George S. Middleton High School
Middleton High School is a public high school in Tampa, Florida named in honor of George S. Middleton, an African American businessman and civic leader who moved to Tampa from South Carolina in the late 19th century. Middleton was established for black students in 1934 during the segregation era. The current facility opened in 2002 on North 22nd Street in East Tampa.
Middleton's mascot is the Tiger. Its rival school in Hillsborough County is Howard W. Blake High School.
A historical marker recounts the school's history. It was an all-black school for nearly 40 years and remains predominantly black along with its surrounding neighborhood.
It became a junior high school in 1971. It reopened in a new location in 2002 with community support. In 2008, a report recounted the school's struggles to improve academic achievement.
History
Middleton High School was the first high school for African Americans in Hillsborough County when it opened in 1934 on 24th and Chelsea Streets in East Tampa. Booker T. Washington School in Tampa had previously accommodated junior and senior high students.A 1940 fire destroyed the school and it was rebuilt through the Works Progress Administration. There was a second fire in 1968.
Middleton closed in 1971 as desegregation was being implemented, becoming Middleton Junior High School, and was renamed A.J. Ferrell Middle School of Technology in 2000. The high school reopened in a new location in 2002 with the support of alumni.
Academic Performance
Graduation rate
In 2012 Middleton's graduation rate was 59% as compared to a statewide rate of 74.5% and a Hillsborough County rate of 72.6%. As of 2017, the school increased its graduation rate to 81% as compared to the state average of 82%.Florida Department of Education grade
- 2018 - B
- 2017 - C
- 2016 - C
- 2015 - C
- 2014 - C
- 2013 - C
- 2012 - B
- 2011 - D
- 2010 - C
- 2009 - D
- 2008 - D
During the 2009 school year, only 25% of students scored "proficient" on the reading section of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, while 53% passed Mathematics and 90% passed Writing. The average among the Hillsborough County School District is 61% for Reading, 68% for Mathematics, and 96% for Writing.
;SAT performance
In 2014 Middleton had an average SAT score of 1245
;AP performance
Middleton High school puts a strong emphasis on taking AP level classes, especially for students in the magnet program. In 2016, Middleton had an AP course participation rate of 48%, compared to the state average of 23%, with every student enrolled in any of the magnet programs being required to take at least one AP class every year.
Magnet programs
The magnet school programs at Middleton High School are designed to help students enter career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The objective is to give students a balanced and rigorous curriculum leading directly to industry, technical school, or university training. Students take science, mathematics, and technical classes leading to college credit through Advanced Placement, dual-enrollment, and/or articulated agreements. Middleton graduates have computer experience and take elective classes in fine art, performing arts, business, and journalism, in addition to participating in clubs and organizations.Magnet students at Middleton choose one magnet program for their major, but are encouraged to explore classes in other magnet programs that may be of interest to them. Magnet students may complete more than one magnet program, although they are only required to complete their major. Taking online classes with Florida Virtual School is recommended so that students can complete all their required and elective classes by graduation.
The school offers magnet programs in Biomedicine, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Game Design, and Engineering. Both biomedicine and engineering are Project Lead the Way programs.
Engineering
The engineering program is based on the Project Lead the Way model, a nationally recognized high school pre-engineering curriculum.PLTW courses in this curriculum include:
;9th grade level
- Introduction to Engineering
- Drafting 1
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Digital Electronics
- Principles of Engineering
- Civil Engineering/Architecture or Aerospace Engineering
- Engineering Design & Development
- Dual enrollment engineering class
Middleton is a certified PLTW high school, which means students can earn college credit for their engineering classes at PLTW engineering universities, such as Purdue and Duke.
Game design
The Academy of Computer Game Design prepares students for video game design and animation. Students practice skills in programming, graphic design, management, and 3D modeling. Creating games includes the building and management of complex databases.Students receive hands-on experience in planning and building their own original games. Games can be designed to play on multiple platforms such as personal computer, cellphone, Nintendo DS, and Xbox 360.
Students are educated with the foundational knowledge to pursue further training and a career in game design and animation. They may earn industry certifications, such as MOS, Adobe Certified Associate-Photoshop, Adobe Certified Associate-Flash, and Autodesk Certification. They learn complex technology skills that can be transferred to other careers, such as database development and management for business systems.
