Parents in Carolina Forest should be aware of several important new school policies and updates for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years within Horry County Schools:
Nondiscrimination Policy:Â Carolina Forest High School and Horry County Schools maintain strict nondiscrimination policies across programs and activities, prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, and other protected classes.
Expanded STEM and Arts Programs:Â The school continues to expand its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) offerings, including AP and Project Lead The Way courses in engineering, computer science, and biomedical fields. Fine arts programs like music, theater, and digital media have also grown.
Student Conduct and Safety:Â New policies prohibit items that disrupt the academic environment or threaten safety, including a detailed list of prohibited items. The district also has updated attendance and tardy policies supporting student accountability, with consequences for excessive unexcused absences.
Cell Phone Policy:Â As of January 2025, a new cell phone policy limits usage during instructional time to minimize distractions. This has been a topic of discussion and concern among parents and students.
Learning Environment Adjustments:Â The district supports eLearning days during emergencies like severe weather, allowing up to 5 eLearning days per year to protect student learning continuity.
Parent Resources and Communication:Â Carolina Forest School provides extensive online resources for parent and student guides, program options, academic calendars, and school news to keep families informed.
Overall, parents should engage with the school’s communications, review the student handbook, and attend orientation events to fully understand these updates and support their children’s success in the evolving school environment. Assistance for questions about policies or nondiscrimination is available through Horry County Schools administration.
This holistic approach reflects Carolina Forest’s commitment to a safe, enriching, and inclusive educational experience for all students.
SOURCES
[1](https://sites.google.com/g.horrycountyschools.net/cfhs-program-of-studies24-25?usp=sharing)
[2](https://www.horrycountyschools.net/about-hcs/hcs-parent-student-guide/student-policy-guide)
[3](https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1734537259/horrycountyschoolsnet/cyabymeiam4uq14txfi0/2024-25STUDENTHANDBOOK.pdf)
[4](https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1750185580/horrycountyschoolsnet/stp5yxuewgwygeykz5dn/2025-26_Student_Cal_Feb25_FINAL.pdf)
[5](https://cfh.horrycountyschools.net/about-us/policies-procedures)
