Garden City’s public schools outscore 77% of South Carolina districts
49% of students in Garden City’s public schools are proficient in math, above the South Carolina average (41%). The grade covers the public school district serving Garden City, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within South Carolina, not nationally.
From South Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Garden City’s schools, in brief
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 57% and math 49% in spring 2022, against 52% and 41% statewide; 82% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 84%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,340 per student, against $15,090 across South Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then 13 middle and 11 high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. Enrollment is up 9% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Michael Catholic School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Garden City’s grade
A−: better than 77% of South Carolina school districts, #50 of 169 South Carolina towns. Test scores are above the South Carolina average; graduation is below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Garden City, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Garden City
Seaside Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 398 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Garden City
Seaside Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 398 students · 12:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Garden City
Seaside Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 398 students · 12:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Garden City
Seaside Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 398 students · 12:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Garden City
Seaside Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 398 students · 12:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Garden City
Seaside Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 398 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Garden City’s public schools are run by Horry County School District, which also serves Atlantic Beach, Aynor, Briarcliffe Acres and Conway and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Above the state in reading
Garden City vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the South Carolina towns that share Garden City’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Garden City | A− | Horry County |
| Surfside Beach | A− | Horry County |
Every school in Garden City
25 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with South Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Garden City’s schools
Are Garden City’s schools good?
By South Carolina’s own tests, yes: the public schools Garden City children attend outscore 77% of South Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #50 of 169 South Carolina towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 81%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Garden City in?
Horry County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 48,662 students in 55 schools (2024–25).
Where do Garden City kids go to high school?
One of 11 high schools, depending on your address: Carolina Forest High, St. James High, Conway High, Socastee High, North Myrtle Beach High, Myrtle Beach High, Aynor High, Loris High, Green Sea Floyds High, HCS Early College High and HCS Scholars Academy High.
What is Garden City’s graduation rate?
82% of the class of 2023 in Horry County School District graduated in four years, against 84% across South Carolina.
How much does Garden City spend per student?
$14,340 in Horry County School District (FY2024), against $15,090 across South Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Garden City?
Yes: St. Michael Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 106 students).
Parents talk
What Garden City families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Garden City → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within South Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.