News Summary
Myrtle Beach High School showcases significant dedication to enhancing education through innovative programs and community partnerships. With a strong focus on academic excellence and college readiness, the school’s initiatives such as Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities prepare students for future success. Additionally, Myrtle Beach High promotes diverse career pathways and fosters leadership through outstanding extracurricular achievements, ensuring a well-rounded education that meets the needs of its students and the local community.
Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach High: Driving Student Success & Community Growth
Myrtle Beach High School stands as a vibrant example of local dedication transforming educational outcomes. Through innovative programs and deep community partnerships, it is cultivating exceptional student achievement across the Grand Strand.
In the heart of Horry County, Myrtle Beach High School serves as a testament to the power of committed local educators and an engaged community. The pursuit of educational excellence remains a cornerstone for the area, with institutions like Myrtle Beach High embracing forward-thinking approaches to foster student growth. By championing initiatives that empower teachers and provide effective pathways for students, the local educational landscape consistently strives to accelerate academic and personal development for every child within Horry County education. Focused efforts to streamline administrative processes and cultivate environments that address individual student needs highlight a broader understanding that genuine educational improvement often springs from localized innovation and responsiveness. This targeted focus enables Myrtle Beach High School to maintain agility and effectiveness in its mission, ensuring that resources and attention are primarily directed toward student achievement and the creation of opportunities for success.
Fostering Academic Pathways and College Readiness
Myrtle Beach High School demonstrates a strong commitment to cultivating academic excellence and preparing students for college and career readiness. The school maintains a significant position within the educational landscape, ranking #72 among high schools in South Carolina and #5,990 nationwide out of more than 17,000 schools evaluated. This dedication to high standards is reflected in an approximately 80% graduation rate, an increase of over 6% attributed to a focus on building positive relationships within the school community. The curriculum is designed to meet the demands of the 21st century, with over 75% of graduating seniors attending either a two- or four-year college, and more than 60% being offered scholarships.
A key component of this academic foundation is the extensive offering of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with about 35% of students participating in these challenging, college-level programs. Approximately 25% of students pass at least one AP exam, indicating potential college readiness. Myrtle Beach High School was also selected by the College Board as one of only two schools in Horry County to offer the rigorous AP Capstone Diploma program, starting in the 2017-2018 school year. This commitment to advanced coursework provides valuable opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school, potentially reducing the financial burden of higher education and offering diverse academic paths.
Dual Enrollment Programs: Expanding Choices for Students
The flexibility and forward-thinking approach to education are further exemplified through comprehensive dual enrollment opportunities. The Program for Accelerated College Enrollment (PACE) offers high school juniors and seniors, as well as private and home-schooled students, a head start on college by allowing them to earn college credits simultaneously with high school credits. Through collaboration between Horry and Georgetown County School Districts and area high schools, the PACE program allows qualified students to fulfill high school graduation requirements while taking college credit courses. These credits can apply to programs of study at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) or transfer to senior institutions. Horry County Schools notably cover the tuition costs for the fall and spring semesters for students enrolled in the program. Furthermore, PACE grades are weighted as AP/IB/Dual Credit on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale, which can enhance a student’s GPA and class rank, offering a tangible benefit to those choosing to accelerate their academic journey.
Cultivating Diverse Career Pathways and Hands-On Training
Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach to education may not serve every student, Myrtle Beach SC schools, in partnership with the community, emphasize the importance of exploring diverse career pathways. Local institutions are actively working to connect students with opportunities in high-demand trades and fields. Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) hosted over 400 high school seniors to explore career paths in high-demand trades on November 14, 2025. Additionally, Horry County Schools, in collaboration with local hospitals, hosted a Health Science Career Fair, engaging approximately 300 11th and 12th graders with various health science career fields. A Summer Job Fair for high school students was also hosted at Myrtle Beach High School, through a partnership with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Partnership Grand Strand. These initiatives reflect a commitment to providing students with practical, real-world experience and direct connections to local workforce opportunities, fostering personal achievement and economic independence.
Excellence Beyond the Classroom: Arts, Leadership, and Athletics
Myrtle Beach High School is not only a hub for academic instruction but also a thriving center for extracurricular excellence and personal achievement. The school’s commitment to holistic development is evident in the remarkable accomplishments of its students in various fields. The Myrtle Beach High Theatre Company recently earned the state championship for their production of “The Ninth Train” at the South Carolina Theatre Association’s annual convention, with three students receiving All-Star Cast honors. The company will proudly represent Horry County at the Southeastern Theatre Conference. This showcases the talent nurtured within South Carolina classrooms and the value of arts education.
