Below Average
#3493 of 3,777 schools in FL
Bay High School
High School · BAY
1200 HARRISON AVE, Panama City, FL 32401
Enrollment
1,298
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
4.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,298
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
4.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Panama City
#30 of 31
public schools
Florida high schools
#575 of 748
In district
#43 of 44
BAY
About Bay High School
Bay High School serves 1,298 students in grades 9-12 in Panama City, Florida, operating with 58 full-time equivalent teachers for a student-teacher ratio of 22.4:1. This regular public high school ranks in the 67th percentile among Florida high schools, placing it at #1274 out of 3816 schools statewide with a solid 6.6 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating. Academically, Bay High School demonstrates steady performance with a 7.5 out of 10 academic score.
In English Language Arts and Reading, 63% of students across all grades perform at proficient levels or above, indicating a strong foundation in literacy skills that will serve students well in their post-secondary pursuits. The school draws from a diverse community along Harrison Avenue where the median household income is $46,603 and median home values sit at $172,200. About 19% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 19.3%, reflecting a working-class community with varied economic circumstances.
Bay High School operates within Panama City's small city environment, providing students with both urban opportunities and a more intimate community feel that characterizes much of Bay County's educational landscape.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Bay High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
The student-teacher ratio at Bay High School is 22.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Bay High School — Students at Bay High School score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
51.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 6 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.9/10.
How Bay High School Compares
See how Bay High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 45% (2019) to 37% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 53% (2019) to 34% (2021).
Location
1200 HARRISON AVE, Panama City, FL 32401
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bay High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. CHAUTAUQUA CHARTER SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PALM BAY PREPARATORY ACADEMY 6-12 (rated 6.6/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ROSENWALD HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.1/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Panama City, see our Panama City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 32401 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$49,901
Median Home Value
$207,000
Median Rent
$1,194/mo
Population
18,394
College Educated
19.9%
Homeownership
58.9%
Avg Commute
20.8 min
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Median Age
42.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bay High School has a median household income of $49,901. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $207,000, with a median rent of $1,194/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.3%. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CLEWISTON HIGH SCHOOL Clewiston, FL | 4.2 |
| GLADES CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Belle Glade, FL | 4.2 |
| LELY HIGH SCHOOL Naples, FL | 4.2 |
| MIAMI KILLIAN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Miami, FL | 4.2 |
| MIAMI SUNSET SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Miami, FL | 4.2 |
| NORTH MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH North Miami Beach, FL | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bay High School
What grades does Bay High School serve?
Bay High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Bay High School?
Bay High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,298 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bay High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Bay High School is 22.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Bay High School rank in FL?
Bay High School is ranked #3493 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Bay High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Bay High School has a composite rating of 4.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Bay High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Bay High School has 41.0% math proficiency and 53.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Bay High School a charter school?
No, Bay High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Bay High School a Title I school?
No, Bay High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bay High School?
51.6% of students at Bay High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,298
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 58
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 51.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Bay County
- Phone
- (850) 767-4600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
BAY- District Enrollment
- 27,675
- Schools in District
- 49
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,117
- District Rank
- #43 of 44
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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