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School supplies

Welcome to the Emerald Coast

Navigating school enrollment, choices, and resources for military families at Tyndall AFB.

In Lodging or Temporary Housing?

If you cannot establish a home address prior to registration, use the Tyndall Lodging address for enrollment and VPK applications:

Tyndall AFB Lodging, Building 36199, Tyndall AFB, Florida 32403

Enrollment & "School Choice"

Welcome to Bay County! Bay District Schools utilize "School Choice," meaning you may choose what school you would like your student to attend. However, parents are responsible for transportation if the school is outside your zoned area.

Tyndall Academy (K-8) is a public school located just outside the Tyndall AFB entry gates. It is a popular choice for families in temporary lodging.

Note on Zones: You may start at Tyndall Academy and transfer later under "School Choice" unless the target school is at capacity. If you move out of zone but wish to stay at Tyndall Academy, you must file a Hardship Waiver (Military status is a valid hardship).

Immunization Records

Tyndall Medical Group cannot transcribe shot records to Florida forms. You must utilize the Florida Health Department.

How to Transfer Records via Email:

To: baymedicalrecords@flhealth.gov

Subject: Immunization Record Transfer Request

  • Name and Date of Birth
  • Parent/Guardian Photo ID
  • Current Address and Phone Number
  • Photo/Screenshot of shot records

Physical Location: 597 West 11th St. Panama City, FL 32401

Phone: 850-872-4455

*Physicals have a 30-day grace period, but shot records are required at registration.

School Options & Academics

 

Bay Haven & North Bay Haven

Charter • K-8 & K-12

Separate schools requiring separate waitlist registrations. Military priority during lottery (Feb/Mar).

 

University Academy

Charter • Pre-K - 8th

Provides military family priority on the waitlist during lottery season (usually January).

 

Palm Bay & Rising Leaders

Charter Options

  • Palm Bay Elem: K-5
  • Palm Bay Prep: 6-12
  • Rising Leaders: K-12

Advanced High School Programs

Rutherford HS

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Bay High School

AICE Program

Mosley HS

MAPPS Program

North Bay Haven

SAIL Program

The Collegiate School – FSU

Aims to immerse students in a collegiate environment. Military priority given.

Admissions Info →

Private Schools

Full directories available at Florida School Choice.

  • Adventist Christian Academy
  • Bacot Academy Inc
  • Covenant Christian School
  • Eagle Nest Christian Academy
  • Gateway Christian Academy
  • Genesis Community School
  • God’s Glory Christian School
  • Gulf Coast School for Autism
  • Holy Nativity Episcopal School
  • Johnson’s Adult Education Center
  • Kaleidoscope School of Discovery
  • Panama City Advanced School
  • Panama City Trilingual School
  • Saint Andrews Bay Stem Academy
  • Square Pegs Learning Center
  • St. John Catholic (Purple Star)
  • Northwest Florida Academy
  • Orchard Learning Center
  • Wsi Exceptional Academy

Mexico Beach Area

Located East of the base in Gulf County School District.

Gulf Co. Website →

Home Education

Approximately 1,000 students in Bay County are home schooled.

Intent to Homeschool Form HSLDA Website
Facebook Groups
  • • Panama City Homeschoolers
  • • Bay Homeschools
  • • Tyndall Homeschoolers

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)

Free for all children age 4 on or before Sept 1st. Offered at 18 public school campuses.

Locations Include:

Tyndall Academy, Callaway, Cedar Grove, Cherry Street, Deer Point, Hiland Park, Lucille Moore, Lynn Haven, Northside, Parker, Southport, Tommy Smith, Waller, Deane Bozeman, Arnold HS.

How to Apply:

Parent Portal

Access grades and communicate with teachers. Registration is available once your student is enrolled.

Note: There is currently no specific app for BDS Focus.

Register for Portal

Supporting Military Families

Bay District Schools is a Purple Star Delegation District.

Military Support

100% of Bay District Schools are Purple Star Schools. Teachers and staff understand the unique challenges of military life.

Bay District Military Support Page →

Exceptional Student Services (EFMP)

  • Tyndall EFMP: Ashley Dixon
    (850) 283-2400 | ashley.dixon.6@us.af.mil
  • Bay District ESE: 850-767-4164
    Send IEPs/504s to: humphjd@bay.k12.fl.us
  • Charter Review: mallory.gross@us.af.mil

Child & Youth Programs

Child Development Center

Full-day care for infants through preschoolers.

Register Online →

School-Age Care (SAC)

Care for children 5-12 years old (must have started Kindergarten).

Contact Youth Director for info.

Youth Sponsorship

Smooth transition help for kids.

Email Sponsorship →
Community Child Care: Contact Mrs. Cynthia DeDeo at cynthia.dedeo.1@us.af.mil