For the 2026 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 5,180 students in 32401, FL (there are 7 private schools, serving 738 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in 32401, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in 32401, FL are Bay Virtual Franchise, Palm Bay Preparatory Academy 6-12 and Palm Bay Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 32401 have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 32401, FL have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best 32401, FL Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bay Virtual Franchise
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1311 Balboa Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4460
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4460
Gr: 3-12 | 25 students Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #22.
Palm Bay Preparatory Academy 6-12
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1104 Balboa Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 215-0770
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 215-0770
Gr: 6-12 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #33.
Palm Bay Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1104 Balboa Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 215-0770
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 215-0770
Gr: K-5 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
Bay Virtual Instruction Program (District Provided)
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1311 Balboa Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4377
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4377
Gr: 6-12 | 14 students Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #55.
Jinks Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 W 11th St
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4695
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4695
Gr: 6-8 | 541 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #66.
Bay High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1200 Harrison Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4600
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,289 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #77.
St. Andrew School At Oakland Terrace
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2010 W 12th St
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4595
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4595
Gr: PK-5 | 55 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #88.
Merriam Cherry Street Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1125 Cherry St
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-1480
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-1480
Gr: PK-5 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #99.
Rutherford High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1000 School Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4500
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4500
Gr: 6-12 | 1,394 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #1010.
Margaret K. Lewis In Millville
Special Education School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
203 N East Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-1792
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-1792
Gr: PK-12 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1111.
Rosenwald High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
924 Bay Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4580
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-4580
Gr: 6-12 | 351 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
Amikids Maritime Academy
Charter School
200 E Beach Dr
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 919-2213
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 919-2213
Gr: 9-12 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: n/an/a
Bay Regional Juvenile Detention Center
Alternative School
450 E 11th St
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 872-4706
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 872-4706
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
Chautauqua Charter School
Special Education School
Charter School
Charter School
1118 Magnolia Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 785-5056
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 785-5056
Gr: 9-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: n/an/a
Exceptional Student Education
Special Education School
1311 Balboa Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 872-4100
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 872-4100
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
1025 Redwood Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-1610
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 767-1610
Gr: PK-4 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 32401, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in 32401, FL include Bay Virtual Franchise, Palm Bay Preparatory Academy 6-12 and Palm Bay Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 32401?
17 public schools are located in 32401.
What percentage of students in 32401 go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in 32401 are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in 32401?
32401 public schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
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