Hilton Head Island parents should be aware of several important new school policies for the 2025-2026 academic year:
The South Carolina State Department of Education instituted a Personal Electronic and Communication Device Policy starting January 2025, requiring all students from PreK through 12th grade to keep personal devices turned off and stored securely (in pockets, purses, backpacks, or similar) during the entire school day. This aims to reduce distractions and improve focus in classrooms.​
Schools like Heritage Academy emphasize personalized instruction with varied teaching strategies suited to different learning styles, including small multi-age classrooms and technology integration. They insist on high academic standards, responsibility, and character development as core values.​
Hilton Head Island High School is an International Baccalaureate World School, providing rigorous IB Middle Years and Diploma Programs with a strong focus on college prep and advanced academics.​
Parents should stay engaged with back-to-school checklists and orientation details covering essentials such as lunch orders, dress code, transportation plans, and after-school care options available at local schools like Hilton Head Christian Academy.​
A new school building for Hilton Head Island High School is expected to open by the end of the 2025-2026 school year, improving facilities and learning environments.​
Parents should review official handbooks and communications from their child’s school for detailed policy documents and updates to ensure compliance and support their child’s success during the school year.
SOURCES
[1](https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1758729815/beaufortk12scus/jtf7jet37wljnj0ezqjn/SchidrichemailSeptember212025.pdf)
[2](https://heritageacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Student_Handbook_Fall_2024.pdf)
[3](https://www.hhca.org/backtoschoolchecklist)
[4](https://hhihs.beaufortschools.net)
[5](https://hhihs.beaufortschools.net/whats-new)
