State of Our Schools
State of Our Schools
Text version
- Front Cover
- From the Desk of Dr. Richard O'Malley
- Student Achievement
- Facilities and Maintenance Upgrades
- The Farm at Florence 1
- Security
- Arts
- Advantage Academy
- Culinary Services
- Athletics
- Our Schools, Programs, and Highlights
Front Cover
Board Members
District 1
Mr. Barry Townsend
District 2
Mr. John Galloway
District 3
Rev. E.J. McIver
District 4
Dr. Gloria Bracey
District 5
Mrs. Kimrey-Ann Haughn
Secretary
District 6
Mrs. Trisha Caulder
Vice Chair
District 7
Mr. S. Stewart
Chairman
District 8
Pastor Bryan Chapman
District 9
Mr. Davy Gregg
About Florence 1 Schools
16,300 Students
927 Classified Staff
1,452 Certified Staff Including Administrators
14 Elementary Schools
2 Preschools
1 Career Center
1 Adult Education
1 Farm
1 Alternative School
3 High Schools
4 Middle Schools
Contact Information
Download our free app in the Apple App Store or in Google Play Store
Website: F1S.org
Telephone: 843-669-4141
Address: 319 South Irby St., Florence, SC 29501
Follow Us on Social Media: Flo1Schools
From the Desk of Dr. Richard O'Malley
Taking Education in Florence to New Heights, One Student at a time.
From the Desk of Dr. Richard O'Malley
Hello Neighbor,
There is so much to celebrate about the unprecedented progress of Florence 1 Schools with more of our students achieving their goals in the classroom. Our commitment to excellence has never been stronger or more focused. Over the past (5) years, Florence 1 Schools has had its most successful period, a culmination of over 100 years of service to the Florence Community. There has never been so much sustained excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts; it is truly a great time to be a part of Florence 1 Schools. Our work is far from over, and we will achieve greater success by working hand in hand.
The 2023-2024 school year will be an exhilarating time for all of us as we embark on new district and school goals. Our goals include new curricula, technology initiatives, new academic programs, facility upgrades, and a commitment to increased student achievement, all within an optimal and safe learning environment for all students. We know the important role that parents and guardians play in student achievement, so this year I will ask you again to rededicate yourselves to increasing your involvement in our schools.
I am enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead for our school district. Every school year holds innumerable opportunities for each of us to grow. It is only by working together and striving toward a common goal that those opportunities may become a reality. Our common goal is the well-being and education of every child!
Sincerely,
Richard O'Malley, Ed. D.
Superintendent, Florence 1 Schools
Student Achievement
Report Cards
Elementary
| Elementary School | Rating | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs | Excellent | A+ |
| Delmae Heights | Excellent | A+ |
| Lucy T. Davis | Excellent | A+ |
| Royall | Excellent | A+ |
| Henry Timrod | Good | A |
| McLaurin | Good | A |
| Savannah Grove | Good | A |
| Brockington | Average | B |
| Carver | Average | B |
| Dewey L. Carter | Average | B |
| Greenwood | Average | B |
| North Vista | Average | B |
| Theodore Lester | Average | B |
| Wallace-Gregg | Average | B |
Middle
| Middle Schools | Rating | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| John W. Moore | Excellent | A+ |
| Southside | Average | B |
| Williams | Average | B |
| Henry L. Sneed | Below Average | C |
High
| High Schools | Rating | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| South Florence | Good | A |
| West Florence | Good | A |
| Wilson | Average | B |
SC Ready Performance Change
| Grades | Math Change | Math Score Change | ELA Change | ELA Score Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd | 8.4 | Increase | 8.7 | Increase |
| 4th | 11.8 | Increase | 6.2 | Increase |
| 5th | 3.5 | Increase | 5.7 | Increase |
| 6th | 1.7 | Increase | 6.3 | Increase |
| 7th | 0.1 | Increase | 3.2 | Increase |
| 8th | 4.9 | Increase | 7.8 | Increase |
| District | 5.1 | Increase | 6.2 | Increase |
Student Achievement Cont'd
For the first time in Florence 1 Schools, all of our elementary schools received an “Excellent,” “Good,” or “Average,” rating on S.C. State Report Card. Four out of 14 elementary schools received an “Excellent,” rating, five elementary schools were rated “Good”, and the remaining seven were rated “Average.” Overall, nine elementary schools received an increased rating from the 2021-2022 school year. Royall Elementary School scored among the top 5 elementary schools in the state. Five of the seven secondary schools in the district were rated either, “Good” or “Average” and John W. Moore Middle School was rated, “Excellent.” Florence 1 Schools’ goal is to become the top-performing district in South Carolina and we are well on our way.
