Beaufort, South Carolina, August 17, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County School District is gearing up for the new school year, with events like the Back-to-School Expo offering supplies and health services. The district will continue its free meal program and uphold its cell phone policy while enhancing teacher salaries. Bluffton Elementary adopts a ‘Stronger Together’ theme focusing on community involvement.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) is gearing up for the 2025-2026 school year, which will officially commence on Wednesday, August 6. As part of the preparations, a series of back-to-school events are being held to support students and parents as they prepare for the new academic year.
One of the key events was the annual Back-to-School Expo hosted by BCSD on Saturday, July 26, at Battery Creek High School. The expo attracted over 1,000 attendees, according to district spokesperson Candace Bruder. The event provided essential supplies, including backpacks, pencils, and crayons, as well as information about community services available for students.
Additionally, free onsite dental and health services were offered during the expo for those who registered. These services were provided by Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
Continuing its tradition, St. Helena Parish Church organized its annual Back-to-School Bash on Sunday, July 27, specifically inviting foster and adopted children and their families to celebrate the upcoming school year.
This year, BCSD will sustain its countywide free meal program, allowing all students in public schools to access complimentary meals for both breakfast and lunch throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. This follows the successful implementation of the program during the previous school year.
Furthermore, the district’s policy prohibiting cell phones during school hours, which has been deemed successful, will also remain in effect for this academic year. Dr. Celestine LaVan, Executive Director of Schools for Beaufort County, expressed enthusiasm for the approaching school opening day, highlighting efforts to ensure a welcoming environment for both students and families.
This year, Bluffton Elementary School has adopted a theme of “Stronger Together,” which emphasizes community and collaboration among families. In a bid to enhance the educational experience, the school district is also changing its operating hours, moving to an earlier start time to better balance the first and second semesters.
In addition to these updates, teachers in Beaufort County will see a significant salary increase of $9,000 this year, placing their compensation among the highest in the state. Educational administrators aim to provide students with memorable experiences while ensuring they receive a quality education.
Parents can find the supply lists for the 2025-2026 academic year on the respective school district webpages. Local stores are promoting back-to-school supply deals, including:
- Backpacks at Walmart, Target, and Five Below for $5.
- Lunch boxes at Target for $3 and Walmart for $4.97.
- Spiral notebooks available at Target for $0.35 and Staples for $0.50.
- Pencils offered at Target for $0.39 and Walmart for $0.47.
- Crayons at Target and Walmart for $0.50.
- Glue sticks starting at $0.25 at Walmart.
- Headphones for $2.30 at Walmart and $4.99 at Target.
For further information regarding the upcoming school year, individuals can visit the Beaufort County School District website at www.beaufortschools.net.
FAQ
When does the 2025-2026 school year begin in Beaufort County?
The school year begins on Wednesday, August 6.
What events are taking place to help students prepare?
BCSD hosted a Back-to-School Expo on July 26 and St. Helena Parish Church held a Back-to-School Bash on July 27.
Will meals be provided for students?
Yes, all students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch through the countywide meal program.
What is the policy regarding cell phones in schools?
The policy prohibiting cell phones during school hours will remain in effect.
What is the theme for Bluffton Elementary School this year?
The theme is “Stronger Together,” focusing on community and collaboration.
Where can supply lists for the new school year be found?
Supply lists can be accessed on the respective school district webpages.
Key Features of the 2025-2026 School Year Preparations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Wednesday, August 6 |
| Back-to-School Expo Attendees | Over 1,000 parents and students |
| Free Meal Program | Continued for all students |
| Cell Phone Policy | Prohibited during school hours |
| Teacher Salary Increase | $9,000 raise for teachers |
| Bluffton Elementary Theme | Stronger Together |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County Students Head Back to School
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- The Coastland Times: Beaufort County Community College Offers Free Haircuts
- Google Search: Beaufort County Schools back to school
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Seeking Missing Man
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort County School District
- WSAV: Beaufort County School District to Hold Back-to-School Expo
- Google News: Beaufort County Schools 2025
- WJCL: Beaufort County School District Honors Top Administrators
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County education
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.
