For the 2025 school year, there are 22 public schools serving 15,284 students in Florence, SC (there are 13 private schools, serving 2,152 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Florence, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Florence, SC are West Florence High School, South Florence High School and Wilson High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Florence, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Florence have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Florence, SC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
West Florence High School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
221 North Beltline Drive
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8472
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8472
Grades: 9-12
| 1,879 students
Rank: #22.
South Florence High School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3200 South Irby Street
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8190
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8190
Grades: 9-12
| 1,627 students
Rank: #33.
Wilson High School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1411 Old Marion Highway
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8440
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8440
Grades: 9-12
| 1,316 students
Rank: #44.
Royall Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1101 Cheraw Drive
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8167
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8167
Grades: K-5
| 488 students
Rank: #55.
Lucy T. Davis Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
201 Westfield Drive
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 665-5977
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 665-5977
Grades: K-5
| 576 students
Rank: #66.
Briggs Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1012 Congaree Drive
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8169
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8169
Grades: K-5
| 467 students
Rank: #77.
Carver Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
515 North Cashua Drive
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8156
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8156
Grades: K-5
| 589 students
Rank: #88.
Delmae Heights Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1211 South Cashua Drive
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8448
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8448
Grades: K-5
| 1,004 students
Rank: #99.
John W. Moore Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
191 Westfield Drive
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8171
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8171
Grades: 6-8
| 1,063 students
Rank: #1010.
Mclaurin Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Mcmillan Lane
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8457
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8457
Grades: PK-2
| 547 students
Rank: #1111.
Virtus Academy Of South Carolina
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2407 Pisgah Road
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 799-4032
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 799-4032
Grades: K-10
| 686 students
Rank: #1212.
Greenwood Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2300 East Howe Springs Road
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8451
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8451
Grades: K-5
| 541 students
Rank: #1313.
Williams Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1119 North Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8162
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8162
Grades: 6-8
| 819 students
Rank: #1414.
Henry L. Sneed Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1102 Ebenezer Road
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 673-1199
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 673-1199
Grades: 6-8
| 663 students
Rank: #1515.
Southside Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
209 W. Jones Paul Road
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8467
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8467
Grades: 6-8
| 1,093 students
Rank: #1616.
Henry Timrod Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1901 East Old Marion Highway
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8454
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8454
Grades: K-5
| 416 students
Rank: #1717.
North Vista Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1100 North Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8159
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8159
Grades: K-5
| 433 students
Rank: #1818.
Wallace Gregg Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
515 Francis Marion Road
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8481
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8481
Grades: K-5
| 333 students
Rank: #1919.
Theodore Lester Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3501 East Palmetto Street
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8459
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8459
Grades: 3-5
| 375 students
Rank: n/an/a
Advantage Academy
Vocational School
126 East Howe Springs Road
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8464
Florence, SC 29505
(843) 664-8464
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
1400 Woods Road
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 799-6006
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 799-6006
Grades: PK
| 187 students
Rank: n/an/a
1001 West Sumter Street
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 673-1129
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 673-1129
Grades: PK
| 182 students
Florence, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1201 East Ashby Road
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-4156
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-4156
Grades: PK
| 59 students
1001 West Sumter Street
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 673-1129
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 673-1129
Grades: PK
| 65 students
Choices Charter (Closed 2015)
Charter School
404 Freight Road
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8993
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 664-8993
Grades: 6-12
| 13 students
Palmetto Youth Academy Charter (Closed 2023)
Charter School
1209 North Douglas Street
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 679-7070
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 679-7070
Grades: K-6
| 54 students
301 South Dargan Street
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8152
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 664-8152
Grades: PK-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Florence, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Florence, SC include West Florence High School, South Florence High School and Wilson High School.
How many public schools are located in Florence?
22 public schools are located in Florence.
What percentage of students in Florence go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Florence are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Florence?
Florence public schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Florence are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Florence include: Wilson High School vs. West Florence High School, Southside Middle School vs. Henry L. Sneed Middle School, South Florence High School vs. West Florence High School
Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.

10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.