Graduation
The district has the 4th highest graduation rate in South Carolina at 93%.
This is our 3rd straight year with over a 91% graduation rate.
South Florence High School's graduation rate is in the top 3% of all traditional high schools!
Timmonsville cohort graduation rate was 48.5% during the 2021-2022 school year and 100% for the 2022-2023 school year.
Facilities and Maintenance Upgrades
Facilities and Maintenance Upgrades
Over the last several years, Florence 1 Schools has undergone a transformation. Millions of dollars have been spent renovating existing schools, building new schools, and transforming or constructing new athletic facilities across the district. Improved facilities are creating innovative collaborative spaces, inviting classrooms, media centers that inspire a love for learning, and of course, athletic areas for champions. Renovations have taken place inside and outside our buildings, with modern windows, painting, and beautiful new landscaping. This has created a wonderful, safe learning and extracurricular environment that our students and staff take pride in daily.
| $25 Million Spent on the Projects Listed below | Cost Designation |
|---|---|
| $4.5 Million | HVAC & Electrical |
| $4 Million | Restrooms |
| $3 Million | Paving, Fencing, and Landscaping |
| $2.5 Million | Windows/Doors |
| $2 Million | Roofing |
| $1.7 Million | Painting |
| $1.2 Million | Flooring |
| $1 Million | Lighting |
| $1 Million | Cafeteria Equipment |
| $500,000 | Ceiling Tiles |
| $400,000 | Water Fountains |
The Farm at Florence 1
The Farm at Florence 1
The Farm at Florence 1 is a beautiful 7,500-square-foot building on 9 acres of land and is a true gift to our community and our state. In fact, no other school system in South Carolina offers an experience quite like The Farm. Learning experiences are designed with grade-specific, innovative learning in mind, for students from pre-kindergarten through adult education, as well as our community. The possibilities are endless, and as the seasons change, so will the opportunities for learning.
So far this school year, students have explored sunflower fields to learn how pollinators make flowers, fruits, and vegetables grow. They have interacted with and observed baby chickens that were hatched at The Farm. They have also enjoyed hayrides to explore a neighboring farm, Stirrup Hope, to see ducks, horses, and donkeys up close. They have participated in mindfulness activities, using their senses to immerse themselves in nature and practice social and emotional lifeskills. Meanwhile, students from the district’s three high schools and Advantage Academy are learning about turf management, greenhouses, and irrigation systems; the first high school students to visit even worked together to install irrigation for The Farm’s raised garden beds.
The Farm has over 15 partnerships
“The Farm at Florence 1 provides - happiness, freedom, and joy; you will leave here transformed.” - Jeff Murrie, Farm to School Coordinator
Security
Security
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority for Florence 1 Schools. Over the last several years, large investments have been made to increase the security of all of our campuses.
Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, Florence 1 Schools has contracted with a private security firm to place full-time armed security guards on all elementary school campuses. Middle schools and high school campuses continue to be secured by officers from the Florence County Sheriff's Department.
The grade reconfiguration within our elementary and middle schools has eliminated the need for the 180 mobile units that were on our campuses, putting thousands of students back in the safety of a brick and mortar school building.
The district has also updated security checks at the middle schools and high schools, replacing walkthrough metal detectors with 23 Evolv Express systems that allow for not only a quicker screening when students enter schools in the morning, but also more precise detection of items of concern. Increased security at athletic events also ensures that the students, staff and community members feel safe while enjoying district sporting events.
| Security Cost | Cost Designation |
|---|---|
| ~ $1.7 Million | Evolve |
| ~ $780,000 | SROS |
| ~ $252,000 | Defender Services |
| $216,250 | Gaggle & GoGuardian |
Through comprehensive online security programming, Florence 1 is able to monitor for:
- Violence/threats searched or viewed in internet browsers
- Explicit content viewed in managed browsers
- Content that is sent/created from a non-monitored browser
- Explicit videos/pictures that are shared
With 24/7 monitoring, administrators receive alerts when monitored content is found, helping to keep students safe while using devices and the internet.
