High Schools in Horry 01

The Horry 01 school district in South Carolina serves approximately 14,346 students across 12 high schools, ranging from large comprehensive campuses like Carolina Forest High (3,176 students) to specialized magnet programs and a combined middle/high school, with the district ranking 9th out of 75 districts statewide.

For parents, the most striking pattern is the dramatic advantage of the district's two selective magnet schools. HCS Scholars Academy High is ranked #1 in the entire state with a 100% graduation rate, 0% dropout rate, and perfect proficiency on every state exam, while HCS Early College High ranks 5th statewide with a 97.3% graduation rate. Among traditional comprehensive schools, St. James High leads the pack at 25th in the state with a 91.5% graduation rate and exceptional Algebra 1 proficiency, followed closely by Aynor High, a smaller rural school that achieves a 96.1% graduation rate and outperforms many larger suburban schools. At the other end, Myrtle Beach High has declined sharply from 88th to 151st in state rankings over two years, while Loris High and Conway High both struggle with 32.5% chronic absenteeism rates.

Spending does not predict success—Green Sea Floyds High spends the most per student ($19,841) yet ranks only 43rd, while Carolina Forest High spends the least ($12,194) and achieves nearly identical results. The district's biggest challenge is chronic absenteeism, with 8 of 12 schools exceeding the state average, and English 1 proficiency is the weakest subject area across nearly all campuses. Palmetto Academy of Learning Motorsports (PALM) shows extreme ranking volatility and the lowest English 1 scores in the district, while North Myrtle Beach High has slipped 13 positions despite maintaining 4-star status. Overall, the district presents a clear two-tiered structure: elite selective programs with exceptional outcomes versus traditional schools facing attendance and literacy challenges.