PORTER-GAUD ADMISSION

Cultivating Lives
of Purpose

Admission

FROM 1ST TO 12TH GRADE WE ARE -

Preparing Effective Lifelong Learners

Thank you for your interest in Porter-Gaud School. We have been inspiring students with a well-rounded, challenging, and innovative independent school education since 1867.

 

Today, Porter-Gaud holds true to its mission of fostering a challenging academic environment that honors teaching and learning, respects differences, expects honesty, and applauds achievement. All great journeys start with a first step, and we encourage you to find out for yourself what Porter-Gaud is all about.

 

We look forward to the opportunity to show you our campus, to speak with you about your hopes and dreams for your child(ren), and to answer your questions about our exceptional programs, talented faculty, and the vision for the future of our School.

 

Sincerely,

KEN HYDEASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND PARENT RELATIONS

 

Admission and Enrollment Professionals

 

Ken Hyde

Assistant Head for Enrollment and Parent Relations

Ken Hyde serves as the Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management and Parent Relations.  He has 27 years of professional experience in independent schools ranging from teacher, coach, advisor, dorm head, dean of students, and presently, enrollment professional.  Ken earned a BA in Economics from UNC at Chapel Hill and his Masters in School Administration from UNC at Greensboro.  He is married to Holly, a Spanish teacher at Porter-Gaud, and has two daughters, Anne and Margaret who attend the school.

P: 843.402.4775

EMAIL

 

Lauren McClary

Associate Director of Admission and Enrollment

Lauren McClary is the Associate Director of Admission & Enrollment at Porter-Gaud.  She works with families in the admission process for Grades 1-4, and this is her 7th year with the admission team, and 12th year as a Porter-Gaud parent.  

Lauren has two children at Porter-Gaud; Phillip (Class of 2025), and Jane (Class of 2027).  Both of her kids attended O'Quinn prior to enrolling at Porter-Gaud in 1st Grade.

Lauren has a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Studies from Vanderbilt University, and a Juris Doctorate from The University of South Carolina School of Law. Prior to her time at Porter-Gaud, Lauren practiced employment law here in Charleston. 

P: 843.402.4657

EMAIL

 

Paige Baran

Associate Director of Admission and Enrollment, Upper and Middle School

Paige serves as the Assistant Director of Admission for Middle and Upper School at Porter-Gaud. Having spent over two decades in education in California and Charleston, most recently as a Porter-Gaud Middle School English teacher, Paige is looking forward to her new role in Admission. Paige earned a BA in Communication from Stanford University and a Masters in School Administration from California State University, Northridge. Paige loves spending time outdoors with her family, husband, Paul (PG History Department Chair), their two daughters, Annika  and Charlotte, and two energetic dogs.

P: 843.402.4752

EMAIL

 

Kathleen Beck

Application Process and Event Coordinator

Kathleen serves as Application Process and Event Coordinator and is responsible for guiding families through the application process. Kathleen began her work career as an Early Childhood Teacher in public schools, and has worked in the Admission Office at Porter-Gaud since 2015. Her son, Noah, graduated in 2024 and her daughter , Hadley-Claire, is in the Class of 2026.

P: 843.402.4726

EMAIL

 

PORTER-GAUD ADMISSIONS

We Would Love to Meet You.

The best way to discover the difference a Porter-Gaud education would make for your children is to attend one of our fall Discover Porter-Gaud events. These on-campus open houses include a group presentation providing an overview of our program, a question and answer session, and a campus tour that includes class visits and the chance to speak informally with our current students, faculty, and staff members about their experiences at Porter-Gaud. You will see the school in action and develop a firsthand understanding of what makes Porter-Gaud one of the leading independent schools in the Southeast.

Porter-Gaud Athletics Stadium Waterview

Help Us Get to Know You

Begin the process of learning more about the Porter-Gaud difference by completing our brief Online Inquiry Form. This step is required of all families (including those with older children already at Porter-Gaud and those currently enrolled at the O'Quinn Schools of Porter-Gaud). It must be completed prior to attending a Discover Porter-Gaud Open House or parent meeting.

