Florence High School

1201 Bradshaw Drive

School District

Florence City
Grade

10-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Florence City School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on April 30, 2021

very bad school, i hated going there. had to move schools
Submitted by student on February 19, 2017

I transferred to Florence High School the spring semester of my junior year from an out of state college-prep blue ribbon High School. I relocated to the area due to domestic issues that were causing my grades to drop. (I started as an A average AP student frosh & soph yr to being a B/C average student jr yr) Upon arriving, I was greeted by Mrs Page, the guidance counselor charged with producing my class schedule. We went through my transcript where she inquired about my drop in gpa. She asked if I was struggling with the coursework, I answered "no". She then reconfigured my AP schedule & said, "let's see how things go in these classes." & like that she placed me in all basic classes except for AP Spanish, as it was the only course available in the language that I had not already taken. While I did not agree with her decision, I started classes. The coursework was material I had previously covered in middle school. By the end of my first week most of my teachers questioned my placement. I also had verbal support of my core teachers to move me into 'college-bound' classes, if not AP. Mrs Page refused to change my schedule. I ended that school year with 5A's (above 95) and 2 B's in elective classes at Florence. I also passed all subjects of the state graduation exam that semester with little to no prep.When I returned for my senior year I was hoping to get a new counselor since they are assigned by grade, however, I soon learned they are assigned by class & follow you for your whole high school career. Mrs Page refused to change the level of my classes citing my improved performance as evidence she had fixed my academic slump. My senior year was filled with nothing of substance. My schedule consisted of bs electives, office assistant periods, basic 12th grade english, & econ. I truly believe that had I not tested well on the ACT that my college acceptance & scholarship offers would have been heavily impacted, instead of just impacting the very competitive schoolsThis is just my experience & I agree with previous reviews stating if you are not AP or a sports player, the administration seems to care less.
Submitted by teacher on April 07, 2015

Florence High School is the by far the best school in this area. I am so proud to be a part of a such a fabulous team of caring teaching professionals. The teachers at FHS go above and beyond to ensure student success.
Submitted by teacher on April 07, 2015

We go out of our way to provide an appropriate education for all students. The campus is active from about 6:30 AM until 9:00 PM. The school offers programs that extend classes until 8:00 PM to provide instruction for students who have issues attending during the traditional day. We have a partnership with the Southwire company that allows some students to work a 4 hour paid shift during a portion of the school day. We offer a number of AP classes, participate in dual enrollment classes with the University of North Alabama and a partnership with Fame Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals as part of the Florence Academy of Fine Arts. There is something for everyone at Florence High School.
Submitted by teacher on April 07, 2015

Florence High School is a wonderful place to work. The administration is very helpful and has a great re-pore with the teachers and staff. The students are well behaved and take pride in their learning. My fellow teachers and I work together to plan the best instruction for their students to ensure the students get the best education possible. Florence High School is a great place to be.
Submitted by teacher on April 07, 2015

Having taught in other large schools within the state of Alabama, I can say without hesitation that FHS is an amazing school! Florence High has one of the most highly qualified, highly educated, and highly motivated teaching staffs in the state and the time that teachers here spend devoted to helping their students succeed is second to none. The school has a wide array of opportunities for students to take advantage of in terms of extra-curricular activities as well as offering alternative scheduling to meet the needs of almost anyone. I can't speak personally to some of the negative ratings that were given prior to 2010, but I can say that today you will be hard pressed to find a more quality, engaging, and diverse school to send your son or daughter to!
Submitted by teacher on April 07, 2015

FHS is truly amazing! The faculty and students are honestly the best in our area and in the state! We build upon each other's strengths to encourage and lift each other up. As a system, we all value a good education and environment. Making sure students are the most important aspect of our day is the top priority. We offer so many courses and extracurricular activities that every student has the opportunity and chance to succeed on different types of career paths. We've got superstar kids and and a rock star staff!
Submitted by teacher on April 07, 2015

I have been in a number of school systems, and Florence seems to genuinely care about their kids more than any other system I've seen. My students have so much personality and are so quirky sometimes; I absolutely love them. There are many programs that cater to a wide variety of interests, and there is a huge amount of accountability to try and ensure that no students fall between the cracks. Overall I feel that Florence High School does an excellent job with our young people and any student would be well on their way to succeeding by coming through here.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2015

