Education


Florence City Schools

fcsFlorence City Schools has a vision of offering our students tomorrow, today. In order to prepare for the successes of tomorrow, we need to put them in situations today to make that possible. In order for that to happen, Florence City Schools offers an abundance of opportunities for students to exceed and excel in instruction and learning. Through a rigorous instructional program, Florence City Schools offers 20 AP courses, 70+ career technical education courses, 13 competitive sports and 60+ teams. It is our goal to instruct students from cradle to graduation. FCS has a Pre-Kindergarten Program at both Forest Hills Elementary School and Harlan elementary School. Our high school graduation rate is among the best in the state (96%) and nation at (93%). We are working diligently to increase that rate to an even higher percentage.

We are blessed in Florence City Schools to have tremendous community support. We cultivate partnerships with local and regional partners, such as Southwire Corporation and Alabama Chanin. Our students are afforded the opportunity for on-the-job experience in “real world” jobs in both our 12 For Life and Launch Programs in which they earn academic credit as well as a salary and invaluable work experience. Partnerships with local institutions of higher learning open the door for students to dually enroll to earn college credit at a greatly-reduced cost and begin their formal college career ahead of schedule. Florence City Schools’ employees are also afforded opportunities to apply for enrollment in advanced degree programs at greatly reduced costs to advance their career and earning potential. With 69% of Florence City Schools’ faculty holding a master’s degree or above, FCS prides itself on hiring the best and brightest instructional staff to teach our children. FCS has demonstrated success in academics as demonstrated by our recent previous rankings by U. S. News and World Report: America’s Best High Schools” and Newsweek: Best High Schools”. Our schools likewise have obtained prestigious awards such as National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Intel School of Distinction finalist for national mathematics excellence, Alabama Torchbearer models, and NASSP’s designation as a Breakthrough School. In technology offerings for our students and staff, we have become the pacesetter for others to model our 1:1 technology initiative and digital curriculum in grades PK-12 and virtual curriculum in grades 7-12.

The enthusiasm in our community, who are solidly behind our Falcons, is unmatched and has encouraged our athletes to rise to the top in sports. Due to outstanding athletic performance, over 50 student athletes signed scholarships to play at the next level over the past three years. Our community believes in, and expects, excellence on and off the field as we do.

For more information, visit our website at www.florencek12.org


University of North Alabama

unaThe University of North Alabama prides itself on strong academics supported by a dedicated faculty and staff. Toward that end we offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs coupled with excellent academic support services.

In preparation for a recent accreditation review, the UNA academic community embraced a theme of "Building Success through Discovery." The intent of the program is to integrate student research within each major of the undergraduate curriculum-to give students the tools to "imagine, investigate, and communicate." Faculty mentoring will be at the forefront of this innovative approach to student learning.

Consistent with the changes in student demographics in recent years, the University has developed undergraduate and graduate degrees in interdisciplinary and professional studies. These programs cater to non-traditional adult learners. The UNA goal is to find an academic niche that meets the educational and career goals for all students.

Perhaps most important is that our 275+ full-time faculty have as their highest priority serving as advisors and mentoring to the 7,200+ students who make up the student body at UNA. These dedicated faculty members understand today's financial investment in a university education and take seriously their role in achieving success for all students who accept their academic obligations.

For more information, visit our website at www.una.edu


Riverhill School

riverhillRiverhill School was founded in 1980 by a group of parents whose objective was to provide their children with the best elementary education available. The school began with fewer than twenty children in kindergarten and first grade and has grown to its present enrollment of about 200 children in Pre K2 through Sixth Grade. Riverhill students are varied in their backgrounds. Numerous occupations and cultures are represented by the Riverhill Family, and these differences serve as one of the many enriching aspects of Riverhill.

Throughout the years, Riverhill has never wavered in its commitment to Academic Excellence and the encouragement of a lifelong love for learning. This commitment is evident in all areas of school life—from academics to community service to extracurricular activities. An “I-Can-Do-It” attitude and an “I-Can-Make-A-Difference” attitude are prevalent throughout the school community. Riverhill School is a uniquely wonderful place where students and families thrive in a loving, nurturing, safe environment. 

For more information, visit our website at www.riverhillschool.org


Mars Hill Bible SchoolMHBS_Logo-shield only.final-01

Mars Hill Bible School is designed to provide your student with a challenging, Christ-centered education emphasizing spiritual, academic, physical, and social development in a nurturing environment. MHBS is accredited by AdvancED (SACS) and the National Christian School Association. If you are looking for a school where your child will be loved unconditionally and challenged to excel, see what MHBS has to offer!  For almost 150 years, Mars Hill has challenged its students to excel academically, athletically, socially, and spiritually. They are encouraged to use their talents to the glory of God and for the betterment of their communities. In the classroom or on the field, Mars Hill students are learning to practice genuine discipleship, sharpening their skills, and growing hearts for service. Mars Hi

ll’s excellent academic program is enhanced by daily Bible classes and chapel services.  Each day begins with a broadcasted Bible reading and prayer. The school also includes a broad range of extracurricular activities, including athletic programs, robotics, forensics, band, chorus, and fine arts.

Since its reopening in 1947, MHBS has operated with full accreditation from the Alabama State Department of Education. Since 1971, the school has been fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), now known as AdvancED.


St. Joseph Regional Catholic School 

St. Joseph School has been educating both Catholic and non-Catholic students of the Shoals for over 100 years. St. Joseph is SACS/CASI accredited whose three-fold mission of educating the whole child in a community of faith, knowledge and service begins by forming the hearts of our children with a daily encounter of the living God. Our goal is to guide the students to not only know what to do but to recognize what needs to be done and to act on it. We invite you to join our Christian tradition of preparing future scholars and leaders for a contemporary world. Please consider visiting our campus. We look forward to welcoming you into our school to share in the education of your child. Call 256-766-1923 today or email principal@catholichillcom to schedule a tour. 


Shoals Christian School

 Shoals Christian School is a K3-12 college preparatory, shoals
nondenominational, Christian school located in Florence, Alabama. Our city nestles on the northern bank of the beautiful Tennessee River and is part of a quad-city area known as "The Shoals." As our name implies, we provide families of the Shoals area a distinctively Christian education opportunity emphasizing the pursuit of excellence in character, academic achievement and service to Christ by serving others.

Incorporated in 1997 by the merging of two schools sponsored by Christ Chapel and Woodmont Baptist Church, SCS was founded in order to provide a non-denominational approach to Christian education. We welcome students from a variety of churches and denominations. Graduating our first class in 2000, SCS has graduates attending colleges, universities, and graduate programs throughout the nation. SCS is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the direction of the Headmaster who oversees the daily operation of the school.

Our approach to Christian education is student centered. Small class size allows our teachers to develop a personal relationship with each student. Our committed faculty and staff seek to work in partnership with your family to provide each student an opportunity to develop his or her strengths and talents.