 | Fishhawk Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lithia | FL | 17.1 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South of Gandy (SOG) | Tampa | FL | 0.9 mi | |
| 2 | South Tampa | Tampa | FL | 3.1 mi | |
| 3 | Fishhawk Ranch /Lithia FL | Lithia | FL | 16.9 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| MacDill AFB | 2.1 mi. |
| Coast Guard Clearwater | 12.8 mi. |
