July 22, 2025

Lowcountry School Districts Prepare for 2025-26 Academic Year

South Carolina, July 22, 2025

News Summary

School districts in Lowcountry South Carolina are finalizing plans for the upcoming academic year, with varying start dates and breaks. Williamsburg and Georgetown counties lead with an early start on August 1, while Berkeley County students will begin classes on August 13. The academic calendar includes key breaks and weather make-up days across districts, highlighting the differences in schedules. In addition, funding challenges and incentive programs for attendance are notable this year.

Lowcountry School Districts in South Carolina Prepare for 2025-26 Academic Year with Varying Start Dates and Breaks

Lowcountry school districts in South Carolina are gearing up for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year with a variety of start dates and breaks. The earliest returning students will be in Williamsburg County, starting classes on August 1, alongside Georgetown County. Other districts will begin classes later in August, with the latest start date set for August 13 in Berkeley County.

Key Dates and Breaks for Various Districts

Williamsburg County School District

First day for students: August 1
First day for teachers: July 23
Weather make-up/E-learning days: October 6, November 24, April 3
Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28
Winter Break: December 22-January 2
Spring Break: April 6-10
Last day of classes: May 29

Georgetown County School District

First day for students: August 1
Weather make-up days: October 6, January 6, April 3
Key breaks include: October 6, November 24, December 22-29, February 16, and April 6
Last day of classes: May 29

Orangeburg County School District

First day for students: August 4
Weather make-up days: February 16, March 13, May 27
Fall Break: October 9-10
Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28
Winter Break: December 22-January 2
Spring Break: April 3-10
Last day of classes: May 26

Dorchester County School District 2

First day for students: August 6
Weather make-up days: March 16, April 6, May 29
Breaks: October 13-15 (Fall), November 24-28 (Thanksgiving), December 22-January 2 (Winter)
Spring Break: March 30-April 3
Last day of students: potentially May 28

Beaufort County School District

First day for students: August 6
Weather make-up days: December 22, January 5, March 23
Fall Break: October 9-10
Thanksgiving Break: November 26-28
Winter Break: December 22-January 6
Spring Break: April 13-17
Last day of classes: May 29

Dorchester District 4

First day for students: August 7
Weather make-up days: November 24, 25, March 13
Breaks: October 13-15 (Fall), November 24-28 (Thanksgiving), December 22-January 2 (Winter)
Spring Break: March 30-April 3
Last day of classes: May 29

Charleston County School District

First day for students: August 12
Early Head Start begins: August 13
Head Start/Child Development students begin: August 21
Fall Break: November 24, with November 24-25 as possible weather make-up days
Winter break: December 22-January 2, with January 5 as a teacher workday
Spring Break: April 6
Last day for students: May 28

Berkeley County School District

First day for students: August 13
Weather make-up days: October 13, February 13, April 3
Key breaks: Fall Break November 24-28, Winter Break December 22-January 3
Spring Break: April 6-10
Last day of school: June 1

Impact of Funding Freeze

Charleston County School District, alongside other districts, faces significant challenges due to a funding freeze implemented during the Trump administration, which has affected millions in education grants. In the 2024-25 period, Charleston County received approximately $4.4 million from affected grants, while Dorchester School District Two received around $1.6 million. This funding freeze could disrupt various educational programs and support services critical to student success.

To combat absenteeism, a new incentive program in Charleston County now rewards students $25 per week for maintaining perfect attendance, highlighting the district’s commitment to improving student participation rates.

Summary of Key Features

District	Start Date	Last Day	Weather Make-Up Days
Williamsburg	August 1	May 29	October 6, November 24, April 3
Georgetown	August 1	May 29	October 6, January 6, April 3
Orangeburg	August 4	May 26	February 16, March 13, May 27
Dorchester 2	August 6	Potentially May 28	March 16, April 6, May 29
Beaufort	August 6	May 29	December 22, January 5, March 23
Dorchester 4	August 7	May 29	November 24, 25, March 13
Charleston	August 12	May 28	November 24, 25
Berkeley	August 13	June 1	October 13, February 13, April 3

FAQ

What are the start dates for schools in Lowcountry South Carolina?

Start dates vary by district, ranging from August 1 in Williamsburg and Georgetown Counties to August 13 in Berkeley County.

When do students in Williamsburg County return to school?

Students in Williamsburg County will return to school on August 1.

How long is the winter break for students?

Winter break generally spans from December 22 to January 2 across most districts.

What incentive programs are being implemented for attendance?

Charleston County has launched a program offering students $25 per week for achieving perfect attendance to encourage regular participation in classes.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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