July 29, 2025

Lowcountry Public Schools Prepare for Academic Year

News Summary

Lowcountry public schools in Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort counties are gearing up for the upcoming academic year with new initiatives and community engagement events. The districts will implement changes to enhance educational quality, including welcoming new staff and launching an updated communication framework. The school year will begin in early August, emphasizing the importance of involving families and creating a supportive environment for students.

Lowcountry Public Schools Prepare for the 2025-26 Academic Year with New Initiatives

Hampton, SC – The Lowcountry public schools in Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort counties are gearing up for the 2025-26 academic year, with the school year set to commence in early August. The Hampton County School District (HCSD) kicks off its school year on August 7, 2025, following community engagement events on August 5. The Jasper County School District (JCSD) will precede HCSD by beginning classes on August 4, 2025, while the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) will follow closely with a start date of August 7, 2025.

Hampton County School District Initiatives

In anticipation of the new school year, HCSD will host meet and greet events across all schools on August 5, 2025. These gatherings aim to welcome students and parents while allowing opportunities for community interaction. HCSD Superintendent Dr. Glenda Sheffield has highlighted this year’s theme, “You Matter!”, which emphasizes the valuable role of staff in the success and well-being of students.

Erin Long, the district’s Director of Communication, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming school year and reiterated the district’s mission to deliver a high-quality educational experience. To achieve this, HCSD has adopted a framework known as “GEARS to SUCCESS”, aimed at fostering alignment among departments and schools to ensure comprehensive success for both students and educators.

HCSD is also welcoming several new staff members and implementing changes in school names and grade levels to enhance logistical organization and educational effectiveness. To improve communication and community engagement, the district has launched new logos, updated uniform styles, and revamped its website and social media presence.

Jasper County School District Operations

JCSD will begin classes on August 4, 2025, with specific school hours set for Hardeeville Elementary and Ridgeland Elementary School from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence and Hardeeville Junior and Senior High School will operate from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. An open house for Hardeeville Jr. and Sr. High School and Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence is scheduled for August 7, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., providing an opportunity for parents and students to meet teachers and familiarize themselves with the schools.

JCSD encourages parents to begin the registration process for transportation services as soon as possible. This process can be completed online or in person, and requests must be submitted through the Powerschool system, including special education transportation requests that are governed by Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Beaufort County School District Schedule

Beaufort County School District (BCSD) is set to commence its academic year on August 7, 2025, coinciding with HCSD’s start date. The district is preparing to provide robust educational opportunities and plans to enhance communication with stakeholders through new online platforms.

Transportation and Resources Across the Districts

Both HCSD and JCSD have implemented new online systems that will offer robust access to school-related information, including athletic pages, event announcements, and school handbooks. Parents and students are encouraged to access these resources regularly and stay informed about upcoming events and procedures.

Background Context

Lowcountry public schools, serving the areas of Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort counties, recognize the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment. The upcoming academic years signal a commitment from these districts to prioritize student success through structural changes and a focus on community engagement. As the schools prepare to welcome students back in August 2025, the emphasis remains on creating an enriching learning experience that addresses the diverse needs of the student body.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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