K-12 EDUCATION
The Horry County School District boasts 51 schools, including two academies with concentrations in technology, science and arts and an Early College High School. There are also eight private school options and three charter schools with specialized concentrations.
More than $500 million has been invested in Horry County schools over the past decade. That’s an investment for our future, with nearly 20 schools built and valuable technology and facility upgrades made during that time. And that growth only increases the potential of our children’s accomplishments. Horry County Schools have proudly produced National Merit Scholarship semifinalists that go on to win national scholarships. Ten Horry County Schools students were named among 16,000 semifinalists nationwide in 2011. The Robotics Team, comprised of highs school students from the Academy for Technology and Academics, also compete nationally in projects with NASA.
Horry County is uniquely positioned in South Carolina as a school district with a competitive advantage on a national landscape.
· 7 schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education
· SAT scores are 33 points above the state average
· Additionally, 94% of high school students who sought International Baccalaureate diplomas received them.
· Horry County Schools have the highest performing IB program in the state.
· Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) scores outpace the state at every level
· Horry County is the first district in SC to earn district-wide accreditation.
HIGHER LEARNING & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College offer a multitude of opportunities for retraining and/or educational advancement with degrees and certification programs in over 60 fields of study. Coastal’s top-tier MBA program provides students with internship opportunities with leading national companies and also offers a progressive pre-engineering program in partnership with Clemson University.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers more than 70 programs of study in today’s hottest career fields at three locations and online. Whether you are looking for a specific certification program or a bridge to your bachelor’s degree, HGTC has a program to get you there.
Additionally, the Webster University Myrtle Beach campus provides your workers with an alternative educational opportunity to complete their graduate degree.
COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
2011 Fall Enrollment: 8,772
F/T Faculty Members: 353
Student to Faculty FTE Ratio: 18:1
Average range SAT Score for First Time Freshman: 920-1080
54 Major Fields of study
7 Master degree programs
More than $115 million in major construction currently under way
HORRY-GEORGETOWN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Approximate Enrollment: 7,314
F/T Faculty Members: 134
P/T Faculty Members: over 134
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) opened a Myrtle Beach campus in 2011. The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics is located at the International Technology and Aerospace Park, near Myrtle Beach International Airport. PIA's airport location provides an ideal atmosphere for aviation training as well as aircraft accessibility to the school's facilities. The first class begins in January with an enrollment of 33 students for the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program.
In nearby Florence, SC, the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SIMT) is the premier technical service provider and training facility for industry in the southeastern portion of the United States. It’s the first facility of its kind in the U.S. and features an Advanced Manufacturing Center, a Virtual Reality Center, and a National Robotics Center. SiMT offers open-enrollment, on-site, and customized training as well as manufacturing startup assistance and consulting services.