News Summary
As Horry County students prepare for a holiday break, the district reflects on educational advancements and community collaboration. With innovative initiatives like personalized learning and AI tools, HCS fosters a balanced environment to enhance academic success. The winter recess offers vital time for relaxation and family connection, supporting students and staff alike. Horry County Schools continue to surpass academic benchmarks, reinforcing their commitment to educational excellence.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Education: Holiday Pause, Academic Progress
As Horry County students prepare for a well-deserved holiday break, the district reflects on a year of significant educational advancements and community collaboration, underscoring the dedication of local educators and the positive impact of engaged families.
The upcoming seasonal recess provides a valuable opportunity for students and staff to recharge, essential for sustained academic excellence and personal growth. These periods of rest are not merely breaks from instruction but vital components of a balanced educational environment, allowing for reflection and renewed focus that can ultimately accelerate school improvement. The commitment of Horry County Schools to fostering an environment where both learning and well-being are prioritized continues to serve as a cornerstone for student success, benefiting families across the Myrtle Beach SC schools community.
Horry County Schools Announce Winter Recess
All Horry County Schools will observe a holiday closure from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026, allowing students and staff a well-deserved winter recess. This period provides an important opportunity for rest and family time during the festive season. Classes will resume on Friday, January 3, 2026. The structured break is a consistent feature of the Horry County education calendar, designed to support the holistic well-being of the educational community.
A Commitment to Personalized Learning and Innovation
Horry County Schools are actively embracing innovative approaches to education, preparing students for future challenges and opportunities. The district has implemented a Personalized Learning Initiative, providing personal computing devices to all students to tailor learning experiences to individual strengths, needs, and interests. This initiative aims to immerse students in authentic and relevant learning experiences that promote college and career readiness. Furthering its commitment to modern education, HCS is utilizing an artificial intelligence (AI) platform called Magic School in classrooms, designed to assist both teachers and students. This platform supports teachers by lessening their workload and aids students, particularly in developing writing skills, providing targeted feedback and one-on-one writing coaching. Additionally, the district has successfully rolled out blended learning models across its schools, starting with middle schools and expanding to high schools and elementary levels, exemplified by the iCAN model at Whittemore Park Middle School. These advancements demonstrate a strategic effort to enhance instructional delivery and meet the evolving needs of students in South Carolina classrooms.
Empowering Educators: Celebrating Local Talent
The dedication of educators within Horry County Schools is regularly recognized through various programs that highlight their significant contributions. Each year, the district celebrates its Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year, honoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional teaching and inspire student achievement. For the 2026 academic year, JoLynn Prochaska of Ten Oaks Middle was named the HCS Teacher of the Year, and McKenzie Brown of Loris High was recognized as the HCS Rookie Teacher of the Year. These accolades not only celebrate personal achievement but also underscore the district’s commitment to supporting and valuing its teaching staff, fostering an environment where professional excellence thrives. Such recognition reinforces the importance of individual teacher initiative in shaping positive educational outcomes for students in Horry County education.
Strengthening Bonds: Parental and Community Partnerships Flourish
Strong community and parental involvement are vital components of the Horry County Schools’ success, emphasizing the belief that education is a shared responsibility. The district actively fosters numerous community partnerships with local entities such as HTC, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Partnership Grand Strand, Coastal Carolina University, Santee Cooper, and Dell. These collaborations create diverse opportunities for students, including career exploration events like the “Build Something Amazing” experience for high schoolers interested in skilled trades, and health science career fairs. Furthermore, HCS champions parental involvement through its comprehensive Parent & Family Engagement Policy, which encourages active participation in school committees, parent organizations, and volunteer activities at both school and district levels. Programs such as the Preschool Parent Program and Family Literacy Programs are also in place to support families with young children, focusing on early intervention and literacy development to prepare students for school success. These efforts highlight the district’s understanding that a supportive home and community environment significantly enhance student academic achievement and school performance, embodying the spirit of collective growth in Myrtle Beach SC schools.
