Education
Learning, Growing & Preparing for What's Next
Education is an important part of building a life—and a future—in Bay County.
From early learning and K–12 education to career and technical training, college, university programs, and continuing education, students of all ages can find opportunities to learn, develop skills, and prepare for what comes next.
Bay County's education system also connects closely with the region's employers and workforce needs, creating pathways that can begin in the classroom and continue into college, technical training, military service, or a career.
Bay District Schools
Preparing Students for College, Career & Life
Bay District Schools serves students throughout Bay County with academic, arts, athletics, career and technical education, and other learning opportunities designed to prepare students for life after graduation.
Students can pursue traditional academic programs alongside career-focused pathways that introduce them to industries and occupations while they are still in school.
Bay District Schools' Career and Technical Education programs span areas such as healthcare, cybersecurity, construction, engineering, culinary arts, digital design, hospitality and tourism, entrepreneurship, unmanned aircraft systems, and other career fields. The district also offers opportunities for students to earn industry certifications and participate in workplace learning experiences.
Supporting Military Families
Military families are an important part of the Bay County community. Bay District Schools is a Purple Star District, reflecting district-wide efforts to support military-connected students as they transition between schools and communities.
Private Schools
Additional Options for Bay County Families
Bay County families also have access to private and independent educational options offering a variety of academic approaches, grade levels, specialized programs, and faith-based learning environments.
Covenant Christian School
The right education opens doors, but a classical and Christian education will prepare your child for life and eternity. The heartbeat of Covenant Christian School is rigorous academics, loving personal attention, and a daily Biblical focus in all subjects as seen from a Christian world and life view. Students learn to see the big picture of history and time through the integrated study of Literature, Theology, History, Latin, Logic, Math, Science, Physical Education, Music and Art. CCS students rank among the highest in their peer groups on the nationally standardized IOWA Assessments. CCS, where students learn to love and love to learn to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Holy Nativity Episcopal School
Serving Bay County for nearly 6o years, Holy Nativity Episcopal School provides an education for students from pre-K through 8th grade. Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council, Holy Nativity has integrated, advanced subject area course work, as well as education in the Arts and personal fitness. Before and after-school care is available daily. Holy Nativity, like fellow members of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, is an inclusive Christian environment welcoming students of diverse religions, races, and economic backgrounds. Tours of the campus, a historic landmark in Bay County, can be arranged by contacting the Office of Admissions.
St. Andrews Bay STEM Academy
St. Andrews Bay STEM Academy is a college-prep private high school where learning is hands-on, challenging, and fun. Students gain real-world experience through dual-enrollment partnerships with Gulf Coast State College, Florida State University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—where an adjunct professor also teaches on site.
The Academy accepts Step Up for Students scholarships, offers a range of AP courses, and keeps tuition affordable for Bay County families.
Students thrive through academics, activities, and leadership opportunities—from an award-winning Robotics Team and SCUBA Club to Art Club, Beta Club, Student Government, and Disaster Relief projects. Here, every student is known, supported, and prepared for college and beyond.
AMIkids Panama City Marine Institute
The AMIkids Panama City Marine Institute (PCMI), established in 1974, is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to redirect and motivate at-risk youth to accept responsibility for their actions, develop respect for themselves and others, and become productive members of the community. PCMI operates a maritime themed alternative school for middle through high school students who are in danger of dropping out. Kids can learn scuba and seamanship while they work towards a diploma or a GED. Career and technical education courses are offered in food service and carpentry as well.
St. John Catholic School
St. John Catholic School is a vibrant community made up of families, teachers, and community members who believe a Catholic education is essential in creating children who love God and will excel in the future. We provide a foundation in which students realize their full potential in school and beyond, by teaching academic and life lessons within a spiritual context. Our unique classes are sized to allow for highly individualized attention. Students use resources that keep them engaged and learning, helping our students rank among the top private schools nationally, and we expect nothing less.
Families should contact individual schools directly for current information about grade levels, enrollment, tuition, scholarships, admissions requirements, and available programs.
Career & Technical Education
Building Skills for the Workforce
Education in Bay County isn't limited to a traditional college pathway.
Career and Technical Education gives students opportunities to develop practical skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, explore careers, and connect classroom learning with the workplace.
