Exciting Changes Coming to Carolina Forest: New Elementary Schools Set to Alleviate Overcrowding

Exciting Changes Coming to Carolina Forest: New Schools on the Horizon!

MYRTLE BEACH — Gather around, Carolina Forest families! Big changes are rolling in as Horry County Schools gears up to open two brand new elementary schools in our vibrant community next year. If you live in this bustling area nestled between Conway and Myrtle Beach, chances are these developments will directly impact your little ones!

Overcrowding Relief: A Welcome Solution

With more families flocking to Carolina Forest, our schools have been feeling the squeeze! Most schools in this neighborhood are currently exceeding 100% capacity. In fact, Carolina Forest Elementary is at a staggering 136%, Ocean Bay Elementary has hit 144%, and River Oaks Elementary is sitting at an overwhelming 166%. That’s quite a crowd!

But fear not! The arrival of the new Carolina Forest Blvd Elementary and Robert McNair Blvd Elementary, each designed to accommodate about 1,200 students, is set to ease the congestion significantly. It’s a thrilling move that will not only help our existing schools but will also provide a fresh start for many students!

Mapping Out the Future

On November 18, 2024, district officials unveiled a draft of the new attendance zones, causing quite a buzz among residents. The new attendance lines intend to redistribute about 1,920 students who currently attend Carolina Forest Elementary, Ocean Bay Elementary, and River Oaks Elementary. Brace yourselves, because 920 students will be heading to Robert McNair Blvd Elementary, while another 1,000 students will find their new home at Carolina Forest Blvd Elementary.

Education officials have made it clear they’re committed to keeping neighborhoods intact, meaning no one will be split up! According to Joe Burch, the district’s executive director of capital projects, they’ve thoroughly reviewed all known potential developments to ensure smooth transitions. That’s reassuring news for families preparing for this big change!

What Neighborhoods Will Be Affected?

Curious about which neighborhoods will soon call these new schools home? Here’s a quick glance:

• Carolina Forest Blvd Elementary will serve Summerlyn, Waterbridge, The Parks, Plantation Lakes, Avalon Plantation, Brighton Lakes, Southgate, and Reserve at Walkers Woods.
• Robert McNair Blvd Elementary will welcome students from Burning Ridge, Ridgefield, Legends, Sago Plantation, Emerald Forest, Tuscany, Bella Vita, Arrowhead, River Oaks Drive, and Carolina Waterway Plantation.

It’s worth noting that existing schools like Carolina Forest Elementary, Ocean Bay Elementary, and River Oaks Elementary won’t be left behind either! Each will continue to serve their surrounding neighborhoods, with some minor adjustments.

Aiming for Efficiency

One of the goals behind these changes is to reduce overcrowding and improve the learning environment. With the new openings, capacity levels in the affected schools are projected to drop to about 76%. That’s a major improvement towards maintaining an efficient capacity level!

In addition to opening these new schools, the district plans to relocate over 50 modular classrooms to further combat overcrowding. These portable classrooms, often housing up to 30 students each, will be moved to Carolina Forest High, Myrtle Beach High, and Waccamaw Elementary. Sounds like a great way to maximize space!

Open for Feedback

The community’s voice is being heard! During the recent comment period, the district sent out 8,500 emails regarding the changes and received an impressive number of responses. With School Board Vice Chairman Neil James praising the team for their thorough outreach efforts, it’s clear that engagement is a top priority.

As the new school year approaches, excitement fills the air, and it’s wonderful to see how our school district is working diligently to enhance the education experience for all students. Keep your eyes peeled for final details in December, and here’s to a bright future for Carolina Forest’s little learners!