"The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has a strong and positive working relationship with Florence 1 Schools that is focused on school security and the safety of the students, faculty and staff. We will continue to build upon this relationship with our goal of protecting our precious children." - T.J. Joye, Florence County Sheriff
Arts
Arts
3 Arts Magnet Schools
Brockington Elementary
Southside Middle School
South Florence High School
The arts have truly come alive in Florence 1 with new programs, renovated classrooms, equipment, and instruments. Improvements can be seen at elementary, middle, and high schools across the district.
Visual arts programs have received a variety of teacher-requested supplies, as well as essential equipment like large format photo printers for digital art programs, and digital cameras for photography classes. Students have been able to learn from acclaimed sculptors, potters, and painters during Artists in Residence sessions and have been able to visit museums and galleries during field trips to see a variety of art styles and mediums.
Students in performing arts programs are benefitting from new sound systems and stage risers, enhancing the safety and professionalism of performances. All three high school auditoriums now have new lighting systems. A new honors to dual-enrollment piano course sequence was created at South Florence for exceptional pianists.
Spectacular custom trucks or trailers have been purchased to transport equipment for all three high school marching bands and students have new distinctly designed uniforms. The bands are shining with quality new instruments and audio technology. F1S is also replacing aging band director towers at all three high schools.
Music programs are growing rapidly at feeder middle and elementary schools. To support performing groups, as well as classroom music, high-quality items such as world percussion, pianos, guitars, and essential supplies have been purchased.
Funding for professional clinicians and support for All-State and competition fees has helped many of our students gain access to extraordinary experiences, and record numbers of our visual and performing arts students are receiving prestigious awards and recognitions.
Notable Arts Accomplishments for 22-23
- South Florence High School - All National Musician
- 20 All-State Musicians
- 52 Region Honor Band and Orchestra Students
- 35 Students selected for ArtFields Jr.
- South Florence High School Chorus selected to perform at the ACDA conference
- 3 Bands rated Superior with Distinction for SC Band Directors Association
- $175,006 awarded in arts grants
Over $500,000 in Art Expenditures this year
Spongebob the Musical at South Florence
Advantage Academy
At Advantage Academy, Florence 1 high school students have the opportunity to explore a variety of careers, getting hands-on experience, the certification required to start working in their field of choice, and earn dual credit all before they even graduate from high school.
Some of the newest programs include:
- Aviation
- HVAC
- Electrical Line Worker
- Cosmetology
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Cybersecurity
- Horticulture
Through our partners and advisors, Florence 1 takes pride in creating courses that best serve students as they prepare to exit school and begin their careers or seek higher education. They also provide insight into equipment, certifications and professional development to increase the rigor of our programs.
Over $950,000 spent on Advantage Academy programs & equipment alone.
45 Career Certificate programs and 58 business partnerships.
Culinary Services
Deliciously Fresh, Free, and Healthy Food!
Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, all Florence 1 Schools students eat breakfast and lunch for free. Our culinary services partner, Chartwells, is made up of a network of passionate individuals, most of whom are Florence 1 graduates, who take pride and joy in serving our students nutritious and delicious meals.
Global Eats - Students experience culinary flavors from around the world.
Mood Boost - Students connect what they eat with how they feel.
Discovery Kitchen - Students discover new foods.
Student Favorites on the Menu
| Elementary Schools | Middle Schools | High Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburger Steak and Gravy with a Whole Grain Breadstick | Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara Sauce | Boneless Buffalo Wings |
| Mashed Potatoes | Corn on the Cob | Sliced Peaches/Green Grapes |
| Green Beans | Ranch Wedges | Spiral Fries |
| Mixed Fruit | Diced Melon | Wild Green Salad |
| Milk | Juice | Juice |
| Milk |
Most Popular - Cheesy Grits and Pizza
Parents do not need to fill out a meal application for their children to eat for free.
Athletics
As hard as Florence 1 students work in the classroom, they work equally as hard in their respective athletic disciplines. Students have embraced new sports, like wrestling and men’s volleyball, and have excelled in region and state-level competitions. We congratulate our student-athletes on all of their accomplishments during the 2022-2023 school year.
