Conway, SC, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Kingston Elementary School in Horry County has been recognized for significant improvements in literacy and math, with 82% of students reading at grade level and 72% meeting math standards. The school has implemented focused teaching strategies and community support through organizations like the Palmetto Literacy Council. These advancements are part of a broader initiative by Horry County Schools aimed at enhancing student performance across various subjects. The district is committed to improving literacy rates and increasing teacher training to support educational growth.
Conway, SC – Kingston Elementary School has been recognized as the most improved school in reading and math within Horry County, according to data released by the South Carolina Department of Education. Recent assessments indicate that students in Horry County Schools (HCS) have surpassed the state averages across all summative evaluations, demonstrating significant advancements in literacy and numeracy.
Currently, 64% of 3rd to 8th graders at HCS achieved the highest levels on the SC Ready English Language Arts (ELA) assessment, marking the best performance in the last decade. Additionally, HCS students excelled in mathematics, scoring 7% higher than the state average in the “meets or exceeds standard” category. These results highlight a concerted effort towards academic improvement and student success.
At Kingston Elementary, which is designated as a Title 1 school, 82% of students are reading at or above grade level. In math, 72% of students are also meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. The principal of Kingston Elementary, Dr. Dawn Brooks, who has led the school for over 12 years, attributes this success to focused teaching strategies and strong parental involvement. Parents express their confidence in the school’s approach, with many hoping their children will be reading proficiently by the time they finish kindergarten.
Community organizations are also making strides to improve literacy across Horry County. The Palmetto Literacy Council in Myrtle Beach is actively providing free tutoring for struggling students and appealing for volunteers, particularly those who are multilingual, as the demand for support continues to grow. Since its establishment in 2019, the Council has prioritised raising literacy levels among the youth in the community.
Looking ahead, the South Carolina Department of Education has announced that science assessment results will be included back on state report cards in 2025. Recent statistics show HCS students in grades four and six scored 7.45 percentage points higher than state averages in the science “meets or exceeds standard” category. This adds to the district’s recognition of academic advancement across subjects.
In a strategic move to elevate literacy skills, HCS has launched the “Rise with Reading” initiative aiming for 95% of students to read at or above grade level by 2030. The initiative includes a two-year training program for kindergarten to third-grade teachers focused on effective reading instruction strategies. The HCS Superintendent emphasized that this initiative aims to address nationwide concerns about declining reading proficiency rates among students.
HCS also reported a 12% increase in summer learning engagement, with 3,200 students enrolled in programs designed to support reading skills. The initiative provides immediate literacy strategies, alongside comprehensive teacher training that will take one to two years to complete. Furthermore, additional support for struggling readers will include small group sessions during school hours, after-school programs, and various summer learning opportunities.
School board members stress the crucial role of parental engagement in supporting student learning and have pledged to provide resources to help families. The district has seen a notable increase in teacher salaries, with starting pay for new teachers now set at $52,026, representing a significant rise compared to previous years.
Conclusion
The educational community in Conway, SC, continues to demonstrate a commitment to enhancing literacy and academic performance. Through collaborative efforts among school leadership, local organizations, and supportive families, both Kingston Elementary and HCS are setting a benchmark for educational success in Horry County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent improvements has Kingston Elementary achieved in literacy and math?
What initiatives are being implemented to support literacy in Horry County?
How are community organizations involved in literacy support?
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Improvement | Most improved in reading and math in Horry County |
| Literacy Levels | 82% of Kingston students reading at grade level |
| Math Performance | 72% of Kingston students meeting math standards |
| Teacher Training | Two-year training program for teachers on reading strategies |
| Community Support | Palmetto Literacy Council offers free tutoring and seeks volunteers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Horry County Kingston Elementary Recognized for Top Performance in Reading and Math
- Google Search: Horry County schools literacy
- Post and Courier: Horry County Schools Superintendent on Reading Guarantees
- Wikipedia: Educational Improvement
- My Horry News: HCS Proposes Budget for Teacher and Staff Salary Boosts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- WPDE: Parent Demands Stricter Anti-Bullying Policies
- Google News: Horry County education
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.
