Coastal High School

Coastal High School is a small public charter school in Myrtle Beach, SC, serving just 198 students in grades 9-12 through the Limestone Charters Association. This intimate setting translates to an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 9.6:1, offering a personalized learning environment that most nearby traditional public schools can't match.

The school's standout achievements are in student retention and academic growth. With a 92.6% graduation rate and zero dropouts for three consecutive years, Coastal High clearly keeps students on track—a remarkable feat given its district's 71.9% average. Academically, the school has shown dramatic improvement, particularly in Algebra 1, where proficiency jumped from 41.86% to 82.35% in just two years, now exceeding the state average. English 2 proficiency is also strong at 88.24%. Perhaps most encouraging is the school's effectiveness with economically disadvantaged students, who now rank in the 73rd percentile statewide—a 25-point improvement in two years. This suggests targeted support is working well for students who often face the biggest challenges.

However, parents should weigh these strengths against some concerns. Chronic absenteeism sits at 24.4%, affecting roughly 48 students and trending upward. The school also spends significantly more per student ($14,745) than its charter counterpart, Atlantic Collegiate Academy ($9,591), which achieves a higher 98.2% graduation rate and better test scores with a much larger class size. While Coastal High outperforms struggling alternatives like Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy, it trails elite local magnets like HCS Scholars Academy High and is comparable to Socastee High. For families seeking a small, supportive environment where students who might otherwise fall through the cracks can thrive, Coastal High is a solid choice—just be prepared to monitor attendance closely.