News Summary
As winter break approaches, Horry County Schools in Myrtle Beach will close from December 22 to January 2 for a much-needed holiday recess. This pause allows students and staff to recharge and reflect on recent academic achievements. With a commitment to educational excellence, the district’s schools exhibit strong academic performance, evidenced by notable proficiency scores and a high on-time graduation rate. Parents and community members are encouraged to engage with local schools and support ongoing educational initiatives as classes are set to resume on January 5.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Schools Pause for Winter Break
Horry County Schools prepare for a well-deserved holiday recess, reflecting on a year of academic strides and community engagement before classes resume in the new year.
As the holiday season draws near, families and educators across Horry County are preparing for the upcoming winter break. Horry County Schools, encompassing institutions from Myrtle Beach High to elementary and middle schools throughout the area, will observe a holiday closure designed to offer students and staff a period of rest and rejuvenation. This structured pause provides an opportune moment to reflect on the commitment to educational excellence and community partnership that defines the Horry County education landscape, a system continually striving for innovation and personalized student success.
The temporary cessation of classes underscores a thoughtful approach to the academic calendar, balancing rigorous learning with essential time for family and personal development. Such breaks are crucial for fostering a balanced environment where students can recharge, and teachers can prepare for the upcoming semester, ensuring the continuity of high-quality instruction upon their return. This localized decision-making by the Horry County Board of Education highlights the benefits of responsive governance, allowing the district to meet the unique needs of its community while maintaining a focus on academic achievement and student well-being.
Upcoming Holiday Closure for Horry County Schools
All Horry County Schools are scheduled to be closed from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026, for the holiday season. This includes all high schools in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, as well as elementary and middle schools throughout the district. Classes are set to resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. This period allows students, faculty, and staff to enjoy time with their families and return refreshed for the second semester of the 2025-2026 school year.
Celebrating Academic Excellence and Student Achievement
Horry County Schools has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, with numerous schools earning recognition at both district and state levels. For the 2025-2026 school year, Horry County public schools boast an average math proficiency score of 50%, surpassing the South Carolina public school average of 43%. In reading proficiency, Horry County Schools achieved an average of 57%, notably higher than the statewide average of 52%. The district’s schools hold an average ranking of 9/10, placing them in the top 20% of South Carolina public schools.
A significant highlight from the 2025 state report cards indicates that HCS Scholars Academy High School achieved a report card score of 99.7 out of 100, ranking it as the #1 school among all 1,309 schools in the state that receive a report card. Overall, 38 out of 57 district schools were rated as “Excellent” or “Good” on the 2025 state report cards, with no HCS schools rated “Unsatisfactory”. The district’s on-time graduation rate rose to 89.6% in 2025, an increase from 86.3% in 2024, outperforming the state’s rate of 86.7%. Additionally, 82.5% of the 2025 graduating cohort were identified as college- or career-ready, an increase of 5 percentage points from the previous year. HCS seniors also outperformed their peers statewide with an average composite SAT score of 1033, which is 24 points higher than the state average of 1009.
Pioneering Personalized Learning and Educational Innovation
Horry County Schools has embraced innovative educational approaches to tailor learning experiences to individual student needs. The Personalized Digital Learning (PDL) initiative, a cornerstone of Horry County education, aims to immerse all students in rich, authentic, and relevant digital learning experiences that prepare them for college and career readiness. This initiative, which began with a pilot in middle schools in the 2013-2014 school year and expanded across the district, has shown positive results. Since its inception, HCS middle schools have experienced a 7 percentage point rise in students meeting or exceeding growth targets in reading and a 17 percentage point rise in math.
The district also implemented the iCAN model at Whittemore Park Middle School, a competency-based learning approach designed to accelerate academic gains and develop lifelong skills. This model focuses on individualized learning, college and career readiness, student aspirations, and a strong network of support, utilizing flexible student groups and personalized learning plans. Furthermore, Horry County Schools is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms using platforms like Magic School, which provides generative tools for teachers to lessen their workload and offers students a writing tutor with targeted feedback. These initiatives reflect a forward-thinking approach to education, leveraging technology and adaptive strategies to foster personal achievement and academic growth in Myrtle Beach SC schools.
Empowering Educators and Parental Engagement
The dedication of educators is regularly recognized within Horry County Schools. Each year, schools select their Teachers of the Year, who are then considered for the overall HCS Teacher of the Year honor, celebrating their commitment to dedication, innovation, and students. Several HCS staff members have also received state and national awards for their exceptional contributions to education. These recognitions highlight the value placed on teacher initiative and excellence within the district.
