A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
The Grand Strand is blessed with an education system that is progressive and dynamic. The public school system continues to set and reach high standards in the face of record growth. Our technical education college and four-year university have made tremendous strides and are both well respected in their field. In addition, continuing education programs for adults prompted Money Magazine to recently rate the Grand Strand area as one of the nation’s “Top 20 Places to Retire.”
HORRY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
 The Horry County School District is the 3rd largest of South Carolina’s 85 school districts and has gained 10,000 students during the last decade, making it the fastest growing school system in the state. The public school system currently has more than 36,000 students enrolled in 48 schools from kindergarten through high school. Average class sizes are 25 students in kindergarten, 22 students in elementary, 22 students in junior high and 23 in high school. Recent statistics show that 80% of Horry County high school graduates attend a two or four-year college. The Horry County School District is the county’s largest employer.
All school district classrooms are networked to the Internet. The ratio of students to computers is just over 5:1. During the last two years, more than $2 million dollars has been allocated for a laptop initiative for teachers, giving them equipment and training to enhance the use of technology and instruction. Since the mid-1990's, the district invested nearly $500 million in new and renovated facilities. During this time nineteen new schools have been built.
Horry County Schools continues to meet and exceed its goals and objectives and has received accolades from state and national education organizations. Horry County Schools met 84 percent of Adequate Yearly Progress objectives under the “No Child Left Behind“ program. 93 percent of Horry County Schools received a rating of Excellent, Good or Average compared to 65 percent statewide. The class of 2007 earned over $36 million in college scholarship awards. Seven schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.
An ongoing goal is to continue to raise achievement scores in reading, writing and mathematics. The Fordham Institute recently ranked curriculum standards in the state of South Carolina third in the nation.
In addition to the traditional schools, Horry County also has three specialized schools: The Academy of Arts, Sciences & Technology in Myrtle Beach (which is housed in a recently-completed state of the art classroom facility), the Aynor-Conway Career Center and the Finklea Career Center in Loris. There are also a number of private schools in the area, most of which are affiliated with local churches.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Georgetown County School District serves nearly 10,500 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, plus one adult learning center. The district is comprised of 17 schools, an adult education program and an optional school program. The Georgetown County School District’s mission is to continue to provide challenging educational programs that require all students to achieve high academic standards and to prepare them to be responsible citizens and lifelong learners. The district continues to strive for a system of education that is effective, efficient and accountable. Georgetown Schools administration leaders have worked hard to provide a safe learning environment where diversity is respected and appreciated and one in which teachers, staff, parents and the communities work together for a common goal -- the best education possible for its students.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
The Grand Strand is served well by two fine colleges, Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Both institutions have experience tremendous growth in the last decade and their futures are as bright as that of many of their students.
Coastal Carolina University
 Coastal Carolina University is a four-year university founded in 1954. The college earned greater distinction and local-area growth by becoming Coastal Carolina Regional Campus of the University of South Carolina in the fall of 1960. In 1974, Coastal Carolina added a fourth year of study to its curriculum. Prior to that, it was a springboard for students preparing to further their education at the University of South Carolina and other 4-year universities.
Coastal Carolina University became and independent university in 1993, and the total number of alumni since that time exceeds 10,000. Today, more than 8,300 students attend this liberal arts college, including a recent record fall enrollment of over 1,600 freshmen. Coastal Carolina offers bachelors and master's degrees as well as preparation for the South Carolina teaching certificate. Master’s degree programs include education, instructional technology, and coastal marine and wetland studies. Coastal's many international partnerships make it possible for students to study in places such as Australia, Costa Rica, England, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Russia and Spain. The beautiful campus encompasses more than 200 acres and includes an arts center, Wheelwright auditorium, gymnasium, Olympic-sized swimming pool, dance studio, library and a beautiful new football stadium. In addition, the E. Craig Wall Sr. School of Business Administration, accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, is widely recognized as one of the leading business schools of its kind in the Southeast.
 A long-anticipated and welcomed addition to Coastal Carolina University was its inaugural football program in 2003. More than 8,000 fans attended the first football game and football has added another dimension to the success and popularity of Coastal Carolina. In just its first few seasons, Coastal’s football team has garnered several Big South Conference championships, along with national recognition for some of its former players, two who are now playing professional football.
Very important to the community is the Lifelong Learning Society offered by Coastal. A "Learning in Retirement" program that offers more than 60 courses each semester. The Lifelong Society is designed for adults who are interested in learning, exchanging ideas and becoming more socially and culturally interactive. The university also offers a Division of Extended Learning with courses on the Internet, distance-learning programs via closed-circuit television and summer youth programs on various topics.
Coastal Carolina University is poised for greater growth in the coming decade. Enrollment and inquiries continue to reach record levels, as students are attracted to the unbeatable combination of quality academics taught by competent leaders in their field and the allure of the Grand Strand with all its many things to see and do.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is a comprehensive two-year community/technical college offering more than 60 associate degrees, diploma and certificate programs of study for students seeking quick entry into the workforce or desiring to transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree or beyond. Founded in 1966, the college offers subjects including business, computer technology, hospitality/tourism management, and engineering. HGTC also specializes in continuing education and professional training for employees and employers who want short-term, skill-specific learning. The college has four campuses: Conway, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Georgetown. It also caters to online learners, who prefer a web-based college experience, providing more than five-dozen online classes and courses, and a Business Degree available entirely over the Internet.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College has been particularly popular with those students seeking to further their educational interests in fields of study such as hospitality/tourism management and golf course management -- areas vital to the continued growth of the Grand Strand area.
In addition to the numerous programs of study, classes and courses, the college provides a number of services for the public, including dining in the world-class culinary arts facilities, personal services in dental care, cosmetology and esthetics; a host of rental facilities for conferences, classes and other uses; and a high-tech library for on-site and online reading and research.
Webster University
Webster University, with a campus in Myrtle Beach offers graduate level programs. Webster’s mission statement is “to prepare lifelong learners for professional fulfillment in the fields of business and technology through the application of knowledge in a supportive academic environment.” The Myrtle Beach campus offers Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees.
Webster also offers flexibility with weekend and evening courses in a traditional classroom setting, online options, and five convenient nine-week terms per year. Webster's online "Passports" library provides instant access to global databases and text resources for up-to-the-minute research from home or work. Free resumé registration and access to online job listings are available to students throughout the network through Career Services at the home campus in St. Louis.
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