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.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 426 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Harlan Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Harlan Elementary School's student population of 426 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
426 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowering students to explore, create, challenge, innovate and lead.
School Rankings
Harlan Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Harlan Elementary School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#604 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
4%
12%
Black
46%
31%
White
28%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
21%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
85%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harlan Elementary School's ranking?
Harlan Elementary School is ranked #604 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Harlan Elementary School often compared to?
Harlan Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Weeden Elementary School, Forest Hills School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Harlan Elementary School?
426 students attend Harlan Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Harlan Elementary School students are Black, 28% of students are White, 21% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Harlan Elementary School?
Harlan Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Harlan Elementary School offer ?
Harlan Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Harlan Elementary School part of?
Harlan Elementary School is part of Florence City School District.
In what neighborhood is Harlan Elementary School located?
Harlan Elementary School is located in the North Florence neighborhood of Florence, AL. There are 1 other public schools located in North Florence.
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