How to Apply
The Process by Division
Welcome
O'Quinn Families
Priority Enrollment Process for The O’Quinn Schools of Porter-Gaud:
Because O'Quinn students are part of the Porter-Gaud family, rising first graders from O'Quinn are not required to complete the application process. O'Quinn students are only required to complete the 3 steps listed below: Complete the Online Inquiry Form, attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Lower School event, and attend the First Grade Preview with your student.
Priority Enrollment Statement:
On February 9, 2023, provided the required steps (listed below) for Priority Enrollment have been completed, and Porter-Gaud is a good academic and social fit for the student and an appropriate enrollment fit for the family, 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 this fall!
In all circumstances, Porter-Gaud retains discretion in its admission and enrollment decisions.
Complete the O'Quinn Priority Enrollment Steps Here:
- Submit an Online Inquiry
- Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Lower School Open House (includes a campus tour).
- Attend the First Grade Preview of Porter-Gaud with Your Current Kindergartener (also required of current families and O'Quinn families).
- Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid
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.
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, 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!
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 January 18th from 3:30-4:30 p.m., is required for all first grade applicants, including current families with a rising first grader and families coming from O'Quinn. This fun event gives our rising first grade applicants the opportunity visit our first grade building and play on our playground while getting to know their potential future classmates. Alternatively, it gives our admission staff and Lower School faculty and administrators the opportunity to get to know your child.
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 2023-2024 school year in late January 2023.
Lower School (1-4)
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, Febuary 3rd, 2023.
- Submit an Inquiry Online
- Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Lower School Open House (for parents, and includes a campus tour)
- Complete the Application for Admission Form
- Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid
- Schedule a Parent Meeting
- Send the Teacher Recommendation Form
- Release of Records
- Register for our Admission Assessment (includes a campus tour and classroom visit for students)
- Attend the First Grade Preview of Porter-Gaud with Your Current Kindergartener (also required of current families and O'Quinn families).
- Admission Decision and Dates
Submit an Inquiry Online
We are no longer accepting inquiries for the 2023-2024 school year. We welcome you inquire for a future year by clicking here.
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:
Tuesday, October 4, 9:00-10:30
Thursday, October 27, 9:00-10:30
Thursday, November 3, 9:00-10:30
Thursday, December 8, 9:00-10:30
Wednesday, January 11, 9:30-11:00
Complete the Application for Admission Form
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.
Schedule a Parent Meeting
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.
Release of Records
Please click here, 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.
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.
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 10, 19, 23, and 26)
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 27 and January 30. To register, begin by clicking here and selecting 'At School', then 'Applying to Grades 2-4'. For the January 27th testing date, enter Event Code UAWRY82C. For the January 30th testing date, enter Event Code 3ZK87P8Q.
Testing for Grade 3 is offered December 12 and February 1. To register, begin by clicking here and selecting 'At School', then 'Applying to Grades 2-4'. For the December 12th testing date, enter Event Code KMDY4KP3. For the February 1st testing date, enter Event Code 52XA4MPU.
Testing for Grade 4 is offered December 13 and January 20. To register, begin by clicking here and selecting 'At School', then 'Applying to Grades 2-4'. For the December 13th testing date, enter Event Code 4F3M4F26. For the January 20th testing date, enter Event Code V8LQWMF5.
For families not local to Charleston, call Kathleen Beck at 843 402-4726 to schedule testing to take place in the admission office during a visit to Charleston.
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.
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 January 18th from 3:30-4:30 p.m., is required of all first grade applicants, including current families with a rising first grader and families coming from O'Quinn. This fun event gives our rising first grade applicants the opportunity visit our first grade building and play on our playground while getting to know their potential future classmates. Alternatively, it gives our admission staff and Lower School faculty and administrators the opportunity to get to know our applicants.
Admission Decision and Dates
Application Deadline (annual Decision Round): Friday, February 3, 2023
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 10, 2023
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 17, 2023
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.
Middle School (5-8)
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, Febuary 3rd, 2023.
