Hartsville High is governed by the Darlington County School District and is accredited by the Southern Association for Secondary Schools and Colleges, as well as the South Carolina Department of Education.

Hartsville High's curriculum offers advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, honors, college preparatory, academic, and applied technology courses.

Fine arts programs in band, chorus, drama, orchestra and visual arts are available, and the athletic department produces 22 varsity and junior varsity teams in 14 sports.

52% of students at HHS were White/Caucasian, 44% were African-American, 0.4% were Asian, 0.1% were Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 0.1% were American Indian/Alaskan Native, 2% were Hispanic, and 1% were mixed (two or more races).

Ronald Rouse, 18, a senior defensive end on the top-ranked Hartsville football team, collapsed on the field during the second quarter of a homecoming game against Crestwood High School hat Kelleytown Stadium.