Howard W. Blake High School

Howard W. Blake High School Logo

Basic Information

Address: 1701 North Boulevard Tampa, FL 33607
County: Hillsborough
School District: Hillsborough County
Phone Number: 813-272-3422
Fax Number: 813-272-3715
Principal: Jesse Salters

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Howard W. Blake High School


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Additional Information

School Type: Magnet
Accreditation: SACS CASI
State District ID: 29
State School ID: 290281
Founded: 1956 reopened 1997
Ages/Grades: Grades 9 - 12
School Schedule (Hours in Day): 8:30am to 3:25pm
School Colors: Black and Gold
School Mascot: Yellow Jacket
School Size: 1700
Classroom Size: 25
Student/Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Departments:

Visual Arts
Dance
Chorus
Theater Performance
Creative Writing
Picture Gallery
Technical Theater
Television & Film Production
Costume Design
Band
Journalism
Orchestra
Urban Teaching Academy
Piano
Guitar
Harp

School Performance: School Grade: "C"
Percentage of Graduating Class: 82%
Camp Programs: Yes
Summer School: No
After School Programs: Yes
Notable Graduates:

Eric Darrius
BK Jackson

Awards & Recognition: Magnet School of Distiction
Parking Spaces/Availability:

230

Admissions Requirements:
Howard W. Blake School of the Arts is an application and audition-based Magnet program. 
  1. You must be either an incoming freshman or incoming sophomore.
  2. You must apply online during one of two application windows provided by the district. The next application window opens March 27, 2019 and closes on April 5, 2019.
  3. Students may apply for up to TWO programs. Students may only major in one program (NO DOUBLE MAJORING).
  4. Students will be notified if they are invited to audition.  Auditions will be held in late April 2019.
  5. Students must prepare and attend the audition on the specified date. No alternate dates are provided.
  6. Families will be notified by the district (via email) when offers are viewable in the district portal. Students who are not extended an offer may request feedback on their audition. Feedback is given via email response only.

Grade Requirements:
(Maintain or exceed the following grade requirements:)

  • 2.0 GPA (county, weighted)
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative district GPA
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in Fine Arts major

Performance Requirements:
(Students will be expected to:)

  • Attend pre-scheduled activities, rehearsals, and performances or exhibits during or after school hours
  • Attend school and class on a consistent and punctual basis
  • Use equipment and facilities with care
  • Make continuous progress as a Fine Arts Student
  • Fully contribute to any groups or ensembles to which I am assigned
  • Follow the curriculum track for my declared major
Mission Statement:

Blake High School will provide all students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve at the highest level.

School History:

Howard W. Blake High School opened in 1956 as an African-American high school in the West Tampa area. Blake High School offered a general education with a vocational emphasis offering classes in masonry, woodworking, mechanics, and radio repair. When federal law ended segregation, Blake became a junior high in 1971.

The School District of Hillsborough County purchased land on the Hillsborough River near the original Blake site and opened the new Blake High School in 1997. Blake High School was the first “performing arts magnet high school” in the county. Specifically, the Blake Performing and Visual Arts Center is an arts “magnet” for 800 students and serves local students in its traditional program, as well. The new Blake High School, situated on the picturesque Hillsborough River, is a state of the art structure unique in its fine arts focus.

Howard W. Blake, a Tampa native, attended Florida A & M University, Clafin University, and Atlanta University. He served as principal of the Booker T. Washington Junior High School for twenty-one years. His outstanding career as a college athlete and high school coach became the basis of a deep personal conviction. His entire life was geared toward guiding young people to their optimal educational and vocational potential through teamwork and scholastic achievement.

School Motto: We Can Because We Think We Can