The top reported proficiency rate is 72% in Math. The lowest is 62% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Lanier Elementary School
Lanier Elementary sits on West Montgomery Avenue in the 33616 zip code, a residential area of South Tampa west of downtown. It is a conventional public elementary school serving prekindergarten through fifth grade within Hillsborough County Schools.
The school's student body is racially mixed, with Hispanic students making up the largest group, white students close behind, and Black and multiracial students also represented in meaningful shares. A majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which places Lanier in a higher-need economic context relative to many Tampa schools. Data on English learner counts and students with IEPs were not available in what was provided.
On Florida's FAST assessments, Lanier's academic results are generally solid and, in several areas, notably strong. Math proficiency is a particular standout: third graders tested at a strong rate, fourth graders at a good rate, and fifth graders at a high rate that would compare favorably at most elementary schools. In ELA, the picture is more mixed. Third-grade reading proficiency comes in below the math results by a clear margin, which is worth asking the school about directly, since early reading fluency is a meaningful predictor of later academic trajectory. Fourth- and fifth-grade ELA rates are better, showing some growth across the grade band. Science proficiency among fifth graders lands in the moderate-to-good range. Trend data across multiple years was not available, so it is not possible to say whether these results reflect improvement, stability, or decline. Because the county comparison set for this school contains only one district, no meaningful peer positioning is possible from that data.
Pre-K through second grade are not tested under Florida's FAST or science assessments, so no proficiency data exists for those grades. That is a feature of what the state tests, not a gap in school reporting.
The neighborhood housing market gives useful context for families weighing a move. The zip code's typical home value sits modestly above the Florida statewide median and somewhat above the national median, though values have pulled back year over year in both the local zip and statewide. Rents have also softened somewhat year over year, which is relevant for renters. The rent-to-income ratio here is meaningful, putting rental costs at roughly a third of the median income figure, which is at the threshold many household-budget guidelines consider stretched. Buyers face a price-to-income ratio well above four, and estimated monthly mortgage costs reflect that. Families should factor both purchase and rental affordability carefully into any housing decision tied to this school zone.
Two district-level changes matter directly. First, Hillsborough County voters approved a property tax referendum in late 2024 that adds a meaningful annual cost for homeowners, running through mid-2029, intended to fund salary supplements for teachers and support staff. Second, a significant boundary rezoning took effect for the 2024-2025 school year, shifting attendance zones across many schools. Families should confirm with the district that their specific address is currently zoned for Lanier before making any school-based housing decision.
Tampa itself is a city of distinct neighborhoods rather than a uniform texture. South Tampa, where Lanier sits, is generally quieter and more residential in character than the development activity concentrated downtown and in areas like Water Street or Ybor City. The broader city has an uneven walkability profile; street life and pedestrian infrastructure are strongest in the urban core, while residential neighborhoods like this one tend toward car dependence. The city's economy is anchored by defense, healthcare, and financial services, giving the metro a relatively stable employment base.
Program information for Lanier was not included in the data provided. Families interested in enrichment programs, arts, or any specialized curriculum would want to ask the school directly.
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