Horry County is the third-largest school district in South Carolina, and, consistent with national trends, has experienced rapid and significant growth in its Multilingual Learner (ML population) over the last few years, from approximately 900 ELLs in 2007 to over 5,200 at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.  Currently, our ML population represents over 50 world languages from 76 countries.  The top five languages in our district are Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Portuguese.

The HCS ESOL program provides students with the opportunity to reach proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as measured on the World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) English language proficiency assessment, the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-state (ACCESS) for English Language Learners.  In addition,  Horry County must also comply with the federal requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  

Horry County Schools is committed to providing all students equal opportunity to benefit from educational programs and services. Further, Horry County Schools is committed to supporting scientifically research-based and effective appropriate programs, practices, training, and accountability so that all students can become proficient in English and can achieve the state’s academic content and student academic achievement standards.