Curriculum includes:
;9th grade level
- Game Design Foundations
- Computer Fundamentals
- Game Design composition
- AP Computer Science Principles
- Game Design 3D Animation
- Game Design Programming
- Game Design Advanced Applications
- AP Computer Science A
Computer systems information technology
Students begin the program by studying the hardware and software of personal computers in preparation for the nationally recognized A+ Certification Exam. Hands-on labs and virtual desktop learning tools help students develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. The Cisco CCNA curriculum provides an integrated and comprehensive coverage of networking topics, from fundamentals to advanced applications and services, while also providing opportunities for hands-on practical experience and soft-skills development. Students will be prepared for the CCNA and CCENT exams. Upon completion of the Cisco Academy curriculum, the student moves into the Security+ and Cyber Security class to finish the program.
This program allows students to develop the skills necessary to enter all fields of computer programming and computer engineering at the post-secondary level.
2013/2014 SkillsUSA State champions. 2013/2014 Future Business Leaders of America State and National Champions are presently in this class.
Curriculum includes:
;9th grade level
- CSIT Essentials
- CSIT Foundations
- CSIT Network Systems Configuration
- Digital Electronics
- CSIT Network Systems Design & Administration
- CSIT Cyber Security Essentials
- CSIT Cyber Security-Physical
- AP Computer Science A
Biomedical engineering
Curriculum includes:
;9th grade level
- Principles of Biomedical Sciences
- Computer Fundamentals
- Human Body Systems
- Genetics
- Medical Interventions
- Microbiology
- Biomedical Innovation
- Internship
Extracurricular Activities
Established in 2004, Middleton Robotic is one of the largest extracurricular activities at Middleton Magnet High School. Although based at Middleton, the program also includes members from 3 other high schools and home school students. Middleton robotics fields 5 competitive robotics teams in 3 separate programs: FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Technical Challenge, and VEX Robotics Competition.
Middleton's five robotics teams: FRC Team 1369 Minotaur, FTC Team 4997 Masquerade, FTC Team 3846 Maelstrom, VEX Team 6260A Mercury, and VEX Team 6260X Minerva. FTC and FRC are part of an organisation called FIRST Robotics, which includes teams from all over the world, and offers over $80 million in scholarships every year. Middleton Robotics gives students an opportunity to learn many different real-world skills related to STEM such as: Designing, 3D Modeling, Programming, Electrical systems, Pneumatic systems, machining, building, testing, and much more. School teams 4997 and 3846 won the Florida state championships in 2012, and team 4997 won the World Championship in 2012.
;Mu Alpha Theta
Middleton's Mu Alpha Theta team was one of the highest-ranked in the nation. In 2007, their team placed ninth in the FAMAT state convention, and seventh in the Mu Alpha Theta National Convention.
; FLBA
Middleton FBLA is the largest and most premier club on campus. Having won over 400 awards in its 8-year life span, Middleton FBLA has quickly made it to the #1 chapter in all of Florida and one of the top chapters in the nation in regards to national winners. Middleton FBLA provides students over 100 service hours over the course of 4 years as well. With more than 70 competitions, FBLA caters to all. In the 2017-2018 school year, 130 students won at the district level, 50 won at the state level and 15 at the national level.
;ACE Mentors
This club meets once a week to teach students more about architecture and civil engineering. Students are put into groups at the beginning of the school year and given a project that their group will complete step by step throughout the school year. The project changes every year and is always based on a real life construction project. At the end of the year, groups present their projects in front of a panel of real civil engineers and architects and can win prizes including scholarships.
Athletics
In 1957, Middleton won the Florida state championship in basketball in the FIAA, which was the athletic organization for schools with black students. In 1964, they won it again.Sports available at Middleton include Baseball, Basketball, Cheer leading, Cross Country, Football, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Volleyball, and Wrestling.
;Rivalry
The school's rival high school is Howard W. Blake High School. The yearly football game, held at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, is highly anticipated.
Notable alumni
- Lloyd Mumphord, NFL defensive back and teo-time Super Bowl champion with Dolphins
- Josh Johnson, minor league baseball player and manager of the Down East Wood Ducks
Demographic information
- 96% of students at Middleton are proficient in English.
- 73% of students come from low income households
- 56% of the students at Middleton are male, while 44% are female.