News Summary
As the academic year progresses, Myrtle Beach area high schools are demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation and student achievement. Families in the Grand Strand are actively noticing the enhanced performance and offerings of public high schools, including HCS Scholars Academy High School, which achieved the highest state ranking for academic excellence. The district’s focus on parent engagement, community partnerships, and advancements in teaching methodologies showcases a collective effort to provide students with the necessary tools for future success.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Unlocking Excellence: Myrtle Beach Area High Schools Charting a Course for 2026
As the academic year of 2025-2026 unfolds, families across the Grand Strand are keenly observing the performance and offerings of our local public high schools. This year’s rankings highlight a commitment to educational innovation and a focus on student achievement, demonstrating how dedicated educators and engaged communities are shaping the future of learning.
The pursuit of educational excellence is a cornerstone of a thriving community, and in the Myrtle Beach area, our schools are embracing forward-thinking approaches. From robust academic programs to a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, the commitment to providing a holistic education is evident. These efforts, often spurred by local initiatives and parental involvement, underscore a belief in empowering students for success beyond the classroom.
Horry County Schools, as a district, continues to strive for a premier, world-class educational system where every student receives an excellent education. Horry County Schools’ performance on the 2025 state report cards showed that 38 out of 57 district schools were rated as Excellent or Good, with 16 achieving an Excellent rating and 22 a Good rating, while 18 earned an Average score. This broad achievement reflects a concerted effort by educators, administrators, and the community to foster environments of high-quality teaching and learning. The vision for our schools is to be welcoming centers organized around high-quality teaching and learning.
Spotlight on Achievement: Top Performers in the Myrtle Beach Area
The 2026 Niche rankings for public high schools in the Myrtle Beach area, based on rigorous analysis of data and reviews, provide valuable insights for parents and students. These rankings consider factors such as state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality. Notably, SAT/ACT scores have been de-emphasized in this year’s rankings to align with shifts in college admissions.
Leading the way with exceptional marks is HCS Scholars Academy High School. This institution has earned a remarkable rating of 4.92 out of 5 based on 12 reviews. Furthermore, HCS Scholars Academy High School was ranked #1 of all 1,309 schools in the state on the 2025 state report cards, achieving an outstanding score of 99.7 out of 100. Such an accomplishment underscores the benefits of focused academic environments and selective programming designed to maximize student potential.
Carolina Forest High School, with a Niche grade of A- and a rating of 3.85 out of 5 from 386 reviews, stands out as a strong performer. It received recognition from US News and World Reports as one of the Best High Schools for 2025-2026. Carolina Forest High School is ranked #1 for Best High Schools for Athletes in both the Myrtle Beach Area and Horry County. Additionally, it is recognized nationally among Niche Standout High Schools in America, placing 301 out of 2,695.
Other highly-rated schools include St. James High School (4.05 out of 5 rating from 312 reviews) and Socastee High School (3.96 out of 5 rating from 390 reviews), both demonstrating strong community satisfaction and academic standing within Horry County Schools. HCS Early College High School also shows impressive performance with a rating of 4.24 out of 5 from 120 reviews.
North Myrtle Beach High School, holding a B+ grade and a 3.77 out of 5 rating from 299 reviews, is notably ranked #3 for Best High Schools for Athletes and #4 for Best Public High School Teachers in Horry County. This highlights the importance of strong faculty and well-rounded programs that cater to diverse student interests and talents.
Myrtle Beach High School, also with a B+ grade and a 3.75 out of 5 rating, is recognized as the #1 Most Diverse Public High School in both the Myrtle Beach Area and Horry County. Myrtle Beach High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,595 students across grades 9 to 12. Approximately 35% of students at Myrtle Beach High School participate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with about 25% passing at least one AP exam. The student body is notably diverse, with around 62% minority enrollment and nearly 59% identifying as economically disadvantaged. Academically, the school ranks #72 within South Carolina high schools and #5,990 nationwide out of over 17,000 schools evaluated. The graduation rate is around 80%. Reading proficiency stands at approximately 63%, while math and science proficiency is around 38%. Myrtle Beach High School’s NJROTC unit has consistently received the Distinguished Unit Award, placing it in the top 10% of NJROTC units nationally.
Cultivating Innovation in the Classroom
Innovation is a driving force in educational advancement, and Horry County Schools are actively fostering environments where new teaching methods and technologies can flourish. Myrtle Beach High School, through its partnership with the New Tech Network as Seahawk New Tech, has completed its sixth year of delivering core content via highly structured, real-world projects. This project-based learning model, combined with blended rotational models and integrated digital content, aims to equip students with essential 21st-century skills for a competitive global society. The school offers a variety of academic and enrichment programs designed to engage students and enhance their experiences.
The district’s commitment to technological literacy is also evident through initiatives like the 2026 HCS Technology Fair. This event encourages students to submit projects across various categories, including advanced topics such as AI simulations & hands-on demonstrations, advanced VR/AR, and advanced cybersecurity projects. Such platforms provide students with practical experience and cultivate critical thinking in emerging fields.
Further supporting educational innovation at a broader level, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) offers FY 2025–26 Innovation Grants. These grants are designed to support innovative pilot initiatives in public school districts and schools across the state, with priority given to those with high poverty and low achievement, encouraging evidence-based practices that significantly impact student outcomes. Additionally, the 2026 SCASA Innovative Ideas Institute, a premier leadership development conference, will be held in Myrtle Beach, gathering approximately 1,700 public school leaders from South Carolina and other southeastern states to discuss innovative instructional programs and best practices.
