Admission

PORTER-GAUD ADMISSION

Cultivating Lives
of Purpose

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:  843-576-5078

EMAIL

 

Paige Baran

Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper 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. 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

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 parent/caregiver events include 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 visit. This action lets us know a little bit about you so we can help you learn more about what make us special. 

Porter-Gaud Students in the playground

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.

 

Inquire Apply Visit Our Campus