Parental involvement is also a strong focus, with policies designed to encourage and support families in their children’s educational journey. The Parent and Family Engagement Policy emphasizes building the capacity for strong involvement through parent education workshops, family literacy programs, and opportunities for parents to participate in school improvement councils and observe in classrooms. Horry County Schools provides various high school program options, including the International Baccalaureate program at Socastee High, Scholars Academy, HCS Early College High School, and STEM programs, offering families a range of choices to best fit their students’ interests and academic goals. This emphasis on parental choice and diverse program offerings strengthens the educational landscape of Horry County education.
Fostering Community Partnerships for Academic Growth
Community partnerships play a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities and supporting student success across Horry County Schools. Organizations like the United Way of Horry County collaborate with schools on initiatives such as “United to Read” and “Caring for Kindergartners,” bringing volunteers into classrooms to promote early childhood literacy. Horry County Schools also encourages volunteerism from parents and community members, who can serve as academic tutors, reading buddies, and assistants in various school activities.
The district provides a range of community resources, including adult education programs that offer GED preparation, academic skill improvement, and family literacy services. The “Handle with Care” program is another example, providing schools with advance notice when students experience trauma at home, allowing educators to offer timely support and resources. These partnerships and volunteer efforts exemplify how a robust network of community support can significantly contribute to fostering academic growth and well-being for students in South Carolina classrooms.
Local Leadership and a Vision for World-Class Education
The governance of Horry County Schools is overseen by a twelve-member Board of Education, with eleven members elected from single-member districts and a chairperson elected at large. This local oversight ensures that decisions are made with the specific needs and values of the Horry County community in mind. The Board is responsible for interpreting the educational needs of the county and implementing policies that stimulate student learning and development.
The district’s vision is to be a premier, world-class school system where every student receives an excellent education. This vision is supported by a commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, with schools designed as welcoming centers for students and families. Through effective local leadership and a clear focus on student-centered policies, Horry County Schools aims to inspire possibilities for student success across all its programs and initiatives.
As Horry County Schools looks forward to the upcoming return from winter break, the continued focus on academic achievement, innovative learning, parental engagement, and strong community ties remains paramount. These collective efforts create a dynamic educational environment for the children of Myrtle Beach and beyond. We encourage all parents and community members to stay engaged with local schools and participate in the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of Horry County education.
Keywords: Myrtle Beach SC schools, Horry County education, South Carolina classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will Horry County Schools be closed for winter break?
All Horry County Schools will be closed from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026, for the holiday season.
When do classes resume in Horry County Schools after winter break?
Classes in all Horry County Schools will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
How do Horry County Schools perform academically compared to the state average?
For the 2025-2026 school year, Horry County public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50%, compared to the South Carolina public school average of 43%. Their reading proficiency score is 57%, versus the 52% statewide average.
Which Horry County school was ranked #1 in the state for 2025?
HCS Scholars Academy High School was ranked #1 of all 1,309 schools in the state on the 2025 state report cards, with a score of 99.7 out of 100.
What is the on-time graduation rate for Horry County Schools in 2025?
The on-time graduation rate for Horry County Schools rose to 89.6% in 2025.
What is the Personalized Digital Learning (PDL) initiative in Horry County Schools?
The Personalized Digital Learning (PDL) initiative in Horry County Schools aims to immerse all students in rich, authentic, relevant, personalized digital learning experiences that lead to college and career readiness.
How does Horry County Schools support parental involvement?
Horry County Schools supports parental involvement through its Parent and Family Engagement Policy, which includes parent education workshops, family literacy programs, opportunities for participation in School Improvement Councils, and classroom observations.
Key Features of Horry County Schools Education
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Break 2025-2026 | All schools closed from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026, with classes resuming January 5, 2026. | Horry County Schools |
| Academic Proficiency (2025-2026) | Average 50% math proficiency (vs. 43% State-level average), 57% reading proficiency (vs. 52% State-level average). | Horry County Schools |
| State Ranking (2025) | Average ranking of 9/10, placing in the top 20% of South Carolina public schools. HCS Scholars Academy High School ranked #1 in the state. | Horry County Schools |
| On-Time Graduation Rate (2025) | 89.6%, exceeding the State-level average of 86.7%. | Horry County Schools |
| College/Career Ready (2025) | 82.5% of graduates identified as college- or career-ready. | Horry County Schools |
| Personalized Digital Learning (PDL) | Initiative to provide individualized digital learning experiences, leading to significant growth in math and reading in middle schools. | Horry County Schools |
| Parent and Family Engagement | Comprehensive policy encouraging parental involvement through workshops, literacy programs, and school councils. | Horry County Schools |
| Special Program Options | Offers diverse high school programs including International Baccalaureate, Scholars Academy, Early College High School, and STEM. | 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.
