Congruent with the mantra of putting students first, Florence 1 Schools (F1S) has completed the 2024-2025 school year by providing outstanding opportunities which have placed its students at far-reaching advantages as they pursue their educational goals.
From innovative curriculum development to new construction, building renovations and enhancing facilities; to the winning of prestigious awards and engaging the community, Florence 1 is telling an impressive story.
In an audacious move of curriculum development, Florence 1 became the first in the state to implement a new policy to help create a framework for how AI can be used in its schools. The board allocated $500,000 to ensure students learn responsible use of AI and remain competitive with their peers nationwide, while teachers are equipped with the latest AI technology.
School choice programs continue with an elementary STEAM Magnet Program; an elementary Spanish Language Immersion Program; a middle school Fine Arts Academy; a high school Center for the Arts; a Montessori Program; a high school STEM Program; an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years and high school IB Program.
The First College Program offers juniors a dual enrollment opportunity at Francis Marion University after graduation. With a minimum 3.0 GPA on the SC Uniform Grading Scale, students can choose from four academic pathways and earn 36–38 college credit hours toward a bachelor's degree, receiving a one-time, non-renewable $2,500 scholarship. Also, a renewal of dual enrollment options for high school students includes opportunities for students at seven colleges and universities throughout the state.
Strategic planning and forward thinking have enhanced the use of present facilities and inspired a plan for new construction. Florence 1 is the first in the state to operate an entire campus designed to meeting students’ mental health needs while simultaneously meeting their educational needs. The K-12 Compass Academy provides quality educational and therapeutic services for students whose mental health, behavioral and learning concerns hinder their ability to succeed in a traditional setting. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Florence County Council and Florence 1 entered a partnership to build a new Savannah Grove Elementary to be completed in 2026, marking the construction of a third new facility to be built in the past five years.
Florence 1 has begun implementation of a digital mapping solution leveraging the very latest Geographical Information Systems technology, supporting faster responses to school emergencies and providing real-time, indoor digital view of school campus maps.
Florence 1 not only continues to academically improve, but also continues to reach levels which have merited awards and recognition.
Standardized test scores released by the SCDE showed that Florence 1 students exceeded state growth in SCREADY ELA, Mathematics and End of Year Course exams. Thirty-two students earned the maximum score on a portion of the SC College and Career Ready Assessments (SC Ready). F1S is one of only three districts among this state’s 15 largest districts to have no schools rated below average or unsatisfactory.
Thirty-eight eighth graders were recognized as junior scholars. Grad statistics indicate 1191 graduates; 513 HOPE Scholarships; 251 LIFE Scholarships; 56 Palmetto Fellows; 210 Board of Trustees Scholars; 162 double cords, 345 single cords; 41 military cords; 14 SC Achievement Honors; 47 IB, eight STEM, and 25 Center of the Arts. The Class of 2025 received $18,375,403 scholarships.
For the first time, a high school team from Florence 1 competed in the National Academic Quiz Tournaments High School Championship. Wilson High earned its invitation to the tournament after winning the Division I South Carolina State Championship. One of the school’s top scorers, ranked in the top 17% of individual competitors nationwide.
For the 3rd year, music programs achieved record numbers (167) of all-state and honor band, orchestra, and chorus students, as well as 139 Superior evaluations at state Solo & Ensemble Festivals. Every band earned an outstanding performance award, and a record seven superior evaluations were earned by bands and orchestras across all secondary schools in the state's concert performance assessments. The West Florence band secured a bronze medal in state marching championships and were named lower state champions for a second year. The Wilson marching band placed second in the state's high-step championships. Thirty-one art students had works chosen for the state's prestigious ArtFields festival, and ten students won first place awards in other state and national art competitions.
The nation also received a glimpse of the excellence in Florence 1 through various national recognition channels. Rahsaan Perry, Assistant Principal of West Florence High was named SCASA’s SC Assistant Principal of the Year and was subsequently named the National Assistant Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The F1S Culinary Services Department received a second national award, National Compass in the Community Award. Government Finance Officers Association of the United States recognized Florence 1 for Excellence in Finance Reporting of its annual comprehensive financial report for the year ending June 30, 2024. Lindsey Bibler, a South Florence High teacher, was featured in an interview in the Mathematics Association of America’s national FOCUS magazine.
Florence 1 Schools has also garnered several statewide honors, both individually and collectively. South Florence High was named a Palmetto’s Finest School by SCASA; the F1S Marketing Team received 20 awards from the state’s school public relations association; Florence educator Dena Crews was elected to lead the South Carolina Education Association; Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley was named South Carolina’s School Behavioral Health Champion in recognition of outstanding commitment to advancing mental health awareness within the Florence community and across the state.
In athletics, each high school experienced thrills of victory by clinching state championships: South Florence High (Class AAAA football); West Florence High (Class AAAAA boys track and field) Wilson High girls (4X400 meter track and field). Several dozens of students throughout Florence 1 were named All-State athletes.
Finally, Florence 1 Schools has demonstrated a level of community altruism through engagement of the local community.
Florence 1 Schools, medical partners McLeod Health and Hope Health have embarked upon a community project to become Blue Zones certified. Blue Zone communities have been identified with populations of greater well-being, improved health outcomes, and increased civic pride, all of which support healthy economic development, a movement identified as a first school-based initiative in the country.
In support of military families, Florence 1 became a Purple Star District, distinctively identified in supporting military-connected children as they relocate to new schools due to parental change in duty station.
To benefit its employees, Florence 1 introduced new policies including Employee Wellness and Dental Exam Leave as well as Community Volunteer Leave. Improvements in Professional Services contracts for 2025-2026 include language added to clarify teacher expectations. Florence 1 also produced a monthly magazine, For My Benefit, to keep employees abreast of unique privileges afforded to them.
On the horizon are the plans for a new initiative focusing on healthcare which will target learning for students- who have an interest in the medical field, thanks to a $10 million grant from the Florence County Legislative Delegation. The initiative will include partnerships with McLeod, MUSC and Hope Health with January 2026 as a projected opening date.
