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Florence for Families · Education

Schools in Florence, SC — A Complete Education Guide

Public, private, and charter school options for every Florence family — with addresses, grade levels, and everything you need to know.

One of the first questions families ask when moving to Florence, SC is about the schools. Florence is served primarily by Florence 1 Schools, one of the most established public school districts in the Pee Dee region, along with a growing selection of private and charter school options. Whether you are researching before a move or helping your child find the right fit, this guide covers every major school option in Florence — organized clearly so you can find what you need fast.

All school information is provided for general awareness. We recommend contacting Florence 1 Schools official website directly for the most current enrollment, zoning, and registration details.

Public Schools Private Schools Charter Schools
Serving Florence, SC • Florence 1 School District
Education in the Pee Dee

Florence Offers Diverse Educational Options

Florence, South Carolina is home to a robust educational system serving students from kindergarten through high school. The Florence 1 School District operates the majority of public schools in the area, offering quality education with a focus on student achievement and community involvement.

Beyond traditional public schools, families in Florence have access to private schools, charter schools, and alternative educational programs. Whether you're relocating to the area or exploring options within the community, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of educational opportunities in Florence and the surrounding Pee Dee region.

20+

Public Schools

Florence 1

School District

K-12

Grade Coverage

9,000+

Students Served

Note: School information is subject to change. Please contact individual schools or the Florence 1 School District directly for the most current enrollment information, boundary maps, and academic programs.

Florence 1 School District

Public Schools in Florence

Florence 1 School District serves the city of Florence and surrounding areas with a comprehensive public education system.

About Florence 1 Schools

Florence 1 School District is committed to providing a quality education that prepares students for success in college, career, and life. The district emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.

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Public Elementary Schools — Florence 1 Schools

North Vista Elementary School

1100 N. Irby St, Florence, SC 29501

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Theodore Lester Elementary School

3501 E. Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29506

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Wallace Gregg Elementary School

515 Francis Marion Rd, Florence, SC 29506

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Lucy T. Davis Elementary School

201 Westfield Dr, Florence, SC 29501

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Savannah Grove Elementary School

2348 Savannah Grove Rd, Effingham, SC 29541

Part of Florence 1 Schools district

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Greenwood Elementary School

2300 E. Howe Springs Rd, Florence, SC 29505

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Henry Timrod Elementary School

1901 E. Old Marion Hwy, Florence, SC 29506

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Briggs Elementary School

1012 Congaree Dr, Florence, SC 29501

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Carver Elementary School

515 N. Cashua Dr, Florence, SC 29501

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Delmae Heights Elementary School

1211 S. Cashua Dr, Florence, SC 29501

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Royall Elementary School

1101 Cheraw Dr, Florence, SC 29501

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McLaurin Elementary School

1400 McMillan Lane, Florence, SC 29506

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Dewey L. Carter Elementary School

4937 S. Irby St, Effingham, SC 29541

Part of Florence 1 Schools district

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Brockington Elementary School

304 Kemper St, Timmonsville, SC 29161

Part of Florence 1 Schools district

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Public Middle Schools — Florence 1 Schools

Williams Middle School

1119 N. Irby St, Florence, SC 29501

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Southside Middle School

200 E. Howe Springs Rd, Florence, SC 29505

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John W. Moore Middle School

191 Westfield Dr, Florence, SC 29501

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Sneed Middle School

1102 S. Ebenezer Rd, Florence, SC 29501

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Public High Schools — Florence 1 Schools

South Florence High School

3200 S. Irby St, Florence, SC 29505

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West Florence High School

221 N. Beltline Dr, Florence, SC 29501

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Wilson High School

1411 E. Old Marion Hwy, Florence, SC 29506

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Advantage Academy

126 E. Howe Springs Rd, Florence, SC 29505

Alternative educational institution serving Florence 1

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Note: This list represents major schools in the Florence 1 district. For complete and current enrollment information, boundary details, and academic programs, please visit the Florence 1 School District website.

Independent Education

Private Schools in Florence, SC

Florence is home to several well-regarded private schools offering faith-based, college-preparatory, and specialized educational environments. These schools serve students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and offer an alternative to the public school system for families seeking a different educational approach.

King's Academy

1015 S. Ebenezer Rd, Florence, SC 29501

PK–12 Faith-Based

Faith-based private school

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Florence Christian School

2308 S. Irby St, Florence, SC 29505

PK–12 Faith-Based

Faith-based private school

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St. Anthony Catholic School

2536 Hoffmeyer Rd, Florence, SC 29501

PK–8 Catholic

Catholic faith-based school

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All Saints Episcopal Day School

1425 Cherokee Rd, Florence, SC 29501

PK–6 Episcopal

Episcopal faith-based preparatory school

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Montessori School of Florence

510 W. Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29501

PK–6 Montessori

Montessori-method education

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Maranatha Christian School

2624 W. Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29501

K–12 Faith-Based

Faith-based private school

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Why Consider Private School?

