Summary:
Zip code 35630 in Florence, AL is served by the Florence City school district, which includes six schools—three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one freshman center—educating approximately 3,481 students.
For parents, the standout elementary school is Weeden Elementary School, which despite having the highest poverty rate in the district (84% free/reduced lunch), achieves the best academic outcomes among elementary schools, ranking in the 56th percentile statewide. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism at 12.6%. In contrast, Hibbett Elementary School is the lowest-ranked school in the district (31st percentile), with critically low science proficiency (17.86% vs. 50.23% state average) and the highest free/reduced lunch rate at 70.76%. Harlan Elementary School falls in between, ranking in the 42nd percentile despite having the lowest student-teacher ratio (11.7:1) and substantial per-student funding.
At the secondary level, Florence High School is the district's strongest performer, ranking in the 76th percentile with a 96% graduation rate, though it struggles with a 25.9% chronic absenteeism rate—more than double the state average. Florence Middle School shows solid science proficiency (52.88%) but weaker math scores (26-28%). The Florence Freshman Center has a 21.2% chronic absenteeism rate, making 9th grade a critical transition point. A notable district-wide trend is the dramatic decline in math proficiency from elementary (40-50%) to middle school (26-28%), suggesting curriculum alignment issues that parents should be aware of as their children advance.
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