Bay District Schools offers CTE programs beginning before high school, with high-school students able to choose career pathways and participate in experiences such as internships, job shadowing, cooperative education, and on-the-job training.
Students may also take advantage of dual-enrollment opportunities through local postsecondary institutions, helping create connections between high school, technical education, college, and career preparation. Bay District Schools currently maintains dual-enrollment partnerships with Gulf Coast State College, FSU Panama City, and Haney Technical College.
Colleges, Universities & Technical Education
Haney Technical College
Hands-On Training for In-Demand Careers
Haney Technical College provides career and technical education, adult education, and workforce training for students throughout Bay County and the surrounding region.
Its career-focused programs are designed to help students develop practical skills for the workplace, while career services provide support including job-placement assistance, career coaching, résumé development, interview preparation, and connections with employers. Haney also provides Adult General Education opportunities, including GED preparation and ESOL programs.
High-school students can also access technical education through dual and cross-enrollment opportunities, creating another pathway from secondary education into skilled careers.
Gulf Coast State College
Start Here. Go Anywhere.
Located in Panama City, Gulf Coast State College provides associate and bachelor's degrees, certificates, continuing education, workforce training, and pathways for students planning to transfer to a university.
Programs span areas including business, industry and technology; health sciences; humanities and the arts; public safety; STEM; and social sciences and education. GCSC serves students through its Panama City campus, North Bay campus, additional regional locations, Tyndall Air Force Base Education Center, and online learning opportunities.
Whether students are beginning college, preparing for a specific career, building new skills, or continuing their education, Gulf Coast State College provides multiple pathways toward the next step.
Florida State University Panama City
A University Education Close to Home
Florida State University Panama City brings the resources and academic opportunities of Florida State University to Bay County.
The campus provides undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities while creating connections among higher education, research, industry, and the Northwest Florida community.
For students who want to continue their education without leaving the region—or those drawn to Bay County for a university experience—FSU Panama City adds another important dimension to the area's higher-education landscape.
Troy University
Flexible Education for Working & Military Students
Troy University provides Bay County students with access to undergraduate and graduate education through flexible learning options, including online programs and support for military-connected students.
TROY maintains a presence at Tyndall Air Force Base, where a full-time admissions team member supports prospective students. The university also has a Panama City enrollment representative and offers extensive online degree options, making TROY particularly accessible to working adults, military personnel, veterans, and students balancing education with other responsibilities.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Education Connected to Aviation, Aerospace & Industry
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University extends its worldwide education network to Bay County through its presence at Tyndall Air Force Base.
Known for aviation and aerospace education, Embry-Riddle also offers programs across additional professional and technical fields. Its flexible learning model is designed to serve working adults, military personnel, veterans, and other students seeking education while balancing professional and personal commitments.
Embry-Riddle's local presence adds another connection between higher education, Bay County's military community, and the region's aviation, aerospace, and technical workforce.
From Classroom to Career
Education Connected to Opportunity
One of Bay County's strengths is the connection among education, workforce development, employers, and the community.
Students can begin exploring careers through K–12 programs, earn industry certifications, participate in dual enrollment, pursue technical training, complete college degrees, and continue into university and graduate education—all within the local education ecosystem.
Partnerships among schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and community organizations help students gain exposure to real-world careers while helping employers develop the skilled workforce needed for the future. Bay District Schools, for example, reports partnerships with local businesses and postsecondary institutions that support workplace learning, internships, job shadowing, and other career experiences.
For families considering Bay County and businesses recruiting talent, those connections make education more than a community resource.
They're part of Bay County's workforce pipeline.
Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning
Learning Doesn't Stop at Graduation
Educational opportunities in Bay County extend beyond traditional degree programs.
Adults can pursue technical training, continuing education, professional development, new credentials, career changes, GED preparation, and other learning opportunities through local institutions.
Whether you're entering the workforce, advancing in your current career, learning a new skill, or starting something entirely new, Bay County offers pathways for learning at many stages of life.
Discover More of Bay County
Education is one part of building a life in Bay County.
Explore our communities, healthcare resources, military installations, recreation, culture, transportation, and other information designed to help you get to know the place we call home.