Rising Leaders Academy in Panama City

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education, and using 2025 Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education.
Student Growth	8/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Florida Department of Education.

Posted: July 3, 2026

As both a teacher and a parent, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Rising Leaders Charter Academy. My son has learning difficulties, and watching him thrive throughout kindergarten and first grade has meant more to our family than words can express. The love, patience, and individualized support he has received have helped him grow academically and build confidence. This was also my first year teaching at Rising Leaders, and after ten years in education, it has been the best experience of my career. The administration genuinely supports students and staff, the school culture is positive and encouraging, and every decision is made with students success at the center. I feel valued as an educator and inspired by the incredible team I work alongside each day. I am grateful to be part of such a special school.

Posted: July 3, 2026

Posted: March 29, 2026

I really love the aftercare program at Rising Leaders Academy. As a working parent, it has been such a big help for our family. I work from 8 to 5, and since school ends at 3:30, its a huge relief knowing my kids can stay safely at school until about 5:30.

What I also like is that the cost is very reasonable, which makes it even more helpful for working families. The kids dont just sit around either. They have time to work on their homework and can get help if they need it, which makes evenings at home much easier. They also enjoy spending time with their friends in a safe and caring environment.

RLA is already an A-rated school, which makes it a great choice for families, and the aftercare program makes it even better for working parents like me.

I dont usually write reviews, but I wanted to share this so other parents in the same situation know about this great aftercare program. It really makes a difference.

Posted: March 29, 2026

Posted: March 26, 2026

I have two children that attend RLA and both have thrived academically, socially and mentally at RLA. The school provides a challenging curriculum, while exposing kids to art, music, drama as well as two foreign languages. Both teachers and administration have been wonderful to work with. Teachers provide excellent feedback, and guidance. Administrators address any concerns quickly and professionally while providing a nurturing environment for our children. The PTO has also been very active with multiple activities and festivals throughout the year. The only thing missing at the school is providing more competitive sports and after school extracurriculars. I recommend RLA to anyone looking for a school that feels more like a family yet provides a rigorous academic experience.

Posted: March 26, 2026

Posted: March 24, 2026

Our family has been having a wonderful experience at Rising Leaders Academy.

My children are doing very well academically and are learning a lot. They come home talking about what they learned in class and are excited to go to school every morning. As a parent, that means a lot to me.

The teachers are fantasticcertified, caring, and truly dedicated to helping their students succeed. You can see that they really care about the children and want them to do well both academically and personally.

The administration is also excellent. They are approachable, professional, and truly listen to parents. It feels like a school community where families and staff work together to support the students.

As both a parent and a college educator, I truly appreciate the quality of teaching and the positive learning environment the school provides.

Im very thankful for the positive environment at Rising Leaders Academy and for the great work the teachers and administration are doing. I highly recommend RLA to parents looking for a school with strong academics, caring teachers, and a supportive atmosphere for students.

Posted: March 24, 2026

Posted: December 4, 2024

It's the best school. The academics are great and so many activities for students. They have two foreign languages from kindergarten. They do expeditions or projects with hands on which I have not seen in any other school.

Posted: December 4, 2024

Posted: December 3, 2024

My kids loved the school and excelled.

Posted: December 3, 2024

We love this school. My children are challenged and do a lot of hands on learning. There is a lot of work which I love. Students who work hard struggle everywhere so its best to push them which is what they do. They also have a great gym and music class

Posted: December 3, 2024

Posted: September 26, 2024

My kid went to this school for 2 years. Still can't read or write the way it should be. Math scores are horrible. They just keep passing my kid to the next class even when he is not doing well.

Posted: September 26, 2024

Posted: September 17, 2024

It took a while to get my kids in because of the waiting list but it was worth it. It's a great school with so many activities and programs that my kids' previous school didn't have. I really love the foreign languages. My first graders takes both Spanish and Arabic, which is amazing. The teachers are great and they do a lot of hands-on learning.

Posted: September 17, 2024

Posted: September 9, 2024

My kids love the school, especially the Ninja class.

Posted: September 9, 2024

This is the best school in Bay County. The education is top notch. All the reviews agreeing as accurate. Anyone who speaks bad about the school is lying and full of hate. Shame on them. Just talk to parents and staff at the school to see why it's the best school in Bay County.

Posted: September 9, 2024

Posted: December 12, 2023

I had a deeply concerning experience at Rising Leaders Academy. The school environment appeared to foster racism and exhibited a disturbing bias against Muslims. Such discrimination has no place in any educational institution, and it's disheartening to witness such behavior at Rising Leaders Academy. I hope the school takes immediate steps to address these issues and create an inclusive and respectful atmosphere for all students.

Posted: December 12, 2023

Posted: July 26, 2023

We are beyond disappointed with this school and the administration. They do not provide a safe and nurturing environment for students. There is nothing rigorous about their curriculum, not impressed. Lack of communication from both the teacher and administration. No discipline in this school whatsoever.

Posted: July 26, 2023

Posted: September 13, 2022

This school does little to support students currently experiencing a problem. The counselor is no longer there, and they only seem care about school scores.

