Rutherford High School is a public high school in Panama City, Florida, United States. The school, which describes itself as the "Home of the Rams" and is a part of the Bay District Schools, opened in 1961 as the second high school in Bay County. It was named after Mr. H.J. Rutherford, a former Board Member.
Serving 1,394 students in grades 6-12, Rutherford High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 23% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,394 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in FL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Rutherford High School serves the southeast part of Panama City, FL, encompassing an area of approximately 226 square miles. Families typically experience a drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located 17.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Rutherford High School's student population of 1,394 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,394 students
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Year Founded
1961
School Calendar
School Rankings
Rutherford High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Rutherford High School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3430 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
22%
38%
Black
32%
21%
White
34%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)49.9%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Gold
School Mascot
Ram
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rutherford High School's ranking?
Rutherford High School is ranked #3430 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Rutherford High School often compared to?
Rutherford High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like A. Crawford Mosley High School, Bay High School, Rosenwald High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
23% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Rutherford High School?
The graduation rate of Rutherford High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Rutherford High School?
1,394 students attend Rutherford High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Rutherford High School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rutherford High School?
Rutherford High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Rutherford High School offer ?
Rutherford High School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Rutherford High School part of?
Rutherford High School is part of Bay School District.
School Reviews
Review Rutherford High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
