Carolina Forest High School

700 Gardner Lacy Road
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
10/
10
Top 5%
Serving 3,176 students in grades 9-12, Carolina Forest High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 91% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 3,176 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : 78% (Btm 50% in SC)
  • : Top 5%
  • : 80% (Top 5%)
  • : 91% (Top 5%)
  • : 69% (Top 20%)
  • : Carolina Forest High serves the southern part of Myrtle Beach, SC, covering an area of approximately 110.5 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 10-15 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 5.5 miles to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 10.5 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Carolina Forest High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Carolina Forest High School's student population of 3,176 students has grown by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 165 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
3,176 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
165 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
1997
School Calendar
School Motto
The Panther Pledge: Today is my day. I am special. I am loved. I am worthy.

School Rankings

Carolina Forest High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Carolina Forest High School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (SC)
#26 out of 1118 schools
(Top 5%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

80%
43%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

91%
52%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

69%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
14:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
2%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
20%
15%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

Black
14%
31%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

White
56%
46%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
7%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
44%
0.63

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

78%
83.8%

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
24.3%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
50%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
3%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

Colors
Black, Burgundy, Silver
School Mascot
Panther
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carolina Forest High School's ranking?
Carolina Forest High School is ranked #26 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Carolina Forest High School often compared to?
Carolina Forest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like St. James High School, Socastee High School, Myrtle Beach High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 91% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Carolina Forest High School?
The graduation rate of Carolina Forest High School is 78%, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 83.8%.
How many students attend Carolina Forest High School?
3,176 students attend Carolina Forest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Carolina Forest High School students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Carolina Forest High School?
Carolina Forest High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Carolina Forest High School offer ?
Carolina Forest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Carolina Forest High School part of?
Carolina Forest High School is part of Horry 01 School District.

School Reviews

Review Carolina Forest High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 3,176 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : 78% (Btm 50%)
  • : Top 5%
  • : 80% (Top 5%)
  • : 91% (Top 5%)
  • : 69% (Top 20%)
  • : Carolina Forest High serves the southern part of Myrtle Beach, SC, covering an area of approximately 110.5 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 10-15 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 5.5 miles to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 10.5 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links