The 2024–2025 school year marked the fifth year of HCS Scholars Academy High School as a stand-alone institution, welcoming 65 new ninth graders and 144 returning students in grades 10–12.
In October 2024, the school earned the distinction of being named the #1 high school in South Carolina. Academic performance was exceptional, with 100% pass rates on End-of-Course exams in Biology, English 2, and U.S. History. Students earned more than 500 dual-enrollment credit hours at Coastal Carolina University, maintaining an average CCU GPA of 3.87, and completed Advanced Placement coursework in 18 subjects with a 99% pass rate on all exams taken. Scholars Academy was named to The College Board’s AP Honor Roll and recognized as an AP Capstone School, with 100% of Capstone participants earning the Capstone Diploma.
The Class of 2025 graduated 43 seniors, achieving an average SAT score of 1456 and ACT score of 30. All graduates were accepted to four-year colleges and universities, including Clemson University Honors College, University of South Carolina Honors College and Capstone Program, Coastal Carolina University Honors College, Duke University, Purdue University Honors College, Yale University, Wake Forest University, Auburn University, and others. Two seniors earned QuestBridge Match Scholarships and will attend MIT and Stanford. Collectively, the graduating class received over $12 million in scholarship offers.
Students engaged in advanced research alongside professors at Coastal Carolina University, participated in the MITES program, and attended the Northeastern University BioEngineering Immersion Program. Additional enrichment experiences included the Washington Youth Tour, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, Great American Leadership Program, Palmetto Boys State, and Palmetto Girls State.
Community engagement remained a core value, with students contributing over 4,500 service hours through initiatives such as book drives, tutoring, and environmental cleanups. Twenty-one students were named National Merit Semi-Finalists, and nineteen achieved National Merit Finalist recognition. Six students earned the Seal of Biliteracy for proficiency in a second language.
Beyond academics, more than 52% of students participated in athletics at their attendance area schools. Others excelled in competitive arenas, including DECA, TSA, and the National Trig-Star Competition, where Guoxin Zhong made history as the first South Carolinian and the first female in the competition’s 30-year history to win the national title. The SA Math Team placed first in the 2024 George E. Schnibben, Jr., Math Tournament and the Clemson Calculus Challenge for their division. The SA Mock Trial team qualified for the State Mock Trial Competition with a second place finish in the Conway Division and a sixth place finish in the South Carolina Mock Trial Competition.
HCS Scholars Academy extends heartfelt gratitude to Horry County Schools and Coastal Carolina University for their continued partnership in providing advanced academic opportunities for our students.
Norman McQueen, Principal
Trena Kirby, SIC Chair
