Horry County Schools (HCS) is the public school district that provides K‑12 education to residents of Horry County, South Carolina, United States. The district’s central office is located in Conway, SC.
Governance
- The district is overseen by the Horry County School Board of Trustees, a seven‑member board elected at large by county voters.
- The day‑to‑day operations are led by the superintendent; Dr. Ethan Brown has served in this role since 2020.
Scope and Demographics
- HCS operates a network of elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as alternative and specialized programs.
- As of the 2023‑2024 academic year, the district reported enrollment of roughly 52,000 students across more than 60 schools.
- The student body is diverse, with significant representation of White, African‑American, and Hispanic students, reflecting the demographic composition of the county.
School Structure
- Elementary schools typically serve grades Pre‑K–5.
- Middle schools serve grades 6–8.
- High schools serve grades 9–12.
- The district also includes an early learning center, a virtual academy, a career‑technical center, and alternative education programs for at‑risk youth.
Budget and Funding
- Funding is derived from a combination of local property taxes, state allocations, and federal programs.
- The annual operating budget runs in the hundreds of millions of dollars, supporting staffing, facilities, instructional materials, and student services.
Historical Highlights
- The district’s origins trace back to the early 20th century when Horry County began consolidating numerous small, rural schools into a centralized system.
- Over recent decades, the district has experienced growth tied to the development of the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area, prompting the construction of new schools and expansion of existing facilities.
Key Initiatives (as of 2023‑2024)
- Implementation of a district‑wide literacy improvement plan.
- Expansion of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curricula and career‑technical education pathways.
- Adoption of technology integration strategies, including 1:1 device initiatives for middle and high school students.
- Emphasis on social‑emotional learning and mental‑health support services.
Contact Information
- Address: 45 The Pulse, Conway, SC 29526
- Phone: (843) 823‑2732
- Website: https://www.horrycountyschools.net
All data reflect publicly available information from the Horry County Schools district reports and the South Carolina Department of Education. No speculative or unverified details are included.
