Horry County Schools officials are discussing strategies to alleviate overcrowding as students begin the new academic year. Many of the district’s 58 schools are operating at or near full capacity, prompting a focus on both immediate and long-term solutions.
Joe Burch, Director of Capital Projects for Horry County Schools, indicated that the district employs various tools to forecast growth patterns and student demographics. This data informs decisions on addressing overcrowding with temporary measures, such as the deployment of modular classrooms.
Modular units are described as secure hubs containing multiple classrooms, typically four, six, or eight, designed to accommodate student overages within existing school buildings. These modular classrooms are equipped with essential resources, including access to bathrooms and alarm systems, mirroring facilities found in the main school structures.
According to the most recent Horry County Planning Commission packet, 20 schools within the district are currently designated as being in a red zone, signifying they are nearing their maximum student capacity. Carolina Forest High School is projected to have the highest enrollment among all district schools for the 2026-2027 school year. Other schools anticipated to exceed capacity include Aynor Elementary and Waterway Elementary.
The district has a policy in place that denies new transfer requests to schools identified as being in the red zone due to capacity constraints, as stated by Burch. This measure aims to manage student distribution and prevent further strain on already crowded facilities.
For long-term overcrowding relief, the construction of new schools is a primary option. This process involves extensive community, school board, and staff input to ensure all stakeholders are informed and involved in decisions regarding new school development. Burch noted that such projects are undertaken infrequently due to their comprehensive nature.
Another strategy school leaders utilize to mitigate overcrowding involves adjusting student schedules. Many 12th-grade students are offered the flexibility of early dismissal or late arrival options. This approach helps to reduce the total number of students present on campus simultaneously, easing congestion.
In March, the Horry County Board of Education acquired 60 acres of land specifically for the development of additional schools. This purchase is part of a broader effort, as the district has secured three parcels of land over the past year with the intention of addressing persistent overcrowding challenges.