New Schools Announced in Carolina Forest Area
CONWAY, S.C. — Horry County Schools took significant steps forward as they finalized the names and mascots for two new elementary schools in the Carolina Forest area. The school board made the announcement on Monday, revealing that the school situated on Carolina Forest Boulevard will be named Ten Oaks Elementary School, while the school located on Ronald McNair Boulevard will be called Pine Island Elementary School.
Details About the Schools
Both schools will have a capacity of 1,200 students and are scheduled to open their doors in August 2025. Their mascots are also set, with Ten Oaks Elementary adopting the Red Foxes and Pine Island Elementary representing the Pelicans.
Leadership Appointments
In addition to naming the schools, the board announced the appointments of their respective principals. Andrena Baker, the current assistant principal at Myrtle Beach Middle School, will lead Ten Oaks Elementary. Dr. Michael Raymond, who is currently the principal at Switlik Elementary School in Jackson, New Jersey, will take the reins at Pine Island Elementary. Both administrators are set to begin their new roles in January 2025.
Construction Progress
Recently, topping-off ceremonies were held for both schools, marking a significant milestone as the framework of the buildings was completed. These ceremonies celebrate the progress of construction and signify that both facilities are moving closer to completion.
Community Impact
The introduction of these new schools is expected to alleviate overcrowding in existing local elementary institutions. The schools are strategically located to serve the growing population in the Carolina Forest area, which has seen an uptick in families and students over recent years.
As the opening date approaches, the school board and community look forward to establishing a positive environment for the new students, staff, and families that will be part of these schools. The board is dedicated to ensuring both schools will provide quality education and a nurturing atmosphere.
Conclusion
With the announcement of both the names and mascots, as well as the principals for Ten Oaks Elementary School and Pine Island Elementary School, the Horry County Schools are making substantial progress in enhancing educational facilities in the area. As more developments unfold, the community is invited to stay engaged for updates regarding the new schools and their futures.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
