Horry County Schools special programs application deadline looming

The deadline for Horry County students to enroll in special programs is fast approaching, and there are several opportunities to learn and apply this month.

Rising eighth graders who wish to participate in one of five special district programs have until Feb. 5 to apply through the district’s website. Students zoned for all nine “base” high schools, such as Myrtle Beach and Loris, can apply.

Students can apply for acceptance to Scholar’s Academy, the Academy for Arts, Science and Technology, Early College High School, the Academy for Technology and Academics and the STEM program inside of AAST.

These special programs provide students with several opportunities outside of the base high schools, such as college credit and career programs relevant to life outside of school. Each special program offers different opportunities, and every school has different qualifications for entrance.

For example, Early College High School – located on Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Conway campus – accepts students with at least a 2.0 grade point average and good attendance. ECHS also judges applications on the student’s “potential to attend college with academic support” and those “under represented in post-secondary education.”

The Scholar’s Academy – located on Coastal Carolina University’s campus – is an accelerated program that partners with CCU to give students college credit while still attending high school. Enrolled students are still attached to their base high schools so they can participate in extra-curricular and sporting programs.

Several schools are hosting open houses so interested students, parents and guardians can learn more about special programs and what is expected of students. They are:

Scholars Academy – 104 Chanticleer Drive East, Conway

• Thursday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.

The Academy for the Arts, Science and Technology – 895 International Drive, Myrtle Beach

• 8th grade STEM open house - Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m.
• Majors open house - Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.

Early College High School – 2050 US Highway 501, Conway

• Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.

Academy for Technology and Academics – 5639 US-701, Conway

▪ Thursday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m.

The application deadline for all special programs in Feb. 5 at midnight. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.horrycountyschools.net or call 843-488-6700.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 6:02 PM with the headline "Horry County Schools special programs application deadline looming."