During the early period elementary school were established in both North Florence and East Florence. Initially they were known as the Fifth and Sixth Ward Schools. In March, 1921, the new Gilbert School replaced both the Fifth Ward School and the Coffee Grammar School which was housed in the high school. The North Florence school was named for Henry C. Gilbert, Superintendent of Education for the years 1892 to 1904. Charles M. Brandon an executive in the Cherry Cotton Mill, headed the movement to establish the new Brandon School which was completed in 1899. It replaced the Six Ward School.