Lowcountry, South Carolina, July 23, 2025
News Summary
Various school districts in the Lowcountry have revealed their start dates and schedules for the new academic year. Williamsburg County is set to begin classes on August 1, followed by Georgetown County on the same day. Other districts, including Orangeburg and Dorchester Counties, will start classes in early August. As schools prepare, concerns over federal funding changes and the introduction of attendance incentive programs for students are also highlighted.
Charleston, South Carolina
Lowcountry school districts are announcing their start dates and schedules for the upcoming school year, with students returning to classes at different times across the region. Williamsburg County leads the pack, with students set to return on August 1, and teachers beginning their work on July 23. Georgetown County is also starting on the same day, while other districts have varied dates throughout early August.
School District Schedules
In Williamsburg County, the calendar includes designated weather make-up days on October 6, November 24, and April 3. Students will have Thanksgiving break from November 24 to 28, winter break from December 22 to January 2, spring break from April 6 to 10, and the last day of classes is scheduled for May 29.
Georgetown County, which also starts on August 1, has its own make-up days set for October 6, January 6, and April 3. Their breaks align similarly, with Thanksgiving holidays from November 24 to 28, winter break from December 22 to January 2, and classes concluding on May 29.
Students in Orangeburg County will return to school on August 4, featuring make-up days of February 16, March 13, and May 27. Fall break is set for October 9 and 10, with Thanksgiving and winter breaks similar to the other districts. The last day of classes is May 26.
Dorchester County School District 2 will commence classes on August 6, observing make-up days on March 16, April 6, and May 29. This district also plans a fall break from October 13 to 15 and will conclude classes by May 28 or May 29 if make-up days are utilized.
In Beaufort County, school starts on August 6, with weather make-up days falling on December 22, January 5, and March 23. The district has a similar break schedule as others, concluding on May 29.
Dorchester District 4 will have students returning on August 7 and a comparable break schedule. Meanwhile, Charleston County schools will begin classes later on August 12, with early education programs starting slightly earlier in August. Their last day is projected for May 28.
Funding Concerns
As schools gear up for the new academic year, teachers are facing uncertainty due to a funding freeze instituted by the Trump administration which affects over $6 billion in federal education grants. This freeze represents approximately 13% of last year’s school funding. Charleston County previously received around $4.4 million from the affected grants for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, while Dorchester School District Two received about $1.6 million. Both districts, along with Dorchester District Four and Berkeley County, are closely monitoring the funding situation.
Attendance Incentive Program
To address chronic absenteeism, Charleston County has introduced a new incentive program that offers $25 per week for perfect attendance, resulting in over $30,000 being paid out during the program’s first week.
Key Dates Overview
| District | Start Date | Last Day | Make-Up Days | Fall Break | Thanksgiving Break |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsburg County | August 1 | May 29 | October 6, November 24, April 3 | N/A | November 24-28 |
| Georgetown County | August 1 | May 29 | October 6, January 6, April 3 | N/A | November 24-28 |
| Orangeburg County | August 4 | May 26 | February 16, March 13, May 27 | N/A | November 24-28 |
| Dorchester District 2 | August 6 | May 28/29 | March 16, April 6, May 29 | October 13-15 | November 24-28 |
| Beaufort County | August 6 | May 29 | December 22, January 5, March 23 | October 9-10 | November 26-28 |
| Dorchester District 4 | August 7 | May 29 | November 24, November 25, March 13 | October 13-15 | November 24-28 |
| Charleston County | August 12 | May 28 | November 24, November 25 | Week of November 24 | December 22-January 2 |
| Berkeley County | August 13 | June 1 | October 13, February 13, April 3 | November 24-28 | December 22-January 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the start dates for the Lowcountry school districts?
Start dates vary by district, with Williamsburg and Georgetown Counties starting on August 1, Orangeburg on August 4, Dorchester County on August 6, Beaufort County on August 6, Dorchester District 4 on August 7, Charleston County on August 12, and Berkeley County on August 13.
When do classes end for Lowcountry school districts?
Most districts conclude classes between May 26 and June 1, with specific last days being May 29 for Williamsburg, Georgetown, Dorchester District 2, Dorchester District 4, Beaufort County, and Charleston, while Orangeburg ends on May 26 and Berkeley on June 1.
Are there any significant weather make-up days?
Yes, specific make-up days are scheduled for various districts, including October 6 and April 3 for most, with some districts such as Orangeburg and Charleston having additional days in February and March.
What is the attendance incentive program in Charleston County?
Charleston County has introduced an attendance incentive program that rewards students with $25 per week for perfect attendance, successfully distributing over $30,000 in incentive payments during its first week.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: When Does School Start?
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- ABC News 4: Trump Administration Withholds Funding
- Google Search: Charleston South Carolina Schools News
- WJCL: South Carolina Student Attendance Incentive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston South Carolina
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