News Summary
Horry County Schools has opened two new elementary schools, Pine Island and Ten Oaks, to address severe overcrowding in the region. These schools aim to alleviate congestion, as many local institutions are currently exceeding capacity. With expected enrollments over 800 students each, these facilities will enhance educational conditions in Myrtle Beach and improve traffic flow in surrounding neighborhoods. The completion of these schools reflects the community’s commitment to addressing educational needs amid rapid regional growth.
Myrtle Beach, SC – Horry County Schools Opens Two New Elementary Schools to Alleviate Overcrowding Ahead of 2025 School Year
Horry County Schools has officially opened two new elementary schools, Pine Island and Ten Oaks, to combat severe overcrowding in the area. With both schools set to welcome students for the 2025 school year, they aim to ease congestion in an educational landscape where many local elementary institutions are operating beyond capacity.
Pine Island Elementary is located at the intersection of Ronald McNair Boulevard and is designed to accommodate students from Carolina Forest Elementary and River Oaks Elementary. Meanwhile, Ten Oaks Elementary will serve students from Ocean Bay Elementary and also from Carolina Forest Elementary. Both schools have already reported an enrollment of over 800 students each, a clear indication of their immediate necessity within the community.
The decision to construct these new facilities stems from the ongoing issue of overcrowding in the Carolina Forest area, where many elementary schools have been operating at over 100% capacity. This significant strain on resources has necessitated the need for additional educational institutions to ensure that student-teacher ratios can be improved and that each child can receive the attention and support they require.
The opening of Pine Island and Ten Oaks is expected to make a positive impact on the educational environment in Myrtle Beach. The addition of these schools will not only alleviate overcrowding but also aim to enhance traffic conditions in the surrounding neighborhoods, making both the drop-off and pick-up processes smoother for families.
Administrative Perspectives
The excitement surrounding the new facilities has been palpable among school administrators. The superintendent of Horry County Schools has expressed optimism about how these schools will benefit the local community. He has also highlighted the importance of long-term planning in light of the rapid growth of Horry County, which has been noted as one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation.
In a similar vein, the principal of Ten Oaks Elementary has shared the joy associated with welcoming new students and committing to creating a safe and organized educational space. The anticipation around both schools is not just about infrastructure but also about fostering a nurturing environment for learning.
Teacher Staffing and Community Impact
In preparation for the new school year, Horry County Schools is set to hire approximately 300 new teachers, achieving a remarkable 98% fill rate for teaching positions. Many of these educators will come from Coastal Carolina University, providing a steady influx of qualified individuals ready to engage with students and support their educational journeys.
Funding for the construction of Pine Island and Ten Oaks Elementary was made possible through a penny sales tax, which allowed for a budget-conscious approach while ensuring both facilities could be built in a timely manner. This financial strategy reflects the community’s commitment to investing in education and accommodating future growth needs.
Looking Ahead
The new school year for Horry County is scheduled to commence on August 18, 2025. With the introduction of Pine Island and Ten Oaks Elementary, the district aims to not only mitigate current overcrowding but also prepare adequately for future demands as population growth continues in this rapidly expanding region. The expectation is that with these new institutions, the quality of education in Myrtle Beach will significantly improve, benefitting students and teachers alike.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Horry County Schools Opens Two New Elementary Schools
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Church Hosts Back to School Event
- Google Search: Horry County Schools
- My Horry News: Horry County’s Education System Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elementary Education
- Post and Courier: Horry County Schools Security Coordinator Case Dismissed
- Google News: Horry County Schools news
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.
