Bluffton, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County has commenced construction for May River Elementary, a new school in Bluffton designed to relieve overcrowding in local schools. Expected to house up to 800 students, the school will open in the 2027-2028 school year. The project is funded by a bond referendum passed by voters, addressing current capacity issues at nearby schools. Public meetings are underway to discuss student assignments and gather community feedback, with further clarity expected by October 2026.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Beaufort County marked a significant milestone on Monday afternoon by holding a groundbreaking ceremony for a new elementary school named May River Elementary. This initiative aims to address the pressing overcrowding challenges faced by the school district.
The new school will be strategically located near May River High School in the New Riverside area of Bluffton and is intended to accommodate up to 800 students. This addition is seen as a critical step in alleviating the capacity issues currently overwhelming existing schools in the district.
Beaufort County Superintendent, Dr. Frank Rodriguez, expressed enthusiasm regarding this project, emphasizing its potential to create a positive and effective learning environment for students. The construction of May River Elementary is made possible by a bond referendum that was passed by Beaufort County voters in November 2023.
Overcrowding is a prevalent issue within the district; for instance, Pritchardville Elementary is currently operating at 141% capacity and relies on 18 mobile classrooms as temporary solutions for extra classroom space. Okatie Elementary is also nearing 100% capacity, presenting cramped conditions within classrooms. The establishment of May River Elementary, along with two other planned schools, is projected to help the Beaufort County School District achieve an ideal capacity reduction across the county to approximately 85%.
The anticipated opening of May River Elementary is slated for the start of the 2027-2028 school year. In preparation for this new institution, the school district is actively hosting public meetings to discuss potential changes to student assignments in the Bluffton-area schools. Already, three public meetings have been conducted, with the next scheduled for Thursday at Okatie Elementary at 6 p.m. These discussions form an integral part of the district’s planning process for May River Elementary, focusing on gathering community feedback before implementing any alterations.
Officials expect to have a clearer understanding of student assignments to each school in the area by October 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for students and parents alike.
Overview of May River Elementary School
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near May River High School, Bluffton |
| Capacity | 800 students |
| Opening Year | 2027-2028 |
| Funding Source | Bond referendum passed in November 2023 |
| Current Issues | Pritchardville Elementary at 141% capacity; Okatie Elementary near 100% capacity |
| Public Meetings | Three held; next on Thursday at Okatie Elementary at 6 p.m. |
| Future Clarity on Assignments | Expected by October 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the new school being built in Bluffton?
The new school is named May River Elementary.
When is May River Elementary expected to open?
May River Elementary is expected to open at the start of the 2027-2028 school year.
How many students will May River Elementary accommodate?
May River Elementary will accommodate up to 800 students.
What are some current overcrowding issues in Beaufort County schools?
Pritchardville Elementary is operating at 141% capacity and uses 18 mobile classrooms, while Okatie Elementary is nearing 100% capacity.
What public meetings have been held regarding May River Elementary?
Three public meetings have already taken place, with the next scheduled for Thursday at Okatie Elementary at 6 p.m.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: New Elementary School Breaks Ground in Bluffton
- Wikipedia: Elementary School
- Island Packet: Beaufort County School News
- Google Search: Beaufort County School District
- WJCL: Beaufort County School Provides Free Meals
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County Education
- WSAV: New Beaufort Middle Principal Announced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort County
- Your Island News: BCSD New Executive Director
- Google News: Bluffton 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.