Posted: September 13, 2022

Posted: June 8, 2021

Lack of communication from teachers about what is going on in the classroom. Lack of accountability and support from leadership in teacher-parent relationships. Otherwise great school, if you can figure out what is going on in the student's classroom.

Posted: June 8, 2021

Posted: April 28, 2018

Excellent, very good program with more than public or private school but free

Posted: April 28, 2018

Posted: November 7, 2017

RLA has been the best decision for our daughter. She is learning and being challenged every day and she will tell you that she loves going to school.

Posted: November 7, 2017

Posted: October 31, 2017

My children love it. The environment is excellent.

Posted: October 31, 2017

Posted: September 21, 2017

My experience as well as my child experience was very bad.

Posted: September 21, 2017

My son had spit balls thrown at him and his teacher coerced him to say that it didn't happen.

Posted: September 21, 2017

Leaders think and talk about solutions. They don't try to manipulate people and situations.

Posted: September 21, 2017

This school does not believe in bullying and does not have action plan for issue resolution.

Posted: August 31, 2017

RLA is a good school. I think a new, bigger campus would make this school even better. The school, however, lacks sports, after school activities, like, dances and concerts, and important electives such as art and music. Field day is a fun event that students look forward to, but because the school lacks a field, it's impossible. I think all those things, along with a solid curriculum, make for a great school experience. The whole package.

Posted: May 3, 2017

This school is amazing. My kindergartener is learning 2 foreign languages and ran her own business. I'm so impressed with how much she learned, not just academically but real world skills. Some parents say there's a lot of homework, but I thought it was just right. I like the projects they do. Staff is very nice and helpful. I would definitely recommend this.

Posted: February 15, 2017

My child went here from K to 1st and she loved it! I loved it because of the advanced curriculum, the foreign languages and the character education. We ended up moving to a South Florida public school. We couldn't believe the difference in education. My daughter was so far ahead of her second grade class that they ended up putting her into a special gifted program. I attribute this to the very advanced education that she received at RLA.

Posted: May 31, 2015

This school focuses so much on character education, more than any other school. Students are expected to behave well and they give so many awards to those who behave well and work hard.

Posted: May 31, 2015

The school is the best thing we have in town. I'm thankful we have a school like this that really makes students work hard and expects excellent behavior. Many schools don't focus much on behavior and award all students. This school makes students work and awards based on effort and behavior. The staff is very hard working and expect the students and parents to work hard too. It works great for me. However, for parents who want it easy and want their kids to receive awards without really earning them, public school may be a better option. I tried to complain about too much work on the weekend, but they are serious about making students work hard, and the parents, so prepare yourself.

Posted: May 31, 2015

There's a lot of homework, but I'm ok with that. It's better than playing on the wii and other things like that.

Posted: April 12, 2015

Rising Leader's Academy has an excellent educational program with many programs not found in other schools, such as foreign languages and excelled mathematics and language arts. However, this school also seems to be biased in many ways. A certain 'class' system is prevalent-children who's parents have influence or earn above average incomes get preferred treatment. My children are constantly upset about not getting chosen for certain activities and principal chosen awards that are given to the same students every month. If you are a doctor or lawyer, your children will be treated very well. If not, beware of the prejudices at this school.

Posted: July 26, 2014

We love it. It is very different and much better than any public school. Highly recommend for anyone serious about education.

Posted: July 25, 2014

I love my school. PE is the best. My teachers are nice. I have fun everyday and I learn a lot. :)

Posted: July 25, 2014

Rising Leaders Academy is a unique school that prepares students for outstanding academic achievement, interpersonal skills, elevated ethical character, and a firm command of foreign languages. Students achieve academic excellence through a developmentally rigorous, innovative, challenging, college preparatory curriculum in a warm, nurturing environment with outstanding teachers. The school prepares students to have a sincere responsibility to give back to the community, with a focus on strong leadership skills. It is the most diverse school in the county in which students collaborate and complete real-life projects together.

Posted: July 24, 2014

Awesome school, cannot ask for better, safe environment Advanced curriculum, supporting staff and amazing energetic young principle ... This school just started and I believe it will have great future and potential .

Posted: July 24, 2014

Great school with lots of free programs like foreign languages. Students learn 2 languages for free. You can't get that anywhere else. I love that there is cultural diversity. There are students from all religions and races which makes the school so beautiful. The environment is very nurturing. The academics is definitely more advanced than other schools. They make kids work hard but they learn a lot too.

Posted: December 27, 2012

Excellent school with great curriculum and staff. The facility is big and clean. They have hands-on learning and foreign languages. Very nice.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Premier Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Panama City	FL	3.1 mi
2	Felix Lake	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tyndall AFB	FL	6.6 mi
3	Callaway	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Panama City	FL	7.3 mi
4	Hammock Bay	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Freeport	FL	35.5 mi
5	Sunsail	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Destin	FL	45.3 mi
6	Villa Tasso	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Niceville	FL	46 mi

#	Name	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Freeport	Freeport	FL		34.5 mi
2	Bluewater Bay	Niceville	FL		48.3 mi

Base	Distance
NSA Panama City	4 mi.
Tyndall AFB	9.5 mi.

Rising Leaders Academy

Panama City, FL 32405-2771

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Rising Leaders Academy

Panama City, FL 32405-2771

School Ratings

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