Type Public Principal Brad Woods Faculty 133 Phone +1 813-631-4710 Founded 1997 | Established 1997 Staff 90 Grades 9-12 Number of students 2,377 | |
District School District of Hillsborough County Similar Freedom High School, Wiregrass Ranch High Sch, Hillsboro County School Di, Benito Middle School, Chamberl High School | ||
Paul R. Wharton High School (also known as Wharton) is a public high school located on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in New Tampa, Florida . It is one of 27 traditional (9-12) high schools in the Hillsborough County Public Schools system. The facility was dedicated to Mr. Paul R. Wharton, who served the Hillsborough County school system for 38 years. The school opened on August 21, 1997.
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Administration
Wharton's attendance boundaries include several Tampa subdivisions located in the New Tampa area.
Wharton's principals have been the following:
The school's colors are navy blue, white and black, and its mascot is the Wildcat. The school newspaper is called The Predator and its yearbook is Felidae.
Academics
In 2010 Wharton earned a grade of C from the Florida Department of Education.
Graduation Rate
In 2012 Wharton's graduation rate was 75% as compared to a statewide rate of 74.5% and a Hillsborough County rate of 72.6%. npr
Demographics
Wharton HS is 32% White, 31% Black, 25% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 1% Native American, and 6% multiracial.
Athletics
Wharton is known for some of the most vocal sports fans in the area, to the extent their team spirit has sometimes raised questions about what the nature of high school sports should be. The "Blue Crew" as they are known, are arguably the most spirited and vociferous group of fans in Tampa Bay. There have been complaints lodged about them with the FHSAA.
Soccer
In 2008, the boys' soccer team won the class 5A state championship.
Tennis
The Wildcats boys tennis include team won state championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Notable alumni
Newspaper publication
Wharton High School's student-run newspaper publication, The Predator, was introduced when the school was opened.
2013 Graduation incident
Wharton High School's graduation on June 3, 2013 was disrupted when the principal ordered the microphone shut off during the salutatorian's address. The salutatorian was removed from the ceremony by off-duty law officers who were working security for the event. He did not receive his diploma during the event, but did get it later. The Hillsborough County School District defended the principal's actions.