2022-2023 Accomplishments
- SCHSL Scholar Athletes (GPA 3.5 or higher)--327
- S.C. 4A State Champions–Football ● S.C. Strength and Conditioning Individual State Champions
- S.C. Track State Champions–2
- S.C. Women's Wrestling State Champion–1
- S.C. 4A Runner Up–Softball, Track
- S.C. Track State Runner-Up–1
- S.C. 4A Lower State Champion–Football, Softball
- S.C. Wrestling State Runner Up–2
- Quigley Cup (Overall Region Championship)--WF
- Every sport made playoffs for the 2nd season in a row–WF
- Lower State Championship Appearances–13
- State Championship Appearances–12
- All-State Athletes–35
- All-Region Athletes–216
- State Player of the Year–1
- Baseball Select Team athletes–1
- Shrine Bowl MVP–1
- Region Players of the Year–-15
- Elite All-Star–2
- Senior All-Star-19
- Collegiate Athletes–66
- SCACA Coach of the Year–1
- Region VI AAAA Coach of the Year–11
Region VI AAAA Champions
- Football
- Basketball
- Women's Basketball
- Wrestling
- Women's Track
- Women's Swimming
- Cross Country
- Softball
- Track
Our Schools, Programs, and Highlights
Advantage Academy
- Aviation Program - students can earn a private pilot license
- Dual credit classes
- Work-based learning opportunities
- Students prepared to earn Industry Certifications
Alfred Rush
- Service Learning Projects
- Return to Learn Program
- Graduate Florence Academy
- Life skills course for middle school students
Briggs
- Farm to School Program
- Leader in Me School
Brockington
- Arts Magnet School (Recording Studio, Digital Arts Lab, Dance Studio)
- HopeHealth School-Based Health Center
Carver
- STEM Magnet School
- Palmetto's Finest Finalist
Child Development Centers –Woods Road and RN Beck
- High Scope Curriculum and the
Montessori Early Childhood Curriculum
- STAR (Strategies for Teaching through Autism Research) Curriculum for Exceptional Education
Delmae
- Language Immersion Program
- First Reliance Bank - Delmatian Bank Branch where students learn financial literacy
Dewey L. Carter
- Project Lead the Way School
- Beta Club School of Merit
Greenwood
- Greenwood All Pro Dads
- Family Education Nights: STEM Night, Literacy Night, Black History Month Program
Lester
- Montessori Program
Lucy T. Davis
- Makerspace
- Gardening / STEM Related Arts opportunities
McLaurin
- Montessori Program
Moore
- Palmetto's Finest Winner
- Language Immersion Program
- Boys & Girls Soccer-Conference Champions
North Vista
- MUSC Clinical Art Therapy partner school
- Tiger in Me Student Leaders
Royall
- Renaissance National Honor School
- Advanced STEM Certified
Savannah Grove
- STEM curriculum
- Grits for Grandparents
Sneed
- Sneed Band - Superior Rating at Concert Performance Assessment
- Baseball - Magic City Regional Champions
- 2022 & 2023 - National Beta Club School of Distinction
South Florence
- Florence One Center for the Arts (F1CA)
- 4A State Football Championship
- 4A Boys State Strength and Conditioning State Champions
- Technology Student Association - 1st place in state Web Design Competition
Southside
- Arts Magnet Middle School
- ABC (Arts in Basic Curriculum) certified school
- PLTW (Project Lead the Way) school
Timrod
- 21st Century Learning Center - Afterschool Academic Support
- Drama Club
Wallace Gregg
- ABii Artificial Intelligence Robotric
- McLeod Telehealth
- Wellstars Nutrition Education
West Florence
- WF Band, Superior with Distinction Honors
- STEM Magnet for Engineering, Biomedical Science, Computer Programming
- AP Capstone Diploma Program
- Sharper Knights and Dapper Dames (Male & Female Mentor Programs)
Williams
- MYP
- Academic Challenge Team Regional Champions
- 4 Beta Convention state-level winners
Wilson
- International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
- 4A Basketball State Champions
- Barbering Certification
- Engineering Class won 1st Place in an International Otis Elevator Contest (won $25,000)
Congratulations to the Staff of the Year!
April Leroy - Principal of the Year - Moore Middle School
Marci Gatewood - Assistant Principal of the Year - Royall Elementary
Dr. Haley Taylor - Teacher of the Year - Moore Middle School
James Dupree - Support Staff of the Year - South Florence High School