Ocean Drive Elementary School is a vibrant and historic learning community located in the heart of North Myrtle Beach. Since opening its doors in the 1950s, the school has served generations of families, creating lasting connections among students, staff, parents, and community members. Through several phases of growth and renovation, Ocean Drive Elementary has evolved into a modern learning environment serving approximately 821 students in preschool through fifth grade.
Situated just one-half mile from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Ocean Drive Elementary is one of only two elementary schools within the Horry County Schools district located inside city limits. While serving all elementary-aged students within the City of North Myrtle Beach, the school's attendance area also extends north into Little River and reaches the North Carolina state line east of Highway 17.
The City of North Myrtle Beach, home to approximately 22,000 residents, continues to experience significant residential growth. Ocean Drive Elementary actively cultivates partnerships with local businesses and community stakeholders to support student learning and school initiatives. The school benefits from exceptional community involvement, with individuals and organizations contributing their time, resources, and expertise to enrich educational opportunities for students.
Ocean Drive Elementary serves a diverse student population and is recognized for its strong commitment to innovation and focus on academic excellence. The school is dedicated to ensuring that all students develop the academic knowledge, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities necessary for future success. Instruction is aligned with South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards, and teachers work collaboratively to design lessons that are rigorous, intentional, and engaging. Through high-quality core instruction, data-driven decision-making, and targeted small-group learning opportunities, educators support student growth and individualized learning while meeting the unique needs of every learner.
To enhance instruction, the school utilizes digital tools and resources as supplemental supports for learning. All students have access to participate in weekly STEM experiences that foster creativity, innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking. Ocean Drive Elementary is committed to maintaining a healthy balance between technology use and hands-on learning opportunities and increasing student engagement through interactive, experiential, and collaborative activities. Students in grades 3–5 also participate in career interest surveys that help lay the foundation for future academic and career planning. Through these efforts, Ocean Drive Elementary strives to prepare students to become productive, responsible citizens and lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Character development is a cornerstone of the Ocean Drive Elementary experience. Through our CHIEFS framework, students are encouraged to demonstrate the values of Caring, Honesty, Integrity, Excellence, Friendship, and Service in their daily interactions and decision-making. These guiding principles help foster a positive school culture where students learn the importance of respect, responsibility, empathy, and citizenship. By intentionally teaching and reinforcing these character traits, we support students' social and emotional growth while helping them develop the skills needed to build meaningful relationships, contribute to their community, and become compassionate, responsible leaders. At Ocean Drive Elementary, being a CHIEF is more than a mascot—it is a commitment to living our values each day.
Family and community engagement play a vital role in the school's success. Parents actively support school events and activities, while partnerships with the North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department and Horry County Parks and Recreation provide students with access to structured enrichment opportunities, including camps, events, and athletic programs beyond the school day.
Like many growing schools, Ocean Drive Elementary faces challenges associated with increasing student enrollment. The school also remains attentive to the varying socioeconomic needs of its students and families. In partnership with the School Improvement Council, Advisory Board, and community stakeholders, school leaders continue to identify solutions and implement strategies that support student achievement and well-being for all learners.
At Ocean Drive Elementary, school pride is more than a tradition—it's a way of life. Through our commitment to excellence, community, and student success, we empower every child to "Thrive at The Drive." And because the bonds formed in the North Myrtle Beach community are formed to last a lifetime, we proudly believe in our motto "Once a Chief, Always a Chief."
