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Below Average

#3299 of 3,777 schools in FL

Rising Leaders Academy

School · BAY

1527 LINCOLN AVE, Panama City, FL 32405

Charter

Enrollment

309

Student-Teacher

22.1:1

Score

4.7

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Panama City

#28 of 31

public schools

Florida schools

#222 of 260

In district

#41 of 44

BAY

Academic performance

9.2 / 10

Exceptional

About Rising Leaders Academy

Rising Leaders Academy serves 309 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Panama City, Florida. This charter school stands out academically, earning a 7.5 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #818 out of 3,816 Florida schools, placing it in the 79th percentile statewide. The school demonstrates strong academic performance with 72% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 71% meeting standards in mathematics.

With 14 full-time equivalent teachers, the student-teacher ratio of 22.1:1 allows for meaningful classroom interactions while maintaining efficient operations. As a charter school, Rising Leaders Academy offers families an alternative educational approach within the public school system. The comprehensive K-12 structure provides continuity for students and families throughout their educational journey, allowing the school to build long-term relationships and track student progress across all grade levels.

The academy serves students in the 32405 zip code area, where the median household income is $68,070 and median home value reaches $232,400. About 28% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 14.7%. Rising Leaders Academy operates in Panama City's small city environment, providing educational opportunities in a close-knit community setting.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Rising Leaders Academy is 22.1:1, 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.

Rising Leaders Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.7Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.06 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics9.2Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency72%
Reading/ELA Proficiency72%
Math vs. State Avg+11.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+16.8 pts
Overall Proficiency72%
Expected (poverty-adj.)56%
vs. Expected+16.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile87th
College Readiness1.8Significantly Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation2.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,446

Rising Leaders Academy — Students at Rising Leaders Academy score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

37.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 71.9%
School
State
55.5%
ELA Proficiency 73.6%
School
State
53.0%

Based on 15 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
77%
ELA
87%
2021*
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2024
Math
70.8%
ELA
71.7%

* 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: 4.7/10.

How Rising Leaders Academy Compares

See how Rising Leaders Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
13th percentile in FL
Academic
9.2/10
9.2/10
Growth
4.7/10
Below average
Environment
3.5/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
38%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers

Location

1527 LINCOLN AVE, Panama City, FL 32405

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Rising Leaders Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. PANAMA CITY ADVANCED SCHOOL (rated 8.4/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is COVENANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, KALEIDOSCOPE SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY (rated 5.0/10, 2.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Panama City, see our Panama City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.6 mi
School Distance Rating
ST. ANDREW SCHOOL AT OAKLAND TERRACE Panama City 0.4 mi 5.2
ST JOHN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Panama City 0.7 mi 7.6
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Panama City 0.7 mi 5.0
COVENANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Panama City 1.1 mi 7.2
GULF COAST SCHOOL FOR AUTISM Panama City 1.1 mi
BAY VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM Panama City 1.0 mi
BAY VIRTUAL FRANCHISE Panama City 1.0 mi
BAY VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM (DISTRICT PROVIDED) Panama City 1.0 mi 4.8
NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Panama City 1.0 mi 5.6
BACOT ACADEMY Panama City 1.1 mi
LUCILLE MOORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Panama City 1.0 mi 7.6
PALM BAY PREPARATORY ACADEMY 6-12 Panama City 1.1 mi 6.6
PALM BAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Panama City 1.1 mi 7.2
JINKS MIDDLE SCHOOL Panama City 1.5 mi 6.2
UNIVERSITY ACADEMY SABL INC Panama City 2.2 mi 7.6
BAY HIGH SCHOOL Panama City 2.0 mi 4.2
KALEIDOSCOPE SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY Panama City 2.1 mi 5.0
CHAUTAUQUA CHARTER SCHOOL Panama City 2.1 mi 7.1
BAY REGIONAL JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER Panama City 2.3 mi
PANAMA CITY ADVANCED SCHOOL Panama City 2.6 mi 8.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 32405 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,002

Median Home Value

$255,100

Median Rent

$1,418/mo

Population

29,336

College Educated

29.4%

Homeownership

59.8%

Avg Commute

22.9 min

Poverty Rate

14.7%

Median Age

36.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Rising Leaders Academy has a median household income of $71,002. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $255,100, with a median rent of $1,418/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.7%. The average commute for residents is 23 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
IBCK EDUCATIONAL CENTER Kissimmee, FL 4.7
MELLON LEARNING CENTER Palatka, FL 4.7
TALLAHASSEE CLASSICAL SCHOOL Tallahassee, FL 4.8
AVANT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Florida City, FL 4.6
DREAM ACADEMY SCHOOLS New Port Richey, FL 4.6
ESE COUNTYWIDE Pinellas Park, FL 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rising Leaders Academy

What grades does Rising Leaders Academy serve?

Rising Leaders Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Rising Leaders Academy?

Rising Leaders Academy has an enrollment of approximately 309 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Rising Leaders Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Rising Leaders Academy is 22.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Rising Leaders Academy rank in FL?

Rising Leaders Academy is ranked #3299 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Rising Leaders Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Rising Leaders Academy has a composite rating of 4.7 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 Rising Leaders Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Rising Leaders Academy has 71.9% math proficiency and 73.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Rising Leaders Academy a charter school?

Yes, Rising Leaders Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Rising Leaders Academy a Title I school?

No, Rising Leaders Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rising Leaders Academy?

37.5% of students at Rising Leaders Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (2,841/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Panama City). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
309
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
37.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Bay County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

BAY
District Enrollment
27,675
Schools in District
49
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,117
District Rank
#41 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.

Read our full methodology

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