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)
- 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%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Rutherford High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
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
Colors
Black, Gold
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%
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
Bay School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Ram
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 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
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