New Elementary Schools Set to Open in Myrtle Beach’s Carolina Forest
MYRTLE BEACH — Horry County Schools is poised to make significant changes to its educational landscape with plans to open two new elementary schools in the rapidly growing Carolina Forest area by the start of the next school year. This initiative aims to manage the increasing student population and alleviate overcrowding in local schools that currently serve this community.
Details About the New Schools
The proposed new schools will be named Carolina Forest Boulevard Elementary and Robert McNair Boulevard Elementary. They are strategically planned to serve areas that are experiencing significant growth, particularly between Conway and Myrtle Beach. According to district officials, both schools are expected to accommodate approximately 1,200 students each, ensuring that local educational needs are met.
As for the timeline, these schools are currently under construction along Carolina Forest Boulevard and Ronald McNair Boulevard, with a completion goal set for July 2025. The cost for each school is anticipated to be at least $64 million, reflecting the district’s commitment to quality education infrastructure.
Implications for Local Students
The construction of these two new elementary schools is not just a response to growing numbers; it is also a necessary measure to address overcrowding at existing schools in the area. Currently, four out of the nine schools serving the Carolina Forest area exceed 100% capacity. For example, Carolina Forest Elementary operates at 136% capacity, while Ocean Bay Elementary is at 144%, and River Oaks Elementary reports a staggering 166% capacity.
District officials estimate that with the opening of the new schools, over 1,900 students enrolled at Carolina Forest Elementary, Ocean Bay Elementary, and River Oaks Elementary will experience assignment changes. Specifically, Robert McNair Boulevard Elementary will take in about 920 students, while 1,000 students will be reassigned to Carolina Forest Boulevard Elementary.
Planning and Community Involvement
On November 18, 2024, Horry County Schools shared a draft of the new attendance areas that would dictate which neighborhoods are aligned with the new schools. This plan is set to be finalized by December 2024. Joe Burch, the district’s executive director of capital projects, emphasized the importance of the plan during discussions with the facilities committee, ensuring that no neighborhoods would be split across different schools.
In an effort to gather community feedback, the district has been proactive, sending out around 8,500 emails and receiving over 100 responses from families regarding the attendance plan. Feedback from local school principals and community advisory boards has also influenced final decisions on attendance boundaries.
A Bright Future for Carolina Forest Schools
With the addition of these two schools, the functional capacity of existing schools in the area is expected to improve significantly, bringing averages down to about 76%. This adjustment signifies a move toward addressing overcrowding issues effectively and creating a more conducive learning environment.
As the district prepares for the transition to these new schools, over 50 modular classrooms will also be relocated to support the changes. These classrooms, which help ease overcrowding, will be placed at schools where necessary and are part of a broader plan to enhance the educational experience for students in Horry County.
Overall, these developments signal a positive change for families in Myrtle Beach’s Carolina Forest area, promoting better educational opportunities and a healthier learning environment for students.
