Dunbar Elementary Magnet School
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: (813) 276-5677
Fax: (813) 272-2254
District: Hillsborough
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 324 students
Dunbar Elementary Magnet School, a public school located in Tampa, FL, serves grades K-5 in the Hillsborough.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 5 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Dunbar Elementary Magnet School is a public school located in Tampa, FL. 324 students attend Dunbar Elementary Magnet School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 5/10 | 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 | 4/10 | 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 1, 2026
I went to Dunbar Al way in kindergarten I left for 4 and that was the biggest mistake I love Dunbar the place teachers are nice kind smart I like that they have the medical program and no school will be better
Posted: August 1, 2026
Posted: August 1, 2026
Posted: August 1, 2026
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Posted: December 23, 2019
Good but tough because like every school there are always certain people that get suspended and all that stuff
Posted: May 31, 2015
Posted: May 31, 2015
Posted: May 31, 2015
Posted: May 31, 2015
Here at Dunbar we're not just a school, but we are family. It's a devoted community of teachers building life long learners and scholars for our society. As a teacher, would I bring my child here, absolutely. With highly qualified teachers, Dunbar is doing what's right in the Tampa Bay area. My suggestion: call for a tour. Come and see what's happening around our school.
Posted: August 16, 2014
Dunbar got a new principal before the 2013-14 school year and the school has improved markedly already with lots of good new teachers and a new attitude. Don't let older reviews scare you away - it's worth checking out again.
Posted: February 1, 2014
Under the administration of Principal Sarah Jacobsen-Capps, Dunbar Elementary Magnet School has quickly come to embody the best of public education. The energy and focus of Ms. Jacobsen and her staff is infectious to the point that I often leave the school questioning the wisdom of my career choice, so inspired am I by the commitment, focus, and genuine caring of the Dunbar faculty. The school only falls short of five stars because of pervasive shortfalls in public education funding, which affects Dunbar as it does any other school. But the student-to-teacher ratio is ideal, the curriculum is ambitious, and I am proud of the school's attention to diversity, character, discipline, honor, and effort. I recommend Dunbar Magnet Elementary School without hesitation, and laud the efforts of the Dunbar community - well done by all.
Posted: January 7, 2014
This is my 3rd year here at Dunbar and I have seen wonderful things happen here! All of the teachers and staff are completely devoted to the school and to the success of the students placed in our care. Dunbar is truely becomming the "hidden jem" in Hillsborough County. If you are reading the reviews here, my suggestion is not to read back beyond the 12-13 school year.
Posted: January 7, 2014
My family has been with Dunbar for 4 years now. The last two years have been amazing! The principal Mrs. Jacobsen is very kind and caring to both students and parents. She truly cares for all of her students and their success. The assistant Principal Mr. Felder is also an asset to the school, he is very hard working and will do anything to help a student succeed! All of the teachers are very kind and supportive. This school needed new leadership and boy did they get it! In the last two years I have never seen teachers go out of their way to ensure a child will get the grades needed to move to the next level. They are consistently looking towards each childs future and not just the current year. Two of my children have had the same third grade teacher and she is amazing! Little did I know that last year was her first year teaching. I found out this year, and would have never guessed. I would have thought she had been teaching for at least 5 years (that's how good she is!). If you are considering bringing your child to Dunbar, I suggest you set up a tour. The small class sizes and family atmosphere is something every child should experience. Everyone will know your childs name!
Posted: January 7, 2014
As the media specialist at Dunbar I am happy to report that we are a school of readers. Our book circulation numbers are very high, as is our use of myON, an online library with over 3000 titles. We have special reading incentive programs for each grade level, as well as fun events throughout the year to inspire and encourage our students. Our school has an extraordinary teaching staff that includes dedicated classroom and resource teachers. Dunbar is privileged to have one of the finest administrations in Hillsborough County lead by Sarah Jacobsen Capps. We are constantly improving both the social climate of the school, as well as increasing our academic standards.
Posted: May 22, 2013
I have become very disappointed in this school. They are not very approachable and you must go over their heads and straight to the principle if you want to talk to anyone. They are always sending letters home late for up coming events and information you should know late. Not only this but when your child misses a few days for being sick they send you a letter home requesting you to call the office to speak with someone about your child's absence. When you bring your child back to school and they have to be sent home because of being ill again they send yet another note home telling you must contact them. I became very disappointed with this school and can not wait till the end of the year so my son can go to a different school. My son has also gotten to the point of not wanting to go because even he states they don't listen to me when I try to explain something I just get points docked and my color moves. Very unsatisfied with this school.
Posted: December 4, 2011
My Daughter graduated last year from Dunbar. My Son currently is in 3rd grade at Dunbar. If I had it all to do over again, knowing what I know, I would have enrolled my kids back in Dunbar. Both my kids are straight A students with the help of these outgoing teachers. The principal is a real jem that stands up for what is right, even if it goes against the grain. There has been some teacher turnaround however, the staff has been consistently wonderful and caring. I have high expectations of my kid's school being a former Father of the Year in Headstart. I give Dunbar 5 stars! Make no mistake, your child will have to work hard for those high grades. Thanks!
Posted: October 30, 2010
My oldest finished Dunbar last year because he wanted to stay with his friends. My two younger kids never started going there because Dunbar went way downhill while he was there. Every year, there were tons of new teachers but the same principal. Bottom line is that there are many better magnet schools in Tampa.
Posted: May 1, 2010
I love how the teachers enjoy the students and care for the students!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyde Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tampa | FL | 2.1 mi | |
| 2 | The Pavillions | Apartment Complex | Tampa | FL | 5.6 mi | |
| 3 | Westchase | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tampa | FL | 10 mi | |
| 4 | Avelar Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Riverview | FL | 13.3 mi | |
| 5 | Panther Trace | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Riverview | FL | 14.3 mi | |
| 6 | Harbour Isles | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Apollo Beach | FL | 15.3 mi | |
| 7 | FishHawk Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lithia | FL | 17.3 mi | |
| 8 | Fish Hawk Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lithia | FL | 17.9 mi | |
| 9 | Fishhawk Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lithia | FL | 18.2 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Tampa | Tampa | FL | 2.3 mi | |
| 2 | South of Gandy (SOG) | Tampa | FL | 4.8 mi | |
| 3 | Fishhawk Ranch /Lithia FL | Lithia | FL | 17.9 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| MacDill AFB | 6.9 mi. |
| Coast Guard Clearwater | 13.7 mi. |