The Seahawks Cadet Corps, part of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program since 1994, has achieved national recognition. In 2016, the Myrtle Beach NJROTC was honored by the Navy League as the Most Improved Unit in the entire United States. The unit has consistently earned the Distinguished Unit Award for three consecutive years, placing it in the top 10% of NJROTC units nationwide. These cadets also secured approximately $182,000 in college scholarships and achieved third place out of 66 units to qualify for the Area Six Drill Competition. These achievements highlight dedication, leadership, and the profound impact of structured programs on student development. Furthermore, individual student achievements, such as Aniya Gardner winning first place in her category at the SC State Fair Student Art Competition, underscore the diverse talents fostered at the school. In athletics, Myrtle Beach High School teams compete in South Carolina Region VII in Class 4A sports, boasting numerous state championships across various disciplines including basketball, golf, and tennis.
Community as a Cornerstone of Educational Success
The success of Myrtle Beach High School is deeply intertwined with its role as a community hub and its robust partnerships. Collaborations with local higher education institutions like Coastal Carolina University (located just minutes from Myrtle Beach) and Horry-Georgetown Technical College provide students with advanced learning opportunities and clear pathways to post-secondary education. Horry-Georgetown Technical College, for instance, is actively exploring the establishment of a potential campus or learning center in Loris to make high-quality education more accessible to the community. These partnerships extend beyond academics to workforce preparation, as seen in career fairs and events designed to connect students with local business leaders and job opportunities. This community-driven approach ensures that educational programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of both students and the local economy, showcasing the benefits of strong local leadership and collaborative efforts.
Conclusion
Myrtle Beach High School stands as a dynamic institution, consistently evolving to meet the needs of its students and the broader community. Through a blend of rigorous academic programs, expansive career readiness initiatives, celebrated extracurricular achievements, and strong community partnerships, the school exemplifies how local engagement and innovative approaches can foster unparalleled student success. The focus on individual achievement, coupled with a responsive educational environment, ensures that students are well-prepared for college, career, and active civic participation. We encourage all residents to continue supporting our local schools and engaging in the policies that shape the future of Horry County education, helping to ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore, grow, and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Myrtle Beach High School
- What is the graduation rate at Myrtle Beach High School?
- The graduation rate at Myrtle Beach High School is approximately 80%.
- How many students participate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses at Myrtle Beach High School?
- About 35% of students at Myrtle Beach High School participate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
- Does Myrtle Beach High School offer dual enrollment opportunities?
- Yes, Myrtle Beach High School offers dual enrollment opportunities through the Program for Accelerated College Enrollment (PACE), allowing high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits simultaneously with high school credits.
- What are some notable extracurricular achievements at Myrtle Beach High School?
- Myrtle Beach High School’s Theatre Company recently earned the state championship for their production of “The Ninth Train” at the South Carolina Theatre Association’s annual convention, and its NJROTC unit was recognized as the Most Improved Unit in the entire United States in 2016 and consistently earns the Distinguished Unit Award, placing it in the top 10% of NJROTC units nationwide.
- How does Myrtle Beach High School partner with the community for career readiness?
- Myrtle Beach High School and Horry County Schools partner with institutions like Horry-Georgetown Technical College for career exploration events and with local businesses and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for career fairs and job opportunities.
Key Features of Myrtle Beach High School
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | Approximately 1,595 students (grades 9-12) | Local |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 18 to 1 | Local |
| State Ranking | #72 among high schools in South Carolina | State-level |
| Nationwide Ranking | #5,990 nationwide out of over 17,000 schools | Nationwide |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 80% | Local |
| AP Course Participation | About 35% of students participate | Local |
| AP Exam Pass Rate | Approximately 25% of students pass at least one AP exam | Local |
| College Enrollment | Over 75% of graduating seniors attend a two- or four-year college | Local |
| Dual Enrollment (PACE) | Opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits simultaneously | Local/State-level |
| Theatre Company | State championship winners at the South Carolina Theatre Association’s annual convention | State-level |
| NJROTC Recognition | Recognized as the Most Improved Unit in the entire United States in 2016 by the Navy League; consistently earns Distinguished Unit Award (top 10% nationwide) | Nationwide |
| Community Partnerships | Collaborates with Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Coastal Carolina University, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses | Local |
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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.
