Schools in Zip Code 29576

Zip code 29576 in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is served by two schools in the Horry 01 district—a top-ranked high school and a solid elementary school—though it notably lacks a middle school, requiring students in grades 5-8 to travel outside the immediate area.

St. James High is the clear academic standout, ranking in the top 10% of South Carolina high schools (25th out of 245) with a 5-star rating for three consecutive years. Its graduation rate of 91.5% exceeds both district and state averages, and its Algebra 1 proficiency of 97.06% is a staggering 32.5 points above the state average. The school improved in every subject from the previous year, including a nearly 7-point jump in Algebra. However, its chronic absenteeism rate of 24.4% is higher than the state average, an unusual disconnect given its strong outcomes. In contrast, Seaside Elementary ranks in the 81st percentile statewide (4 stars) and excels in 4th-grade ELA at 84.1% proficiency, nearly 19 points above the state average. It also has a low chronic absenteeism rate of 14.1% and a favorable 12.4:1 student-teacher ratio, though it spends about $2,539 more per student than the high school.

Both schools consistently outperform state averages across all subjects, benefiting from a district ranked in the 88th percentile. Seaside Elementary shows mixed year-over-year results—4th-grade ELA improved significantly, but 3rd-grade ELA dropped 8.1 points, suggesting a possible cohort effect. The lack of a middle school creates a structural transition gap for families, but the strong district foundation and high-performing schools indicate a quality education overall. The main areas to watch are St. James High's chronic absenteeism and Seaside's 3rd-grade performance, which, while still above state averages, declined recently.