New Elementary Schools Coming to Carolina Forest
MYRTLE BEACH — Horry County Schools is set to open two new elementary schools in Carolina Forest next year, marking a significant development for local families. Following a decision made by the board on December 9, 2024, the new attendance areas for Pine Island Elementary and Ten Oaks Elementary were approved to accommodate the growing student population in the area.
Overview of the New Schools
The construction of these two schools is a response to the increasing demand for educational resources in a region experiencing rapid growth. Nearly 2,000 students will transition to these new schools, which aim to alleviate the overcrowding seen in existing local schools. Currently, many Carolina Forest schools are operating at over 100 percent capacity, with Carolina Forest Elementary, Ocean Bay Elementary, and River Oaks Elementary exceeding even 136 percent.
Ten Oaks Elementary will be located at Stafford Drive and Carolina Forest Boulevard, while Pine Island Elementary is situated at 250 Ronald McNair Blvd. Each school is designed to house approximately 1,200 students, bringing much-needed relief to an area where school facilities have been bursting at the seams.
Community Impact
The strategic attendance plan integrates various Carolina Forest neighborhoods, dividing student enrollment in an effective manner. Ten Oaks Elementary will receive students from populations in areas such as Summerlyn, Waterbridge, and several others, while Pine Island Elementary will cater to neighborhoods like Burning Ridge and Ridgefield.
Joe Burch, executive director of capital projects for the school district, emphasized the importance of maintaining neighborhood integrity during this process. “We did look very carefully at keeping our neighborhoods intact and together,” he said.
Construction and Funding
The construction of Pine Island Elementary has a budget of nearly $65.7 million, and Ten Oaks Elementary has a budget of over $62.3 million. Both construction projects are expected to be completed by July 2025, providing a timeline that allows for a smooth pathway into the next academic year.
Attendance and Reassignment
As the two new schools open, significant changes will take place within the existing elementary education landscape. A total of 1,920 students from Carolina Forest Elementary, Ocean Bay Elementary, and River Oaks Elementary will be reassigned—920 to Pine Island Elementary and 1,000 to Ten Oaks Elementary.
This reorganization will bring the functional capacity of the remaining schools down to an average of approximately 76 percent, aiding the district in meeting the efficient functional capacity standard, which is crucial for effective management and programming within schools.
Modular Classrooms and Future Planning
In addition to building new facilities, the school district plans to relocate over 50 modular classrooms to other schools, which will further assist in alleviating current and future overcrowding. Modular classrooms are temporary structures designed to provide additional space as needed, typically housing up to eight classrooms for around 30 students each.
Conclusion
With the significant investments and planning involved, the opening of Pine Island and Ten Oaks Elementary schools represents a progressive step towards meeting the education needs of the Carolina Forest community. Families and students can look forward to more spacious and adequately resourced learning environments starting in the 2025 school year.
