ESOL

HCS Multilingual Learners

Horry County Schools is the third-largest school district in South Carolina and is proud to serve a growing and increasingly diverse community of Multilingual Learners (MLs). Over the past two decades, the district’s ML population has grown from approximately 900 English learners in 2007 to more than 5,500 students today.

Our Multilingual Learners represent more than 70 world languages and 90 countries, bringing a rich diversity of languages, cultures, experiences, and perspectives to our schools. The five most commonly spoken languages among our ML students are Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, and Tajik.

The HCS English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program supports Multilingual Learners as they develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while accessing rigorous academic learning alongside their peers. Students' English language development is measured through WIDA English language proficiency assessments, including ACCESS, South Carolina's annual English language proficiency assessment.

Horry County Schools is committed to ensuring that every Multilingual Learner has equitable access to high-quality instruction, meaningful educational opportunities, and the support needed to thrive. Through effective language instruction, research-based practices, professional learning, family engagement, and ongoing program support, HCS works to help Multilingual Learners develop English proficiency, achieve academically, and graduate prepared for college, careers, and life.

Our commitment is simple: Every language is an asset, every student belongs, and every Multilingual Learner deserves the opportunity to succeed.