Porter-Gaud Students in the playground

 

PORTER-GAUD APPLICATIONS

Make an Inquiry

The first step in your Porter-Gaud journey is an inquiry. This action lets us know a little bit about you so we can get the process help you learn more about what make us special. 

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The Application Process

The application process varies by division. Please click on the appropriate tab below to begin your journey with Porter-Gaud!
 
Also note that all steps listed are required to be completed by Monday, February 3, 2025 in order for your child to be included in the annual decision round.

O'Quinn How to Apply

O'Quinn
 

Lower School How To Apply

Lower School
(1-4)

Middle School How to Apply

Middle School
(5-8)

Upper School How To Apply

Upper School
(9-12)

Priority Enrollment Statement:

On February 2, 2024, provided the required process (listed below) for Priority Enrollment has been completed, and Porter-Gaud is a good academic and social fit for the student, and we can effectively support your child's learning needs, Porter-Gaud will email online enrollment contracts to the families of current O'Quinn kindergarten students.

Once you receive the online enrollment contract, you will be able to complete the online enrollment process and pay the non-refundable 10% tuition deposit to reserve a space during this early enrollment window.

We realize that families in Charleston have several excellent educational options for their children, and we sincerely hope to have the pleasure of welcoming students from O'Quinn into our rising first grade class in the fall of 2024!

In all circumstances, Porter-Gaud retains discretion in its admission and enrollment decisions.

 

Complete the O'Quinn Priority Enrollment steps here:
1. Submit an Online Inquiry

Begin the process of learning more about the Porter-Gaud difference by completing our brief inquiry form.

This step is required of all families (including those with older children already at Porter-Gaud and those currently enrolled at the O'Quinn Schools of Porter-Gaud).

It must be completed prior to attending a Discover Porter-Gaud Open House or parent meeting.

 

Complete the form
2. Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Lower School Open House (includes a campus tour)

These parent-only events, hosted by Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission & Enrollment, will take place through the fall and winter.

They include a presentation providing an overview of the Lower School, a question and answer session, and a campus tour showcasing classes in action.

We can't wait to welcome you to campus!

 

Register for the date of your choice
3. Attend the First Grade Preview of Porter-Gaud with Your Current Kindergartener (also required of current families and O'Quinn families)

The First Grade Preview, scheduled for Wednesday, December 6th from 3:30-4:30 p.m., is required for all first grade applicants (including O'Quinn students and students with older siblings on the main campus), and is held once per admission season.

This fun event gives our rising first grade applicants the opportunity visit our campus and get to know potential classmates. Alternatively, it gives our admission staff and Lower School faculty and administrators the opportunity to get to know your child.

 

Click here to register
4. Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid

Please click here and take a moment to review our current Tuition and Fees, and familiarize yourself with the Financial Aid process if you plan to apply.

Please note that the tuition and fees will be updated to reflect the 2024-2025 school year in late January 2024

 

Below are the required admission application steps. In order for an applicant to be considered in the annual decision round, these steps have a deadline of Friday, February 2nd, 2024.
 

  1. Submit an Online Inquiry

    An Online Inquiry Form can be submitted here:

    Online Inquiry Form 
     
  2. Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Lower School Open House (for parents, and includes a campus tour)

    These parent-only events, hosted by Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission, Lower School, will take place through the fall and winter. They will include a presentation providing an overview of the Lower School, a question and answer session, and a campus tour showcasing classes in action. We can't wait to welcome you to campus!
    Dates offered are:

    - Wednesday, October 4,  9:30-11:00 a.m.
    - Wednesday, October 25, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
    - Tuesday, November 14,  8:30-10:00 a.m.
    - Friday, December 1, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
    - Thursday, January 18, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

    Register for the date of your choice
     
  3. Complete the Application for Admission Form

    Once submitted, an Online Checklist will be generated. After the admission team processes the application (within 24 hours), please log back in (using the login you will create to begin the application) and click on 'View Checklist'.
    From the checklist, you can continue with the required steps in the application process. Please keep in mind the deadline of February 2nd to complete the items in this checklist.

    Submit the Admission Application
     
  4. Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid

    Please click here and take a moment to review our current Tuition and Fees, and familiarize yourself with the Financial Aid process if you plan to apply.
     
