Originally called A.P. Leto Comprehensive High School, it was named in honor of Ateo Phillip Leto, a former principal at
Jefferson High School and at
Chamberlain High School in Tampa. He was originally to serve as the school's first principal, but he died before the school year began. The first principal of Leto was Frank M. Farmer. Established in 1965 with grades 9–11, which meant that the first graduating class was not until 1967, Leto was the first comprehensive high school in Hillsborough County. It was "comprehensive" because in addition to the high school academic curriculum, Leto offered several modern vocational options for students. Although the largest school in Hillsborough County, it originally lacked a gymnasium, a stadium, baseball and softball fields, which were added in the 1970s. According to Leto's official website, the students of the first graduating class of 1967 chose the school's colors, mascot, alma mater and several other traditions that continue to be practiced at Leto High. The school opened with 1,670 students its first year and is situated on . On August 2, 2025, Scott Hazlett, principal of the school at the time, was arrested for possession of cocaine and driving under the influence of alcohol. Since then, Babita Artabasy has been made the interim principal. == Magnet school ==