  • Smaller class sizes and more individual attention
  • Faith-based education options
  • Specialized curricula and programs
  • College preparatory programs
  • Strong sense of community
  • Extracurricular enrichment opportunities

Note: Private school tuition, admissions requirements, and available grades vary. Contact each school directly for current information about programs, enrollment, and costs.

Public Charter Options

Public Charter Schools in Florence, SC

Charter schools in Florence offer an alternative public school option with specialized educational models. Charter schools are publicly funded but operate with greater flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

What Are Charter Schools?

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate under a contract ("charter") with a state or local authorizer. They have the freedom to design unique academic approaches while still meeting state standards. Charter schools are an excellent option for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools.

Tuition-Free
Open Enrollment
Publicly Funded
Must Meet Standards

Charter Schools in the Florence Area

Virtus Academy of South Carolina

2407 Pisgah Rd, Florence, SC 29501

K–12

Focus on project-based learning

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Looking for More Charter Options?

Charter school availability varies by year. Contact the South Carolina Public Charter School District or the Charter School Resource Center for the most current information about charter schools accepting students in the Pee Dee region.

SC Department of Education
Enrollment & Registration

How to Enroll Your Child in Florence 1 Schools: Step by Step

Registering a child in Florence 1 Schools (F1S) is done entirely online, but the process differs depending on whether your child was already enrolled the previous school year.

Father multitasking, working with documents while his child is learning and mother is in the background
1

Know your registration window

F1S opens registration for the upcoming school year each spring, typically in early-to-mid March. The exact date shifts slightly year to year, so confirm the current opening date at f1s.org/registration rather than relying on a fixed date.

2

Choose the right registration path

Returning students (enrolled in F1S the prior school year) register using a snapcode sent by the district via email and again with report cards. New students (not previously enrolled in F1S) use the separate New Student Registration link at f1s.org/registration.

3

Find your child's zoned school

Use the School Zone Lookup Tool at f1s.org/registration to find which school your address is zoned for. If you have questions about zoning, contact the F1S Attendance and Zoning Office directly at 843-673-1164.

4

Gather your documents

South Carolina state law requires every child entering school to have a valid SC Certificate of Immunization (DPH Form 4024) or an approved exemption on file, confirmed directly by SC's Department of Public Health. If your child isn't fully vaccinated yet, ask about a Special Exemption, which allows temporary enrollment for up to 30 days while records are finalized, or a Religious Exemption, which must be notarized and obtained through a DHEC health department.

Beyond immunization records, F1S's registration portal will specify the complete list of required documents for your situation, which commonly includes a birth certificate and proof of residency. Because exact requirements can vary by grade level and individual circumstance, confirm the full list directly on the registration portal before you begin.

5

Complete registration online

Both new and returning student registration are completed at f1s.org/registration. Tutorial videos are available in English and Spanish if you'd like a walkthrough before starting.

6

Get help if you're stuck

For registration questions, contact your child's specific school first (contact information for each school is listed under the "Additional Assistance" tab at f1s.org/registration), or email the district directly at registration@f1s.org. For technical issues with the online system itself (login problems, forgotten passwords), PowerSchool support can be reached at 1-866-434-6276.

One thing that catches new Florence families off guard:

F1S starts the school year unusually early compared to many other states, with the 2025-2026 school year beginning July 28. If you're relocating from a district that starts in late August or September, build that into your moving timeline.

Other School Options

For private and charter school options in Florence, see the full list above. This step-by-step guide covers Florence 1 Schools specifically, since it's the primary public district serving the city of Florence.

Need Help Choosing the Right School?

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a Florence family makes. For a full step-by-step walkthrough of registration, zoning, required documents, and immunization rules, see our Florence 1 Schools Enrollment Guide. For school performance data specifically, the Florence 1 Schools website remains the best source. You can also explore our Florence for Families guide for more resources.

Florence 1 Schools Official Website Florence for Families Guide
Beyond K-12

Higher Education in Florence

Florence is also home to several colleges and universities, making it a hub for higher education in the Pee Dee region.

Francis Marion University

Public University

FMU is a public university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Known for its strong liberal arts programs and commitment to student success, FMU serves students from across South Carolina.

4-Year University Graduate Programs
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Florence-Darlington Technical College

Technical College

FDTC provides career-focused education and training with associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs. Offers programs in healthcare, business, technology, and skilled trades.

2-Year College Career Training
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Transfer Pathways

Many students start at Florence-Darlington Technical College and transfer to Francis Marion University or other four-year institutions to complete their bachelor's degree. This pathway can significantly reduce education costs while maintaining academic quality.