Weeden Elementary School vs. Harlan Elementary School

Weeden Elementary School, a Florence City public elementary school in Alabama, ranked #505 in the state in 2023 after fluctuating between #170 and #950 since 2010, showing overall improvement since 2015 but a decline from its peak in 2013.

Math proficiency ranged from 40–44%, substantially higher than the state average of 30% in 2023, while reading proficiency was 35–39%, lower than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency was 15–19%, also lower than the state average of 38%.

Enrollment remained steady around 422 students in grades PK–4 in 2023, with minority enrollment at 77% and 86% of students eligible for free lunch, reflecting consistent socioeconomic conditions over recent years.

The school maintained a student–teacher ratio of 16:1 with 26 teachers, ranking among the top 10% in Alabama for lowest student–teacher ratio and top 10% for highest free lunch eligibility.

Harlan Elementary School, a Florence public elementary school serving grades PK–4, ranked #604 in Alabama in 2023, improving from #862 in 2021 but declining from top 50 rankings in early 2010s.

Math proficiency ranged between 35–39%, higher than the state average of about 30%, while reading proficiency was 30–34%, lower than the state average near 47%, and science proficiency was 15–19%, also lower than the state average around 38%.

Enrollment declined slightly from 423 students in 2022 to 402 in 2023, with minority enrollment steady at 69%; 86% of students were eligible for free lunch, indicating a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students.

The school maintained a student–teacher ratio of 13:1 with 389 students and about 30 teachers, supporting a relatively low ratio ranked in the top 5% statewide.

Graduation rates consistently exceeded the state average, with 94% in 2023 compared to Alabama's 88%, reflecting successful student outcomes beyond elementary grades in the district.