  5. Schedule an Individual Parent Meeting (families not local to Charleston)

    Out of town families who cannot make it to a Discover Porter-Gaud's Lower School Open House are invited to attend an individual parent meeting with Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission and Enrollment, Lower School.
    To schedule, please contact:

    Kathleen Beck
    P: (843) 402-4726
     
  6. Send the Teacher Recommendation Form

    After completing the admission application, parents can log in to the parent portal, and click on 'View Checklist' to send our specific recommendation form electronically to the current, lead teacher.
     
  7. Release of Records

    Please click the link below, print the form, complete it, and then take it to your child's current school after the completion of the second quarter.

    Parental Authorisation Form For The Release Of Records

    This form authorizes your child's school to send standardized test scores, transcripts, and other required records directly to Porter-Gaud.

    Please note that submitting this form prior to the end of the second quarter may delay your child's application as we will receive only partial records.
     
  8. Register for our Admission Assessment (includes a campus tour and classroom visit for students)

    Please register for a Lower School Test and Tour Date.
    We administer the OLSAT for applicants to rising first grade. The cost of the OLSAT is included in the first grade application fee.
    Click here to register for 1st Grade Assessment (Offered January 22, 2024 and February 5, 2024) 

    Applicants to rising 2nd-4th grade sit for the ISEE Primary. A separate registration fee is charged at the time of online registration through ISEE by ERB.
    Click below to register for one of the listed dates.

    - Testing for Grade 2 is offered January 23, 2024 and February 1, 2024. To register, begin by clicking here and selecting 'details' (under 'At School'), then 'Applying to Grades 2-4'. For the January 23rd testing date, enter Event Code 9K9EVHE2. For the February 1st testing date, enter Event Code NBFMUEA6
    - Testing for Grade 3 is offered December 7, 2023 and January 19, 2024. To register, begin by clicking here and selecting 'details' (under 'At School'), then 'Applying to Grades 2-4'. For the December 7th testing date, enter Event Code K2WGLXGN. For the January 19th testing date, enter Event Code HZSNSC48
    - Testing for Grade 4 is offered December 11, 2023 and January 17, 2024. To register, begin by clicking here and selecting 'details' (under 'At School'), then 'Applying to Grades 2-4'. For the December 11th testing date, enter Event Code NLGJSRCH. For the January 17th testing date, enter Event Code ZJLCWYMW.

    For families not local to Charleston, to schedule testing to take place in the admission office during a visit to Charleston, please call:

    Kathleen Beck
    P: (843) 402-4726

    Click here for tips on how to prepare for the ISEE by ERB.
    Click here for a guide to interpreting your child's ISEE Score Report. 
     
  9. Attend the First Grade Preview of Porter-Gaud with Your Current Kindergartener (also required of current families and O'Quinn families).

    The First Grade Preview, scheduled for Wednesday, December 6th from 3:30-4:30 p.m., is required for all first grade applicants (including O'Quinn students and students with older siblings on the main campus) and is held once per admission season.
    This fun event gives our rising first grade applicants the opportunity visit our campus and get to know potential classmates. Alternatively, it gives our admission staff and Lower School faculty and administrators the opportunity to get to know and observe your child.

    Register here
     
  10. Admission Decision and Dates

    - Application Deadline (annual Decision Round): Friday, February 2, 2024
    - Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 8, 2024
    - Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 15, 2024

    All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.

 

  1. Submit an Online Inquiry 

    An Online Inquiry Form can be submitted by clicking here.
     
  2. Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Upper School Open House (an event for parents)

    These parent-only events, hosted by Paige Baran, Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School, will take place through the fall and winter. They will include a presentation providing an overview of the Middle and Upper School, a question and answer session, and a campus tour showcasing classes in action. We can't wait to welcome you to campus!

