Horry County Schools: Are you part of the Horry County Schools community or thinking about joining? With over 48,000 students, Horry County Schools is one of the largest and fastest-growing districts in South Carolina. From updated back-to-school info to big changes in 2025, here’s what families, staff, and job seekers should know now.
Horry County Schools Overview for 2025
Horry County Schools (HCS) serves the Myrtle Beach area and surrounding communities. The district covers 56 schools and offers a wide range of programs for students from pre-K to high school graduation.
Recent Highlights
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New School Year Starts: The first day of school for students is August 18, 2025; the last day is June 4, 2026.
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No Tax Increase: The approved 2025-2026 budget will not raise taxes for local residents.
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Open House Events: Every school holds an open house in mid-August so families can meet teachers and get ready for the year.
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Award-Winning Schools: Socastee Elementary and the Academy for the Arts, Science & Technology were named Palmetto’s Finest Schools in 2025. Loris High FFA Chapter earned national honors.
What’s Changing in Horry County Schools for 2025?
Two New Elementary Schools
Two brand-new elementary schools are set to open in Carolina Forest by August 2025—Ten Oaks Elementary and Pine Island Elementary. Both schools are designed for 1,200 students each. This means some students will have new attendance zones starting the 2025-26 school year.
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Who’s Affected? Attendance lines for Carolina Forest Elementary, Ocean Bay Elementary, and River Oaks Elementary will change, while Palmetto Bays and Waccamaw lines stay the same.
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Why the Change? Rapid growth in the area led to the need for new buildings and redistricting.
New Leadership
After a superintendent search, Mr. Clifford R. Jones will begin as Horry County Schools’ new superintendent in early 2025, bringing fresh leadership and ideas to the district.
Horry County Schools Employee Resources
Are you working for the school district or hoping to join? HCS provides a helpful employee portal with resources like:
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Pay and benefits info
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Staff training and support
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HR forms and contacts
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Updates on policies and district news
Current employees can easily find resources online through the HCS staff website. Real people in HR are also available to help with questions.
Horry County Schools Employment: Why Consider a Job Here?
Looking for a career at Horry County Schools? Here’s why it’s a great choice:
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Diverse Jobs: Teachers, bus drivers, aides, tech staff, food services, and much more.
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Competitive Pay and Benefits: HCS offers healthcare, retirement, and professional training.
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Supportive Community: Employees say they enjoy the friendly school culture and opportunities to help students grow.
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Application: All job openings are listed on the HCS website. The process is transparent, and support is available for new candidates.
Example: In 2025, Horry County Schools recognized its “Rookie Teacher of the Year” and “Support Staff Employee of the Year”—proof that hard work is noticed here.
Important Dates for Families
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First Day of School: August 18, 2025
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Open Houses: Most schools host these in mid-August. Check your school’s website for exact times.
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Report Cards & Progress Reports: These go out four times a year—families can check the online calendar for details.
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eLearning Days: If bad weather hits, students may learn from home using their computers.
Conclusion
Horry County Schools is welcoming families and staff to a busy, exciting 2025-2026 year, with important changes like new schools, updated leadership, and helpful resources for employees. If you’re new, thinking about working here, or want to stay up-to-date, check out the HCS website or get in touch with your school for the latest information.
Horry County Schools FAQs
Q: What area does Horry County Schools cover?
Ans. HCS serves Myrtle Beach and nearby communities in South Carolina, with 56 schools across nine main areas.
Q: How do I access Horry County Schools employee resources?
Ans. Staff can log in through the HCS staff website for payroll, benefits, and updates. Help is also available from Human Resources.
Q: Are there jobs open at Horry County Schools?
Ans. Yes! The district is always hiring teachers, drivers, classroom aides, and other staff. All openings are posted online, and the application process is straightforward.
Q: What’s new for students in 2025?
Ans. Two new elementary schools are opening in Carolina Forest, and some kids will have new school assignments because of this change.
Q: When does the 2025-2026 school year start?
Ans. Classes begin August 18, 2025. Open house events and early information sessions take place the week before.