- Submit an Inquiry Online
- Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Middle School Open House (an event for parents)
- Attend a Student Shadow Day
- Complete the Application for Admission
- Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid
- Submit Three (3) Teacher/Principal Recommendation Forms
- Release of Records
- Register for Admission Testing
- Admission Decision and Dates
Submit an Inquiry Online
We are no longer accepting inquiries for the 2023-2024 school year. We welcome you inquire for a future year by clicking here.
Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Middle School Open House (an event for parents)
Discover Middle School events are designed to provide prospective parents the opportunity to tour campus, see classes in action, and meet administration and teachers. Dates offered are:
Friday, September 30, 10:15-11:45
Monday, October 10, 10:15-11:45
Monday, October 24, 10:15-11:45
Monday, November 7, 10:15-11:45
Monday, November 14, 10:15-11:45
Friday, January 13, 10:15-11:45
Tuesday, January 24, 10:15-11:45
Please click here to select a date and register. We look forward to welcoming you to campus!
If you live out of town, please call Kathleen Beck at 843 402-4726 to schedule an individual family meeting and tour.
Attend a Student Shadow Day
As part of the application process, students in grades 5-12 are required to spend a day here, in their current grade. This day is designed to help our prospective students 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.
Dates offered are:
Friday, October 21
Tuesday, October 25
Tuesday, November 8
Tuesday, November 15
Tuesday, November 29
Tuesday, January 17
Monday, January 23
Tuesday, January 31
Complete the Application for Admission
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.
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.
Release of Records
Please click here, 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.
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.
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 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Online)
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Online)
Saturday, January 7, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Paper)
Saturday, January 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Paper)
Saturday, January 28, 2023, 9:00-12:00 (Online)
Please click here to 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 3, 2023
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 10, 2023
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 17, 2023
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.
Upper School (9-12)
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, Febuary 3rd, 2023.
- Submit an Inquiry Online
- Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Upper School Open House (an event for parents)
- Attend a Student Shadow Day
- Complete the Application for Admission
- Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid
- Submit Three (3) Teacher/Principal Recommendation Forms
- Release of Records
- Register for Admission Testing
- Admission Decision and Dates
Submit an Inquiry Online
We are no longer accepting inquiries for the 2023-2024 school year. We welcome you inquire for a future year by clicking here.
Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Upper School Open House (an event for parents)
Discover Upper School events are designed to provide prospective parents the opportunity to tour campus, see classes in action, and meet administration and teachers. Dates offered are:
Friday, September 30, 10:15-11:45
Monday, October 10, 10:15-11:45
Monday, October 24, 10:15-11:45
Monday, November 7, 10:15-11:45
Monday, November 14, 10:15-11:45
Friday, January 13, 10:15-11:45
Tuesday, January 24, 10:15-11:45
Please click here to select a date and register. We look forward to welcoming you to campus!
If you live out of town, please call Kathleen Beck at 843 402-4726 to schedule an individual family meeting and tour.
Attend a Student Shadow Day
As part of the application process, students in grades 5-12 are required to spend a day here, in their current grade, with rising ninth graders also spending part of their day in the High School. This day is designed to help our prospective students 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.
Dates offered are:
Friday, October 21
Tuesday, October 25
Tuesday, November 8
Tuesday, November 15
Tuesday, November 29
Tuesday, January 17
Monday, January 23
Tuesday, January 31
Complete the Application for Admission
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.
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.
Release of Records
Please click here, 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.
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.
Register for Admission Testing
Prospective students sit for the ISEE admission test, which is offered at Porter-Gaud in the months of 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 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Online)
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Online)
Saturday, January 7, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Paper)
Saturday, January 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Paper)
Saturday, January 28, 2023, 9:00-12:00 (Online)
Please click here to 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 3, 2023
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 10, 2023
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 17, 2023
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.
STUDENT VOICES
"At Porter-Gaud, no student is ever just another face in the crowd; even a teacher you’ve never had for class before will know you and take an interest in your education."
Courtenay White '20
Georgetown University