New Elementary Schools Coming to Carolina Forest

News Summary

Horry County Schools plans to open two new elementary schools, Ten Oaks and Pine Island, in the 2025-26 school year, accommodating the growing student population. With the potential for unique mascots, the community is invited to participate in name and mascot decisions. Changes to local attendance lines will impact nearby schools, ensuring a smooth transition. Each school will have a capacity for 1,200 students, helping alleviate overcrowding. Residents can provide feedback on attendance changes via an online form until November 1, marking an exciting development for the Carolina Forest area.

Exciting News for Carolina Forest: Two New Elementary Schools on the Way!

Hey there, Carolina Forest residents! Get ready for some fantastic news coming your way as Horry County Schools gears up to open not one, but two brand new elementary schools in the 2025-26 school year. With over 48,000 students currently enrolled, HCS remains the largest employer in the county, and the addition of these schools is just another sign of growth in our thriving community.

School Names and Mascots Almost Here!

Mark your calendars for Monday, November 18, when the Board of Education will finalize the proposals for the new school names, mascots, and colors. It’s an exciting time to be part of this decision-making process as the names being floated around include Ten Oaks Elementary School, which would fit perfectly with the existing Ten Oaks Middle School, and Pine Island Elementary School.

If all goes according to plan, Ten Oaks Elementary will welcome students with a fabulous red fox mascot, creating a fun and cohesive identity that reflects the middle school. Imagine all the enthusiasm for school spirit with both schools in sync, especially since any student attending Ten Oaks Elementary is set to transition smoothly to Ten Oaks Middle School later on.

The Pelican Takes Flight!

But wait, there’s more! Pine Island Elementary, located right along Ronald McNair Boulevard, promises to differentiate itself with its charming pelican mascot, along with a fresh green and yellow color scheme. This name draws from an unincorporated area in Horry County that has a rich history as an experimental farm community dating back to the early 1900s. Pretty nifty, right?

Changes Ahead for Local Attendance Lines

With these two new schools on the horizon, some changes to attendance lines will be required. Students from River Oaks, Ocean Bay, and Carolina Forest Elementary will feel the impact, while Palmetto Bays Elementary and Waccamaw Elementary will remain untouched. This realignment is designed to accommodate the growing number of students in our beautiful county, ensuring everyone gets the education they deserve.

What Do Residents Think?

HCS isn’t taking these changes lightly; they want to hear what you think! An online form is available until November 1, giving parents and community members a chance to provide feedback on the proposed attendance line changes. Check out the HCS website for more details and to view the proposed attendance maps—after all, your voice is important in shaping the future of our schools.

Room for Growth!

Each of the new schools will have the capacity to welcome 1,200 students, making them spacious and accommodating facilities for our young learners. Both schools are on track to open their doors in August 2025, just in time for a new academic year filled with learning, growth, and plenty of new friendships!

So, as we eagerly await the exciting announcements of names and mascots, let’s take a moment to appreciate how these new additions will help relieve the overflow situation at our existing elementary schools. With the Carolina Forest community growing, it’s clear that HCS is making thoughtful moves for a brighter, education-friendly future.

Stay Tuned!

Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for more developments on these new schools. It’s a wonderful time to be part of Carolina Forest, and there’s no doubt that our kids will have some fantastic campuses to call their own soon!