Horry County Schools (HCS) is a large public school district serving Horry County, South Carolina — a coastal county encompassing Myrtle Beach, Conway, and surrounding communities.
Established in 1952, HCS is the third-largest school district in South Carolina, serving approximately 48,000 students across 56 schools spanning nine attendance areas: Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Green Sea Floyds, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, and St. James.
The district has grown significantly alongside the Myrtle Beach region’s expanding coastal and tourist economy — transforming from a small rural district into a modern, comprehensive school system. HCS is an SCDE-approved eLearning district, meaning it can use digital learning days in place of traditional school days during weather closures and other emergencies, minimising disruption to the academic calendar.
Specialised Programme Schools
HCS operates several distinctive programme schools alongside its traditional campuses:
- Academy for Technology and Academics
- Academy for the Arts, Science & Technology
- HCS Early College High School — allowing students to earn college credits while in high school
- HCS Scholars Academy High School — an accelerated academic pathway
- SOAR Academy — targeted support and enrichment
Horry County Schools Calendar 2026-2027 — Key Dates (Official)
The first day of school for students is Wednesday, 19 August 2026, with the first day for teachers starting on Monday, 10 August 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Day for Teachers | Monday, 10 August 2026 |
| First Day of School for Students | Wednesday, 19 August 2026 |
| Labor Day (No school) | Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| Veterans Day (No school) | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Monday 23 – Friday 27 November 2026 |
| Winter Break / Christmas Break | Sunday 21 December 2026 – Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No school) | Monday, 18 January 2027 |
| Early Dismissal Day (2½ hours early) | Friday, 15 January 2027 |
| Presidents’ Day (No school) | Monday, 15 February 2027 |
| Early Dismissal Day (2½ hours early) | Monday, 8 March 2027 |
| Spring Break | Monday 12 – Friday 16 April 2027 |
| Memorial Day (No school) | Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| Early Dismissal Day (2½ hours early) / Last Day for Students | Sunday, 8 June 2027 |
| Last Day for Students | Sunday, 7 June 2027 |
| Last Day for Teachers | Tuesday, 9 June 2027 |
Note: Sources vary slightly on the exact last day for students (June 7 vs June 8, 2027). EduCounty (based on the official revised calendar) lists June 7 as the last day and June 8 as an early dismissal day. Always confirm the final dates via the official HCS website at horrycountyschools.net, as the district revises its calendar periodically throughout the year.
Last verified: 20 July 2026. Official sources: Horry County Schools — 2026-27 Student Calendar PDF and EduCounty — HCS Calendar 26-27 Revised
District Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 335 Four Mile Road, Conway, SC 29526 |
| Phone | (843) 488-6700 |
| Fax | (843) 488-6722 |
| Website | horrycountyschools.net |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm |
Enrolment and Registration
HCS families can enrol new students online through the district website or in person at their assigned school. Required documents include:
- Proof of residency (utility bill or lease agreement)
- Student’s birth certificate
- Immunisation records
- Valid photo ID of the parent or guardian
Returning students complete annual online verification to update information. Language translation services are available for families needing assistance. Early registration is encouraged to ensure a smooth school-year transition.
Academic Programmes
HCS offers a comprehensive academic programme including:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- STEM programmes — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) — hands-on vocational and career pathways
- Blended Learning (Pre-K–12) — digital and traditional instruction combined
- English Learners (EL) — specialised language support
- Exceptional Children — special education and gifted programmes
- Choice Schools and Magnet Programmes — including IB, arts, science, and career academies
- PowerSchool Parent Portal — real-time academic tracking
Nutrition Services
HCS provides daily nutritious meals at all schools, with families able to apply for free or reduced-price lunch through the district’s online portal. Schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) provide free meals to all students. Meal accounts are managed online, with monthly menus available at horrycountyschools.net.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026-2027 school year start for HCS?
The first day of school for students is Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
When is Spring Break for HCS in 2027?
Spring Break runs Monday 12 – Friday 16 April 2027.
When is the last day of school?
The last day for students is approximately 7–8 June 2027, with the last day for teachers on 9 June 2027. Confirm exact dates via horrycountyschools.net.
Is HCS an eLearning district?
Yes. HCS is approved by SCDE to use eLearning days during weather closures, reducing the need for makeup days at the end of the year.
How large is Horry County Schools?
HCS serves approximately 48,000 students across 56 schools — South Carolina’s third-largest district.
Who do I contact for general queries? Contact HCS at (843) 488-6700 or visit horrycountyschools.net.