Average
#2145 of 3,777 schools in FL
Rutherford High School
High School · BAY
1000 SCHOOL AVE, Panama City, FL 32401
Enrollment
1,423
Student-Teacher
19:1
Score
6.1
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
1,423
Student-Teacher
19:1
Score
6.1
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Panama City
#14 of 31
public schools
Florida high schools
#185 of 748
In district
#23 of 44
BAY
About Rutherford High School
Rutherford High School serves 1,423 students in grades 6 through 12 in Panama City, Florida. With 75 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, providing a manageable classroom environment for its diverse student body. The school faces academic challenges, with 31% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts and 30% in mathematics.
These results place Rutherford at #3551 out of 3,816 Florida schools, indicating significant room for academic growth. The school's MySchoolScout rating of 2.3 out of 10 reflects these performance metrics, suggesting the need for continued focus on student development and educational improvement. Rutherford serves a community where the median household income is $46,603 and 19% of families live below the poverty line.
The surrounding neighborhood has a college graduation rate of 19%, with median home values around $172,200. These demographic factors often correlate with educational challenges, and the school works within this context to support its students' academic and personal growth. Located in a mid-size suburb of Panama City in Bay County, Rutherford High School operates within a community of approximately 18,120 residents, serving as an important educational institution for local families in this coastal Florida region.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Rutherford 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Rutherford High School — Students at Rutherford High School score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
61.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 12 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 6.1/10.
How Rutherford High School Compares
See how Rutherford High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 35% (2019) to 24% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 39% (2019) to 29% (2021).
Location
1000 SCHOOL AVE, Panama City, FL 32401
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Rutherford High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. CHAUTAUQUA CHARTER SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is ROSENWALD HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.1/10, 1.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, A. CRAWFORD MOSLEY HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.6/10, 3.5 miles away, in nearby Lynn Haven), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Panama City, see our Panama City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.2 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 Rutherford 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 |
|---|---|
| AVON PARK HIGH SCHOOL Avon Park, FL | 6.1 |
| EUSTIS HIGH SCHOOL Eustis, FL | 6.1 |
| FRANK W. SPRINGSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL Spring Hill, FL | 6.1 |
| GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Gainesville, FL | 6.1 |
| GATEWAY HIGH SCHOOL Kissimmee, FL | 6.1 |
| OSCEOLA FUNDAMENTAL HIGH Seminole, FL | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rutherford High School
What grades does Rutherford High School serve?
Rutherford High School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Rutherford High School?
Rutherford High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,423 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Rutherford High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Rutherford High School is 19:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Rutherford High School rank in FL?
Rutherford High School is ranked #2145 out of 3,777 schools in FL.
What is Rutherford High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Rutherford High School has a composite rating of 6.1 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 Rutherford High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Rutherford High School has 29.8% math proficiency and 31.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Rutherford High School a charter school?
No, Rutherford High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Rutherford High School a Title I school?
No, Rutherford High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rutherford High School?
61.3% of students at Rutherford 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
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,423
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 75
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 61.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Bay County
- Phone
- (850) 767-4500
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
BAY- District Enrollment
- 27,675
- Schools in District
- 49
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,117
- District Rank
- #23 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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