Rutherford High School

I graduated from Rutherford in 2008 and I can honestly say that it is an excellents school. Rutherford has a variety of programs, such as IB and HOSA, that other area high schools do not. Also, the education that I recieved at Rutherford definetely prepared me for college.

I'm going to be a junior this upcoming school year, and I really think Rutherford is a great school. Lots of people say negative things about Rutherford, but the same problems are at other schools also. No high school is going to be perfect. We don't have that many fights either. Walking the halls is not scary. In fact, I've never been afraid since I first started as a freshman. I'm in the IB program, but I do have my elective classes with average students.
--Submitted by a student

As a parent of a Jr., I find some personel unprofessional. When I had a concern of my childs attendance, tardiness, and grades, I felt my concerns were pushed to the wayside. I spoke with a particular person within the school who I thought was genuinely concerned about my child, but it turns out that person did not follow through with our conversaton to take care of this matter. So basically, I have kept my distance because it is a waste of time.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student from 79 and also have a child that attends Rutherford I am a very satisfied in Rutherford then and now. The teachers for the most part go beyond the call of duty, There are some changes in the administration that should be fixed. All children however, are treated equal whether IB, Com Tech, sports are whatever. One teacher mentor has got to be recognized very highly. Coach Rivers that is a great Coach he goes by the book as for grades, GPA, and disciplinary. My son tells me he sends an email out every so often to find out if his boys are be up standing boys if not he gets on their behinds about it. He does discipline on the field that makes them think about what they did wrong. Go Rams you will always be number 1
--Submitted by a parent

as a student that goes to rutherofrd high school i would firdt off like to point out that all the things the person below me has written is not entirely true. second off what you see at RHS is pretty much what youll see at any other high shcool. its my last year at RHS and i am proud to say i am very happy at rutherford. the teachers are amazing for the most part and the deans and our principle is magnificant. and we do have SRO's but then again so does every school in bay county...its required. and as for the fights, we have very little, no more than the neighboring schools, and i would also like to point out that rutherford was ranked to have some of the best behavior out of all the high schools. and by the way im non-IB
--Submitted by a student

I agree with the former student. I very recently made the decision to leave Rutherford. The student behavior at Rutherford affect the education of others and most teachers are too afraid to do anything. Walking through the halls of Rutherford reveals such a use of profanity that it should be illegal. There are so many fights and dangers at that school that they have full time police officers circling the school. And even then, I have seen possession of switchblades,lighters, and even pencils and pens being used as weapons. I feel that some parents who wote this school with more thatn one star may not know the dangers that surround this school. Most students are threatened to keep quiet or to avoid it all,just transfer schools.Even though there are alot of teachers who truly care about their students,I highly recommend to anyone considering Rutherford look over their options again.
--Submitted by a student

As a former student i can honestly say Rutherford is not worthy of the high rankings it has received. The IB program is a positive part of the school but the students who are not a part of IB fade into the background. The classrooms are rowdy and for the most part teachers either can't or won't gain control. A lot of the teachers don't seem to care and just want to get through the day so they can get out of there. If you are in IB it is a fine school to go to but if you do not plan on joining the IB program then don't go to Rutherford because the stuff that goes on outside of the IB halls and office and the band room isn't worth it. Just go check out the bathrooms and notice all the gang graffitti all over the walls.
--Submitted by a parent

The International Baccalaureate program offered at RHS is the finest public school college prep program in the county - hands down. Its comprehensive curriculum challanges a student and creates a school within a school atmosphere that is special.
--Submitted by a teacher

Rutherford faculty are great. The diversity on the RHS campus offers students the chance to experience other cultures without ever leaving Florida. The programs offered by the school give students the opportunity to feel like they are a part of a large school. They can be a big fish in a big pond or be part of one of the programs and be a big fish in a little pond that is part of the big pond.
--Submitted by a teacher

I praised the staff earlier in August but must say that I agree with comments read. I will only say this Mr. Bulloch is sorely missed by many students and especially parents. As the school year progresses he is missed more and more.
--Submitted by AMY DALY, a parent