Horry Schools Reopen Today: A Fresh Start for Students and Community

News Summary

Horry County Schools proudly reopen their doors to students, marking the end of the holiday break and the beginning of a new chapter in academic excellence. This return underscores the dedication of educators and community collaboration aimed at creating a supportive learning environment. The district is also excited to roll out innovative educational strategies, including an AI platform and a personalized learning initiative, alongside strong parental involvement, setting the stage for another successful year in education.

Myrtle Beach

Horry Schools Reopen Today: A Fresh Start for Students and Community

Horry County Schools enthusiastically welcome students back to classrooms today, January 5, 2026, concluding the refreshing holiday break and commencing a new chapter of academic growth across the district. This return to learning highlights the consistent dedication of local educators and the collaborative spirit of the community in fostering an environment where students can thrive, supported by thoughtful administrative planning that allows for essential family time.

As the holiday season draws to a close, the reopening of Horry County Schools signals a renewed focus on educational excellence and community engagement. The district’s commitment to providing a supportive and innovative learning experience remains paramount, with recent achievements reflecting the positive impact of local initiatives and a streamlined approach to academic improvement. This year promises continued progress in student achievement and a reinforced partnership between schools, parents, and the wider community.

A Smooth Transition Back to Learning

All Horry County Schools were closed from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026, allowing students, faculty, and staff a well-deserved period of rest and rejuvenation. Classes officially resumed today, Monday, January 5, 2026, across all district schools, including institutions like Whittemore Park Middle School, Carolina Forest Elementary, Loris Elementary, St. James Middle School, Ten Oaks Middle, Myrtle Beach Middle School, St. James High School, Waccamaw Elementary School, and Ocean Bay Elementary. This coordinated schedule underscores an efficient administrative framework designed to support both academic rigor and the well-being of the school community.

Driving Educational Innovation in Horry County

Horry County Schools continue to embrace cutting-edge educational strategies and technological advancements to enrich the learning experience. A significant development for the 2025-2026 school year is the implementation of an artificial intelligence (AI) platform, “Magic School,” in classrooms. This innovative tool is designed to benefit both students and teachers by easing educator workloads and providing students with personalized support in writing through targeted feedback and one-on-one virtual coaching.

Furthermore, the district’s Personalized Learning Initiative ensures that all students are equipped with personal computing devices. This initiative employs the “HCS Core 5” as an instructional model to deliver authentic and relevant learning experiences, preparing students for college and careers. In response to rapid local growth, Horry County Schools also expanded its facilities by opening two new elementary schools, Ten Oaks Elementary and Pine Island Elementary, in Carolina Forest in August 2025, demonstrating a proactive approach to accommodating the growing student population.

Empowering Parental Choices and Involvement

Parental involvement is a cornerstone of student success within Horry County Schools, which actively supports families through various programs. The district offers full-day Child Development programs for eligible four-year-olds who are considered at-risk, providing an early intervention designed to prepare children for kindergarten success. These programs are taught by state-certified teachers using South Carolina Early Learning Standards and an approved curriculum.

Additionally, the Preschool Parent Program, a national research-based early childhood literacy, parenting, and school readiness initiative, serves families with children aged 24 months to 3 years. This program offers virtual home visits and materials to encourage verbal interactions, vocabulary development, and foundational learning concepts. Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) further facilitate strong parental engagement, fostering cooperative relationships between students, staff, and administration. The district’s comprehensive “Rise with Reading” initiative also includes expanded opportunities for parental engagement, emphasizing the critical role parents play in supporting literacy development.

Celebrating Academic Excellence and Teacher Dedication

Horry County Schools have consistently demonstrated strong academic performance. In the 2024-2025 academic year, HCS students surpassed the state average on all state summative assessments. Notably, 64% of third through eighth graders achieved the highest levels of performance on the SC Ready ELA assessment, marking the highest percentage in Horry County over the past decade. High school students also excelled, with 76.2% of third-year students earning their College-and-Career Readiness credential, significantly higher than the state average.

The district’s commitment to academic rigor is further evidenced by its on-time graduation rate, which reached an impressive 89.6% in 2025, exceeding the statewide average of 86.7% and representing the highest rate since the current accountability system was established in 2018. In 2025, 82.5% of HCS graduates were identified as collegiate- or career-ready, showcasing an upward trend in preparing students for their futures. A standout achievement includes HCS Scholars Academy High School earning the highest score of any school in South Carolina in 2025. The dedication of educators is also supported by the district’s financial commitment, as the approved 2025-2026 budget includes higher pay for Horry County teachers without requiring a tax increase, with beginning teachers now earning over $52,000 annually.

Strengthening Through Community Partnerships

Community collaboration plays a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities within Horry County Schools, which is the third-largest school district in South Carolina, serving over 48,000 students across more than 56 schools. Strategic partnerships with local institutions like Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College create valuable pathways for students. Programs such as the “Teal and Tech Experience” expose middle schoolers to academic programs and facilities, while the “Build Something Amazing” event guides high schoolers interested in skilled trades.

Collaborations with entities like Partnership Grand Strand through initiatives like the “Career Readiness Showcase” directly connect students with local workforce opportunities and introduce business leaders to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at high schools. Furthermore, the “Principal for a Day” events engage over 50 public figures and business leaders, providing insights into educational leadership and preparing students for life after graduation. The district’s “Rise with Reading” initiative, aiming for 95% of students to read at or above grade level by 2030, is a prime example of a community-wide effort involving professional development, instructional coaching, and expanded parent engagement to achieve a shared educational goal.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Continued Growth

As Horry County students return to their classrooms today, January 5, 2026, the commitment to fostering academic excellence, embracing innovation, and strengthening community ties remains unwavering. The ongoing focus on personalized learning, robust teacher support, and active parental involvement creates a dynamic educational environment that prepares students for future success. The district’s impressive academic achievements and responsive growth initiatives underscore a dedication to providing the best possible education for every student in Myrtle Beach and across Horry County.

Readers are encouraged to remain engaged with their local schools, support educational initiatives, and participate in community partnerships that contribute to the ongoing success of Horry County’s vibrant educational landscape. Your involvement helps shape the future of our students and our community.

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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.