Palmetto Bays Elementary School

Palmetto Bays Elementary School is a public elementary school in Myrtle Beach, SC. It serves students in the local community with a focus on academic achievement, student well-being, and community engagement. The school emphasizes reading proficiency, aiming for 95% of students to read on grade level by the end of third grade, and promotes a culture of collaboration through initiatives like the “Together We’re Unlimited!” theme. It is part of Horry County Schools and offers programs such as the Summer Reading Challenge, the Summer Meals Program, and opportunities for staff hiring and community events.

The school’s leadership includes Principal Dawn McKinney, who has served as principal for twelve years and has over fifty years of experience within Horry County Schools. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of SC and a Master’s in School Administration from Grand Canyon University. The school’s staff includes teachers, special education personnel, counselors, custodians, and administrative support, all contributing to a student-centered environment. The school maintains a strong connection with families and the broader community through regular communications, newsletters, and events such as Spirit Fridays and the annual school calendar.

The school is located on Four Mile Road in Myrtle Beach, SC. It is situated within the Horry County Schools district and serves students from the surrounding neighborhoods. The school’s address is listed as 8900 Highway 544, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588, and it operates under the district’s educational framework with a focus on balanced learning and student growth.

Palmetto Bays Elementary is recognized for its dedication to student achievement, its strong leadership, and its active engagement with families and the community. The school’s mission centers on service to students above all else, with consistent efforts to support academic progress and foster a positive, inclusive school culture.

Services:

• AfterSchool Care Assessment
• Attendance
• Health and Safety
• Parent/Student Guides
• State Reading Plan