Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts: History & Evolution

Here’s a detailed look at how Progress Village Middle Magnet School became the vibrant, distinguished institution it is today:

📚 Origins: A Community Pillar Since the 1950s

• The school first opened in the mid-1950s as part of the original Progress Village community—a planned, low-income suburb just outside Tampa, established in 1958–1970 to provide affordable housing for working families.

• Over time, the building has served multiple roles: initially an elementary school, later a middle school, and even a 6th-grade center before becoming a magnet school housing 6th through 8th grade classes.

🌟 Transition to a Magnet School

• As an arts-integrated magnet, it evolved into the Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts, now offering impressive visual and performing arts options, including dance, theatre, technical theatre, orchestra, band, choir, culinary arts, journalism, costume, and fashion design.

• The school is known for having the largest middle school dance, theatre, and culinary programs in Hillsborough County.

🏆 Recognition & Academic Excellence

• It has been honored as a School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America and holds an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education.

• Students at Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts have excelled across a multitude of high-achieving and diverse programs, earning recognition and awards within the local, state, and national arts communities. From performing and visual arts to culinary, theatre, and music, our students consistently showcase exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication—making our school a proud leader in arts education and a shining example of excellence in magnet programs across the country. 

• Band & Music Excellence: The Hillsborough County school district was recently acknowledged as a Best Community for Music Education in May 2025 — a distinction that reflects the collective impact of schools like Progress Village.

• In February 2024, the school earned the Magnet Schools of America National Merit Award of Excellence, making it one of only 10 schools in Hillsborough County—and over 25 district‑wide winners—to receive this top-tier national recognition for its arts-integrated curriculum, diversity efforts, and innovative programming.
  
  

• In February 2024, the school also received a Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction award, further affirming its strong performance as an arts magnet within the Hillsborough County system .

• Our students and staff are truly a cut above the rest and we could go on for days about all of the many accolades and achievements they have attained throughout the years. Here is just a small list from this past 2024-25 school year: current and alumni students auditioned and attained spots in the All-County Theatre performance; there were multiple awards and recognitions at the District and State FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) competitions, with students also being selected to go on to the National competition; one of our alumnus was a 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner; there were multiple invitations for our choirs to perform and participate in workshops at Walt Disney World locations; multiple students participated in the National PTA Reflections Art Competition who then went on to district, state, and national levels; a multitude of other juried local, state, and national art competitions that students participated and placed in; First Place art pieces at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA); a student presenting at the School Board Student Forum; PV Theatre Troupe being selected for Judge's Choice for Duet Musical at Florida State Junior Thespians and also receiving multiple Excellent and Superior ratings; students auditioning and being selected for All-County and All-State music programs; and the list goes on so fully this page would be filled with names and accomplishments! 

🎨 A Culture of Creativity & Inclusion

• Students in every 6th grade sample a broad suite of "Arts Wheel" electives like chorus, band, orchestra, technical theatre, dance, and theatre performance.

• Campus culture is family-oriented—captured by the motto “Every Student is a Star” and the idea that “It Takes a Village” and how our students are always there to "Focus on the Journey."

• From the earliest days, community ethos has emphasized warmth and personal connections: “I strive for every student to feel special…a family school.”

👥 Demographics & Diversity

• Enrollment has fluctuated around 700–900 students, with an ethnically and economically diverse population.

• Free/reduced-lunch eligibility hovers around half, reflecting its roots as a community-focused, accessible public school.

🏅 Current Standing

• The school maintains a strong position in rankings:

  • #174 in “Standout Middle Schools in Florida” (out of 298)

  • Top 1,000 Standout Middle Schools nationally, and among the most diverse in the state.
    
    

🔗 Why It Matters

Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts represents the transformation of a mid-century community school into a premier magnet institution. With a rich history, strong academic and arts programs, and deep community ties, it plays a vibrant role in shaping the future of East Tampa students.