Florence High School is a MAGNET school. We are building AWESOME programs!! SPORTS, FINE ARTS ACADEMY, ACADEMICS going above and beyond where we have ever been!!
Submitted by teacher on March 01, 2015

Florence HS is a great school filled with caring teachers and staff. The school offers Technical education, 12 AP courses, Fine Arts Magnet School, Virtual school, as well as the traditional course work. Students can also dual-enroll with the University of North Alabama to earn college credits while finishing high school. FHS has also partnered with a local manufacturing facility to offer students the opportunity to work while attending high school. FHS wants students to be ready for the future and provides them with numerous paths to get there!
Submitted by teacher on March 01, 2015

Florence High School is a place where i am proud to work. We offer so many avenues to success for all of our students. I can't tell you how many times the phrase 'because it is what is best for our kids' is used at faculty meetings. If you want a school that will work to find a way to help your child succeed, then Florence High School is a great fit. We offer numerous courses including AP courses in every area from English to Math to Foreign Language! We have various programs including UNA First30, 12 For Life and RESCUE to help all of our students prepare for their future path--whether it is Ivy Leage or a Technical Certification. Our students can take an astounding number of Fine Arts courses as well as compete with a variety of athletic teams. Our teachers and administrators are dedicated, bright, and caring. If you haven't seen FHS in a while, come visit--you'll see all of this for yourself!
Submitted by principal on March 01, 2015

Dear Stakeholders, I am honored and privileged to be part the Florence High School Team. Our team is composed of dedicated individuals committed to providing students with excellent academic and social learning experiences. Florence High School is ranked as one of America s Best High Schools as reported Niche s Best High School report for 2015 and Florence High School has also been named as a Banner School by the Council of Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) for the second time. This year our 12 for Life Program is being recognized by CLAS for its innovation and service to students. This serves as a testament to the hard-work of our staff, faculty, and most importantly, our students. FHS is committed to providing students with rigorous and relevant curriculum. We provide the most extensive curriculum of any high school, public or private, in Northwest Alabama with more than 272 course offerings. Students may choose from among 19 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and nine Honors courses in the areas of science, mathematics, English, foreign languages and social studies. Students may also choose from among 52 Career/Technical Education courses in 20 different fields of study. In addition to opportunities to earn college credit by successful completion of AP courses and AP examinations on campus, students may also gain college credit via dual enrollment at the University of North Alabama and Northwest-Shoals Community College, as well as through selected on-line courses. FHS is committed to providing our students with the latest in technological advances as part of the school s one-to-one iPad initiative and through participation in the Florence Virtual High School. Students use the iPads in class and at home to access digital textbooks, correspond with teachers, submit assignment, and to preserve a record of student work in digital portfolios. Learning time is no longer confined to the traditional school day. Students have the opportunity to extend learning 24/7, anyplace, anytime by participating in virtual courses taught by our teachers. These important initiatives allow FHS students to extend the classroom beyond the walls of the school. With the use of iPads and participation in virtual classes, our students are engaged in instruction relevant for today s world. FHS is also committed to the pursuit of excellence in areas which support students personal interests. Whether it is participation in The Florence Academy of Fine Arts, which includes orchestra, show choir, drama, theatre, dance, band, chorus, studio art, creative writing or the 12 for Life Program, clubs, community services opportunities, athletics, engaging in leadership or producing Florence Falcon TV; there is an opportunity for our students to connect with their passion and excel. We invite you to join us on our journey to become #1 in Alabama and among the top in the nation! Lynne Hice Be sure to join us on Twitter at @fhsfalcons1
Submitted by other on July 18, 2013

Children are not recognized for their ability to process information, but they're rewarded for their popularity and athletic composition. The school also promotes one religion over other beliefs by conducting prayer at numerous events during the school year. Attendance at public educational facilities is mandatory for children and while this school is in session, the students are influenced to accept the beliefs this school promotes.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2013

Florence High School has been the worst thing to happen to my child since day one of his school career. It seems that wealthy children and those in the college bound classes and those who play sports are the only students who receive any attention and respect. The others are treated and spoken to very horribly and disrespectfully. The administrators made it a point to call the me for any minor infraction (such as my child forgetting their Ipad or being late to a class), but when my child's grades dropped to failing due to the stress of his treatment there by teachers and staff, not once did I get a phone call. Bottom line: they don't care about each individual student.