Summary:
Zip code 35634 in Florence, AL is home to two elementary schools—Rogers Elementary School and Wilson Elementary School—both serving grades PK-6 within the Lauderdale County district, which holds a 3-star rating and ranks in the 60th percentile statewide.
These two schools are heading in opposite directions. Wilson Elementary is the clear standout, having jumped from the 38th percentile (2 stars) to the 67th percentile (3 stars) in just two years. Its 4th grade cohort is exceptional, posting 64.4% math proficiency (vs. 42.1% statewide), 69.5% English proficiency, and 67.8% science proficiency—all well above district and state averages. Meanwhile, Rogers Elementary has slipped from the 50th to the 43rd percentile, with math scores falling sharply across most grades. For example, 5th grade math dropped from 36.4% to 23.5% proficiency. Both schools serve similar populations (roughly half qualify for free/reduced lunch), yet Wilson outperforms Rogers in nearly every subject and grade level, suggesting school-level factors—not demographics—are driving the gap.
Chronic absenteeism is a major concern in this area. Rogers has a 24.7% chronic absenteeism rate and Wilson 18.0%, both far exceeding the 12.0% state average. This likely contributes to the academic struggles, especially at Rogers. Another key takeaway: English proficiency consistently outpaces math at both schools—at Rogers, 5th grade English is 71.0% versus just 23.5% in math. Grade-level performance also varies widely within each school, indicating inconsistent instructional quality. For parents, Wilson Elementary is the stronger choice, with proven improvement and standout 4th grade results, while Rogers Elementary faces challenges that need targeted attention in math and attendance.
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