For more than a decade, Lexington County School District Four’s enrollment has remained steady at around 3,500 students each year. With new residential developments in the works, however, the district is planning its next steps for anticipated growth.

Five proposed residential developments are expected to add a significant number of new homes and students: 

• Sundance will bring approximately 258 homes and an estimated 387 students 
• Valley Crest, located along Fish Hatchery and Casa Dell roads, will add 198 homes and an estimated 297 students
• Terra Pine, near Blackville Road and S.C. Highway 6, will bring 119 new homes and an estimated 179 students
• Victor Road will add 196 homes and an estimated 294 students 
• Enclave at Woodtrail will bring 318 homes, with an estimated 477 students

In total, almost 1,200 new homes could be built in the upcoming years, and the district could see over 1,600 new students. 

An increase of more than 1,000 students could lead to a 45% to 50% rise in enrollment. District officials say they can handle a 25% increase in enrollment with the current facilities. 

At the elementary school level, which includes the Early Childhood Center, Sandhills Primary School and Sandhills Elementary School, the district can accommodate around 375 more students. The projected enrollment from the proposed developments could add 545 additional students throughout these three schools.

At Frances Mack Intermediate School and Sandhills Middle School, the current capacity allows for 275 additional students, while projections show as many as 545 more could enroll. 

At Swansea Freshman Academy and Swansea High School, the current capacity stands at 275 additional students, with a projected increase of 545 new students. 

Altogether, the district can handle about 925 new students currently. 

Again, these numbers are projections, and district officials noted that the numbers can vastly change over time. 

To prepare, the district has begun a facility study to assess the condition of current buildings, review demographic data and create more detailed enrollment projections. A draft report will be completed between February and March 2026, and final recommendations and presentations will be done between April and May.

School board members will use that information to develop timelines and explore options at future meetings. They will consider funding mechanisms, identify the district’s needs, engage the community for input and more. 

The next school board meeting will take place on Dec. 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Lexington Four District Office, located at 607 E. 5th St. in Swansea.