Excellence in Achievement: Horry County Outpaces State Averages
Horry County Schools consistently demonstrate strong academic performance, frequently surpassing state averages in key metrics. The district’s public schools boast an average math proficiency score of 50% compared to the South Carolina public school average of 43%, and a reading proficiency score of 57% against the statewide average of 52%. These schools also hold an average ranking of 9/10, placing them in the top 20% of South Carolina public schools. Notably, 72% of qualifying HCS schools received “Excellent” or “Good” ratings on the 2023-2024 SC state report card, with no schools receiving an “Unsatisfactory” rating. The district’s on-time graduation rate reached 89.6% in 2025, exceeding the state’s rate of 86.7%, and 82.5% of the 2025 graduating cohort were identified as college- or career-ready, a significant increase from the previous year. HCS seniors also outperformed their state peers with an average composite SAT score of 1033, 24 points higher than the state average. Furthermore, Scholars Academy High School was recognized as the #1 high school in the entire state of South Carolina. These results underscore a focused commitment to high-quality teaching and a supportive learning environment across Horry County education.
Diverse Pathways for Student Success
Recognizing that students thrive with varied opportunities, Horry County Schools provides a comprehensive array of academic programs and choices. The district offers extensive high school program options, including two specialized academies like the Academy for the Arts, Science & Technology and the Academy for Technology & Academics, Early College High School, and the top-ranked Scholars Academy. Students can also pursue dual-credit opportunities, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, allowing for accelerated learning and diverse academic pathways. For younger students, gifted and talented programs are available in several elementary schools, fostering specialized learning from an early age. These offerings exemplify the district’s dedication to providing a wide spectrum of educational choices that cater to different student interests and aspirations, ensuring every student has the chance to achieve personal excellence within the South Carolina classrooms.
Conclusion
As Horry County Schools embark on their winter break, the pause offers a moment to appreciate the significant strides made throughout the year. From innovative personalized learning initiatives and the strategic integration of technology to robust community partnerships and consistent academic outperformance, the district continues to build a strong foundation for future generations. These achievements reflect not only the hard work of students and staff but also the invaluable contributions of engaged parents and a supportive community. Moving forward, sustained involvement in local schools and ongoing advocacy for policies that empower educators and offer diverse educational choices will remain crucial for ensuring continued academic growth and personal success across Horry County education. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by Myrtle Beach SC schools sets a powerful example for educational excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Horry County Schools
Q: When are Horry County Schools closed for the winter holidays in 2025-2026?
A: All Horry County Schools will be closed from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026.
Q: What are some of the key academic achievements of Horry County Schools?
A: Horry County Schools consistently outperform state averages in math and reading proficiency, with average scores of 50% in math and 57% in reading, compared to state averages of 43% and 52% respectively. The district also has an on-time graduation rate of 89.6% in 2025, higher than the state’s 86.7%. Additionally, 72% of qualifying schools received “Excellent” or “Good” ratings on the 2023-2024 SC state report card.
Q: What innovative learning programs does Horry County Schools offer?
A: The district has a Personalized Learning Initiative providing personal computing devices to all students. Horry County Schools also uses an AI platform called Magic School to support writing skills for students and lessen teacher workload. Blended learning models, including the iCAN model, are implemented across the district.
Q: How does Horry County Schools involve parents and the community?
A: HCS has a Parent & Family Engagement Policy encouraging parent participation in school committees, organizations, and volunteer activities. The district also engages in numerous community partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions for career exploration and educational support. Programs like the Preschool Parent Program and Family Literacy Programs are also offered to support families.
Q: Does Horry County Schools offer specialized high school programs?
A: Yes, HCS provides diverse high school program options, including specialized academies, Early College High School, Scholars Academy, dual-credit opportunities, and Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
Key Features of Horry County Schools
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Holiday Closure | Schools closed from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026. | Horry County |
| Academic Performance | Consistently outperforms South Carolina state averages in math and reading proficiency. High on-time graduation and college/career readiness rates. | Horry County / State-level Comparison |
| Educational Innovation | Personalized Learning Initiative with student devices; implementation of AI platform (Magic School); blended learning models. | Horry County |
| Teacher Recognition | Annual Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year awards to celebrate outstanding educators. | Horry County |
| Community Engagement | Extensive partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions; comprehensive Parent & Family Engagement Policy. | Horry County |
| Student Program Options | Diverse high school programs including academies, Early College, Scholars Academy, dual-credit, AP, and IB programs; gifted and talented programs in elementary schools. | Horry County |
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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.