Empowering Parental Choice and Community Partnerships
A key aspect of a robust educational system is the active involvement of parents and the community. Horry County Schools recognizes this vital connection through its comprehensive Parent & Family Engagement Policy. This policy actively encourages and supports parental involvement in children’s education, offering strategies like parenting classes, home visitation opportunities, and adult education programs. Special assistance is also provided to ensure that non-English speaking parents can fully participate. The policy emphasizes that parents, family, and community members make valuable contributions to the educational process and should be involved in school and district decisions, including participation on school committees, parent organizations, and as volunteers.
The positive impact of engaging community partners on student academic achievement, attendance, motivation, social-emotional development, and mental and physical well-being is well-documented. Horry County Schools has established numerous collaborative relationships with local stakeholders. Examples include partnerships with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Partnership Grand Strand for annual Summer Job Fairs, connecting high school students with local employment opportunities. Local hospitals participate in the HCS Health Science Career Fair, discussing various health science career fields with 11th and 12th graders. United Way of Horry County hosts reading events in schools, such as Caring for Kindergartners and United to Read. Furthermore, collaborations with Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, like the “Teal and Tech Experience,” allow middle school students to explore academic programs and facilities at higher education institutions. The “Build Something Amazing” event, sponsored by HCS in partnership with Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Apprenticeship Carolina, and Partnership Grand Strand, provides career exploration for 12th graders interested in skilled trades. These partnerships leverage community assets to address school challenges and enrich student experiences.
Recognizing Dedicated Professionals
The success of any school system rests heavily on the dedication and expertise of its staff. Horry County Schools recently celebrated Holly McMillan of Myrtle Beach High as the 2026 Support Staff Employee of the Year. Such recognition underscores the invaluable contributions of all school personnel in creating supportive and effective learning environments.
Looking Ahead: A New Year for Horry County Schools
As we navigate the academic calendar, it is important to note that all Horry County Schools will observe holiday closures from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday, January 5. This break provides an opportunity for students, families, and educators to recharge before continuing their pursuit of knowledge and growth.
The overall landscape of public education in the Myrtle Beach area reflects a dynamic and evolving system. The emphasis on innovation, coupled with strong community ties and a commitment to parental engagement, bodes well for the continued academic growth and personal achievement of our students. By supporting local schools and staying informed about educational policies, residents can contribute to an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are some of the top-ranked public high schools in the Myrtle Beach area for 2026?
A: For 2026, HCS Scholars Academy High School is highly ranked, achieving #1 in the state on 2025 state report cards with a score of 99.7 out of 100. Carolina Forest High School, St. James High School, Socastee High School, HCS Early College High School, North Myrtle Beach High School, and Myrtle Beach High School are also noted for strong performance and ratings.
Q: How are Horry County Schools performing overall?
A: Horry County Schools’ performance on the 2025 state report cards showed that 38 out of 57 district schools were rated as Excellent or Good.
Q: What initiatives are Horry County Schools implementing for educational innovation?
A: Initiatives include Myrtle Beach High School’s partnership with New Tech Network for project-based learning, the 2026 HCS Technology Fair encouraging projects in AI and cybersecurity, and the hosting of the 2026 SCASA Innovative Ideas Institute focused on instructional best practices.
Q: How does Horry County Schools involve parents and the community?
A: Horry County Schools has a Parent & Family Engagement Policy that encourages parental involvement through parenting classes, home visits, adult education, and participation in school committees and volunteer programs. The district also forms partnerships with local businesses, higher education institutions, and non-profits for career fairs, job fairs, and educational experiences.
Q: When are Horry County Schools closed for the upcoming holiday season?
A: All Horry County Schools will be closed from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026. Classes will resume on Monday, January 5.
Key Features of Myrtle Beach Area Public High Schools (2026)
| School Name | Niche Grade/Rating | Key Achievements/Focus | Community/Horry County Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCS Scholars Academy High School | 4.92 out of 5 | #1 in state (2025 report card: 99.7/100) | #1 of all 1,309 schools in the state |
| Carolina Forest High School | A- / 3.85 out of 5 | US News & World Reports Best High Schools 2025-2026; #1 Best High Schools for Athletes in Myrtle Beach Area and Horry County | #1 Best High Schools for Athletes in Myrtle Beach Area and Horry County |
| St. James High School | 4.05 out of 5 | Strong academic standing | Horry County Schools |
| Socastee High School | 3.96 out of 5 | Strong academic standing | Horry County Schools |
| North Myrtle Beach High School | B+ / 3.77 out of 5 | #3 Best High Schools for Athletes in Horry County/Myrtle Beach Area; #4 Best Public High School Teachers in Horry County | #5 Best Public High Schools in Horry County |
| Myrtle Beach High School | B+ / 3.75 out of 5 | #1 Most Diverse Public High Schools in Myrtle Beach Area and Horry County; Seahawk New Tech project-based learning; NJROTC Distinguished Unit Award | #1 Most Diverse Public High Schools in Myrtle Beach Area and Horry County |
| HCS Early College High School | 4.24 out of 5 | Strong academic performance | Horry County Schools |
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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.