    Dates offered are:

    - Monday October 9, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Friday, October 20,  10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Friday, November 10, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Wednesday, November 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
    - Monday, December 4, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Friday, January 12, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Wednesday, January 31, 10:15-11:45 a.m

    Register for the date of your choice
     
  3. Attend a Student Shadow Day

    As part of the application process, students in grades 5-12 are required to spend a day at Porter-Gaud, in their current grade. This day is designed to help our applicants get a feel for life as a Porter-Gaud student, and is an opportunity for us to get to know your child. Shadow days run from 10:00-2:30, and we are happy to provide a school absence excuse. Please click here to register for the date of your choice, and keep in mind that dates fill quickly. Also, please note that we require an admission application be on file in order for a student to shadow.

    Dates offered are:

    - Tuesday, October 3, 2023
    - Tuesday, October 24, 2023
    - Tuesday, November 7, 2023
    - Tuesday, November 28, 2023
    - Tuesday, December 5, 2023
    - Tuesday, January 16, 2024
    - Monday, January 30, 2024
     
  4. Schedule an Individual Family Visit (families not local to Charleston)

    Out of town families who cannot make it to a Discover Porter-Gaud's Middle/Upper School Open House are invited to attend an individual parent meeting with Paige Baran, Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School.

    To schedule, please contact:

    Kathleen Beck
    P: (843) 402-4726

    Please note: If the prospective student is in attendance, this can satisfy both the parent visit and "student shadow" day. 
     
  5. Complete the Application for Admission 

    Once submitted, an Online Checklist will be generated. After the admission team processes the application (within 24 hours), please log back in (using the login you will create to begin the application) and click on 'View Checklist'. From the checklist, you can continue with the required steps in the application process.

    Please keep in mind the deadline of February 2nd to complete the items in this checklist.

    Submit the Admission Application
     
  6. Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid

    Please click here and take a moment to review our current Tuition and Fees, and familiarize yourself with the Financial Aid process if you plan to apply.
     
  7. Submit Three (3) Teacher/Principal Recommendation Forms

    After completing the admission application, parents can log in to the parent portal, and click on 'View Checklist' to send our specific recommendation forms electronically to the current math teacher, English teacher, and principal. 
     
  8. Release of Records

    Please print the form linked below, complete it, and then take it to your child's current school after the completion of the second quarter. This form authorizes your child's school to send standardized test scores, transcripts, and other required records directly to Porter-Gaud.

    Parental Authorisation Form For The Release Of Records

    Please note that submitting this form prior to the end of the second quarter may delay your child's application as we will receive only partial records.
     
  9. Register for Admission Testing

    Prospective students sit for the ISEE admission test, which is offered at Porter-Gaud in the months of November, December and January, and at prometric testing centers across the world (for students not local to Charleston).
    Registration for a test date is required and typically shuts down a few weeks prior to the testing date. Please register as soon as possible.

    Below are the dates testing is held at Porter-Gaud: (If you aren't local to Charleston, click here to find a testing center in your area.)

    - Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Online)
    - Saturday, December 2, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Online)
    - Saturday, January 6, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Paper)
    - Saturday, January 20, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Paper)
    - Saturday, January 27, 2024, 9:00-12:00 (Online)

    REGISTER FOR ISEE TESTING

    (If asked, Porter-Gaud's code is 410412)

    Click here for tips on how to prepare for the ISEE by ERB.
    Click here for a guide to interpreting your child's ISEE Score Report. 

    Admission Decision and Dates

    - Application Deadline (annual Decision Round): Friday, February 2, 2024
    - Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 8, 2024
    - Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 15, 2024

    All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.
  1. Submit an Online Inquiry 

    An Online Inquiry Form can be submitted by clicking the link below:

    Online Inquiry Form
     
  2. Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Upper School Open House (an event for parents)

    These parent-only events, hosted by Paige Baran, Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School, will take place through the fall and winter. They will include a presentation providing an overview of the Middle and Upper School, a question and answer session, and a campus tour showcasing classes in action.
    We can't wait to welcome you to campus!

    Dates offered are:

    - Monday October 9, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Friday, October 20,  10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Friday, November 10, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Wednesday, November 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
    - Monday, December 4, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Friday, January 12, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
    - Wednesday, January 31, 10:15-11:45 a.m

    Register here for the date of your choice
     
  3. Attend a Student Shadow Day

    As part of the application process, students in grades 5-12 are required to spend a day at Porter-Gaud, in their current grade. This day is designed to help our applicants get a feel for life as a Porter-Gaud student, and is an opportunity for us to get to know your child. Shadow days run from 10:00-2:30, and we are happy to provide a school absence excuse.

