Privacy Policy
Horry County Schools (HCS) is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected through our website, how it is used, and how we safeguard that information.
By using the Horry County Schools website, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Horry County Schools does not require visitors to create an account or log in to access the public website.
We only collect personally identifiable information when you voluntarily provide it. Examples include:
- Completing an online form
- Requesting information
- Registering for an event
- Submitting a question or comment
- Applying for employment
- Signing up for newsletters or notifications
Depending on the form, this information may include your name, email address, telephone number, mailing address, or other information necessary to fulfill your request.
Automatically Collected Information
Like most websites, our web servers may automatically collect limited technical information when you visit our website. This information may include:
- Internet Protocol (IP) address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Operating system
- Date and time of your visit
- Pages viewed
- Referring website
This information is used only to improve website performance, diagnose technical issues, analyze website traffic, and enhance the user experience. It is not used to personally identify visitors.
Website Analytics
Horry County Schools may use website analytics tools to better understand how visitors use our website. These tools collect aggregate, anonymous information such as page views, navigation patterns, browser types, and device information. This information helps us improve website performance and content and is not used to personally identify individual visitors.
Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and enhance your browsing experience.
Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites remember preferences and understand how visitors use the site.
Most web browsers allow you to control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website features.
How We Use Information
Information voluntarily submitted through our website is used only for legitimate Horry County Schools business purposes, including:
- Responding to inquiries
- Providing requested information
- Processing registrations or applications
- Communicating with families or community members
- Improving our website and services
Horry County Schools does not sell, rent, or distribute personal information collected through this website for commercial purposes.
Third-Party Services
Our website may include links to or embedded content from third-party services, including but not limited to:
- Google services
- YouTube
- Social media platforms
- Online payment providers
- Mapping services
- Other educational partners or vendors
These services operate under their own privacy policies. Horry County Schools is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.
Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they visit.
Student Privacy
Protecting student information is a priority for Horry County Schools.
Student educational records are maintained in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The public website is not intended to collect confidential student education records.
Children’s Privacy
Our website is intended to provide information to students, families, staff, and the community.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through our public website except when voluntarily submitted by a parent, guardian, student, or authorized school representative for a legitimate educational or district purpose.
Public Records
Information submitted to Horry County Schools may become a public record subject to disclosure under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), unless otherwise exempt by law.
Security
Horry County Schools employs reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information submitted through this website.
While every effort is made to protect electronic information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure. Therefore, Horry County Schools cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted through the Internet.
External Links
This website contains links to external websites for the convenience of our users.
Horry County Schools does not control or endorse the privacy practices, security, or content of external websites and encourages users to review the privacy policies of those sites.
Accessibility
Horry County Schools is committed to providing a website that is accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities.
If you encounter a barrier while using our website or need information in an alternative format, please contact us using the information below.
Changes to This Policy
Horry County Schools reserves the right to update or revise this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the revised effective date.
Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Information
Questions regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to:
Horry County Schools
335 Four Mile Road
Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 488-6700
Website: www.horrycountyschools.net