Summary:
Zip code 35632 in Florence, Alabama, is served by a single school, Kilby Laboratory School, an elementary school for grades PK-6 within the Florence City district.
For parents in this area, Kilby Laboratory School is an exceptional choice, consistently ranking among the top 2% of elementary schools in Alabama with a 5-star rating for three straight years. Its academic performance is remarkable, with proficiency rates in math and English far exceeding both district and state averages. For example, 3rd grade math proficiency is 94.44% compared to the state's 44.89%, and 4th grade science proficiency is 90% versus the state's 50.23%. The school also boasts a very low chronic absenteeism rate of 7.2%, less than half the district's rate, and serves a student body where only 11.23% qualify for free/reduced lunch. While the school is a standout, it is important to note that its parent district, Florence City, holds a 3-star rating, making this school a clear outlier within its own system.
The most notable area for improvement is 6th grade math, where proficiency drops to 54.55%, a significant dip from other grades and subjects. However, this is the school's only relative weakness, and overall trends show strong year-over-year gains in most subjects, particularly in math and science. With a small enrollment of 187 students, the school likely provides a personalized learning environment that contributes to its success. While its affluent demographic and unique "laboratory school" status—likely affiliated with a local university—may contribute to its high performance, the consistency of its excellence suggests strong systemic strengths in curriculum and leadership. For parents seeking a top-tier elementary education in the Florence area, Kilby Laboratory School is an outstanding option.
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