    Please click here to register for the date of your choice, and keep in mind that dates fill quickly. Also, please note that we require an admission application be on file in order for a student to shadow.

    Dates offered are:

    - Tuesday, October 3, 2023
    - Tuesday, October 24, 2023
    - Tuesday, November 7, 2023
    - Tuesday, November 28, 2023
    - Tuesday, December 5, 2023
    - Tuesday, January 16, 2024
    - Monday, January 30, 2024
     
  4. Schedule an Individual Family Visit (families not local to Charleston)

    Out of town families who cannot make it to a Discover Porter-Gaud's Middle/Upper School Open House are invited to attend an individual parent meeting with Paige Baran, Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School.

    To schedule, please contact:

    Kathleen Beck
    P: (843) 402-4726

    Please note: If the prospective student is in attendance, this can satisfy both the parent visit and "student shadow" day.
     
  5. Complete the Application for Admission 

    Once submitted, an Online Checklist will be generated. After the admission team processes the application (within 24 hours), please log back in (using the login you will create to begin the application) and click on 'View Checklist'. From the checklist, you can continue with the required steps in the application process. Please keep in mind the deadline of February 2nd to complete the items in this checklist.

    Submit the Admission Application
     
  6. Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid

    Please click here and take a moment to review our current Tuition and Fees, and familiarize yourself with the Financial Aid process if you plan to apply.
     
  7. Submit Three (3) Teacher/Principal Recommendation Forms

    After completing the admission application, parents can log in to the parent portal, and click on 'View Checklist' to send our specific recommendation forms electronically to the current math teacher, English teacher, and principal.
     
  8. Release of Records

    Please click the link below, print the form, complete it, and then take it to your child's current school after the completion of the second quarter. This form authorizes your child's school to send standardized test scores, transcripts, and other required records directly to Porter-Gaud.

    Parental Authorisation Form For The Release Of Records

    Please note that submitting this form prior to the end of the second quarter may delay your child's application as we will receive only partial records.
     
  9. Register for Admission Testing

    Prospective students sit for the ISEE admission test, which is offered at Porter-Gaud in the months of November, December and January, and at prometric testing centers across the world (for students not local to Charleston).
    Registration for a test date is required and typically shuts down a few weeks prior to the testing date. Please register as soon as possible.
    Below are the dates testing is held at Porter-Gaud: (If you aren't local to Charleston, click here to find a testing center in your area.)

    - Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Online)
    - Saturday, December 2, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Online)
    - Saturday, January 6, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Paper)
    - Saturday, January 20, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Paper)
    - Saturday, January 27, 2024, 9:00-12:00 (Online)

    REGISTER FOR ISEE TESTING HERE

    (If asked, Porter-Gaud's code is 410412)

    Click here for tips on how to prepare for the ISEE by ERB.
    Click here for a guide to interpreting your child's ISEE Score Report.
     
  10. Admission Decision and Dates

    - Application Deadline (annual Decision Round): Friday, February 2, 2024
    - Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 8, 2024
    - Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 15, 2024

    All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.

PORTER-GAUD

Reviews &
Testimonials

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"Our school gave me the tools to learn how to learn. We were expected to know how to find the information and apply it. I will always love PG for that."

Dr. Melvin Brown
Class of 1987, Physician, Trustee, Parent of a 2024 Graduate

"At PG, I was inspired. That zest for learning that I got at PG stayed with me throughout my graduate and work and early career"

JESSICA BARON
Class of 2006, Dentist

"Porter-Gaud is an easy easy place to call home. It's a feeling palpable for all who pass through its gates, even if only for a few hours. Spend a day here and you'll no doubt be searching for ways to stay. Spend a month and you'll feel like you've been here and known its people forever --- more importantly, you'll wish that you had."

DANIEL JORDAN
History Teacher & Parent

Graduation ceremony at Porter Gaud

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We would love to discuss your place at Porter-Gaud.

 

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