Rutherford High School offers several different tracks to its students. Rutherford is host to a chapter of the
International Baccalaureate program, Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), and the Communications and Technology Academy (Com/Tech). In addition,
Advanced Placement, dual-enrolled, and honors level courses are available for all students. Extracurricular activities include sports, service clubs, and many other student organizations. Rutherford offers more themed academies than any of the other schools in Bay County.
Grades Rutherford High School has consistently been ranked a "B" or "C" grade school under Florida's A++ Plan, the school's 2006–2007 score was "D".
Reviews and ratings Rutherford High School has received some negative reviews; e.g. GreatSchools.org gave Rutherford a 4/10 rating, with mixed community reviews.
Hurricane Michael As most schools in Panama City, Florida were damaged by Category 5
Hurricane Michael in October 2018, Rutherford High School was used as an emergency shelter during the aftermath. The shelter residents experienced dissatisfaction with the school's role as a shelter. Others recalled its unsanitary conditions such as toilets being clogged with feces, poor quality foods, and the shelter lacking skilled doctors with licenses. After the storm it was announced that Rutherford would temporarily integrate as a 6-12 school for the remainder of the 2018–19 school year and for the 2019–20 school year after the neighboring Everitt Middle School had extensive damage. As of 2024 it is still operating as a 6-12 school as there are had been no plans to rebuild Everitt Middle School. ==Educational programs==