For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 4,871 students in Panama City Beach, FL.
The top-ranked public schools in Panama City Beach, FL are Breakfast Point Academy, Surfside Middle School and West Bay Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Panama City Beach, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Florida public school average of 52%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Panama City Beach have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Panama City Beach, FL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Breakfast Point Academy
(Math: 71% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
601 N Richard Jackson Blvd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-1190
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-1190
Gr: PK-8 | 1,044 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #22.
Surfside Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
300 Nautilus St
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
(850) 767-5180
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
(850) 767-5180
Gr: PK-12 | 825 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
West Bay Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
14813 School Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
(850) 767-1850
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
(850) 767-1850
Gr: K-5 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #44.
J.r. Arnold High School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
550 N Alf Coleman Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-3700
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-3700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,637 student Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #55.
Hutchison Beach Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
12900 Middle Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-5195
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-5195
Gr: K-5 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: n/an/a
44 Chip Seal Parkway
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-5475
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 767-5475
Gr: PK-4 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Panama City Beach, Florida Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Tapestry Park Charter School (Closed 2007)
Charter School
410 Lyndell Lane
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 249-2144
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 249-2144
Gr: K-5 | 18 students Minority enrollment: 17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Panama City Beach, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in Panama City Beach, FL include Breakfast Point Academy, Surfside Middle School and West Bay Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Panama City Beach?
6 public schools are located in Panama City Beach.
What is the racial composition of students in Panama City Beach?
Panama City Beach public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Panama City Beach are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Panama City Beach include: Surfside Middle School vs. Breakfast Point Academy, West Bay Elementary School vs. Hutchison Beach Elementary School, A. Gary Walsingham Academy vs. Breakfast Point Academy
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
