How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Porter-Gaud! With the application deadline quickly approaching, we are no longer able to accept new applications after Friday, January 22 (to be included in the Annual Decision Round).
We will move into our Rolling Admission phase in mid-March, and will accept applications in grades with remaining openings. Please check back with us at that time. We hope to have the pleasure of working with you in the future!
- Submit an Online Inquiry
- Attend a Lower School Virtual Open House
- Register Your Child for the O'Quinn Student Preview
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 an Open House or parent meeting.
Attend a Lower School Virtual Open House
The best way to discover the Porter-Gaud Lower School is to attend a Virtual Open House. These Zoom events, hosted by Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission and Kathleen Beck, Application Process and Event Coordinator, will take place through the fall and winter. They will include a presentation providing an overview of the Lower School, a video showcasing our campus, students, and special programming, and a question and answer session. You will see the school in action and develop a clearer understanding of what makes Porter-Gaud the premier independent school in Charleston.
Register Your Child for the O'Quinn Student Preview
In lieu of the shadow day requirement for older students, O'Quinn kindergarten students and their parents are required to attend our O'Quinn Student Preview, where they will meet our Lower School Head and Dean and tour our campus.
Mt. Pleasant Campus: Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 3:30–4:30 p.m.
James Island Campus: Tuesday, January 26 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
UPDATE: 1/19/21:
With COVID numbers continuing to climb in Charleston, we no longer feel we can safely conduct these Preview events. With that being said, we understand that families who are new to Porter-Gaud may wish to see the campus in-person prior to the February 5th Priority Enrollment Process. Therefore, we are offering individual tours to any parents who have not been to our campus in the past.
If you are interested in registering for one of these 15-30 minute campus tours, click here.
The Process by Division
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 admission application. O'Quinn students are only required to complete the 3 steps listed below, beginning with submitting the Online Inquiry Form.
Priority Enrollment Statement:
On February 5, 2021, provided the required steps (listed above) 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 contacts 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 in February.
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.
Lower School
- Submit an Inquiry Online
- Attend a Lower School Virtual Open House (for parents)
- Complete the Application for Admission
- Student Video Submission
- Schedule a Virtual Parent Meeting
- Send the Teacher Recommendation Form
- Release of Records
- Register for Admission Testing (Rising First Graders)
- Register for Admission Testing (Rising 2nd-4th Grade)
- Admission Decision
Submit an Inquiry Online
Attend a Lower School Virtual Open House (for parents)
The best way to discover the Porter-Gaud Lower School is to attend a Virtual Open House. These Zoom events, hosted by Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission and Kathleen Beck, Application Process and Event Coordinator, will take place through the fall and winter. They will include a presentation providing an overview of the Lower School, a video showcasing our campus, students, and special programming, and a question and answer session. You will see the school in action and develop a clearer understanding of what makes Porter-Gaud the premier independent school in Charleston.
Complete the Application for Admission
Student Video Submission
We want to get to know your child! After an Admission Application is submitted, applicants for 1st-4th grade are required to submit a short video as part of the application process to help us learn more about your child(ren) and what interests him or her. Before filming, please temporarily change your camera settings on your phone to Low Definition to ensure the file isn't too large to upload. To learn more about the video guidelines, click here.
Schedule a Virtual Parent Meeting
We want to get to know you too! After an Admission Application has been submitted, prospective Lower School (grades 1-4) parents Zoom one-one-one with Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Lower School Admission. To register, log into the Parent Portal, click on View Checklist, and then Schedule Appointment.
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 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.
Also, we are aware that many schools have extended their Semester 1 end date, with that date being very close to our deadline. Provided that all other steps in the application process are completed by February 5, and we are only awaiting the requested records, your child will be included in the initial decision round.
Register for Admission Testing (Rising First Graders)
Prospective Rising First Grade Students sit for the OLSAT at Porter-Gaud, which is offered on the following dates: (During testing day, students and parents will also meet Lower School teachers and tour the campus!)
Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Please click here to register for rising first grade admission testing.
Please note: The $75 Admission Application fee covers the cost of the OLSAT; therefore, there is no separate testing fee. All applicants must have an application on file prior to admission testing.
Register for Admission Testing (Rising 2nd-4th Grade)
Prospective 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade Lower School Students sit for the ISEE admission test, which is offered at Porter-Gaud. During testing day, students will also meet Lower School teachers and tour the campus!
Coming soon: ISEE At-Home Testing will be offered for our non-local applicants. We hope to have the details the week of November 9th. For more information, email kbeck@portergaud.edu.
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. The cost is $140.
Below are the dates the ISEE is held at Porter-Gaud:
Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Please click here to register for ISEE testing. (If asked, Porter-Gaud's code is 410412.)
Click here to for what to expect.
Click here for a guide to interpreting your child's ISEE Score Report.
Admission Decision
Application Deadline (annual Decision Round): Friday, February 5, 2021
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 5, 2021
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 12, 2021
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and funding remain available.
Middle School
- Submit an Inquiry Online
- Attend a Virtual Open House (for parents)
- Complete the Application for Admission
- Student Virtual Experience
- Register for a Virtual Family Meeting
- Submit Three (3) Teacher/Principal Recommendation Forms
- Release of Records
- Register for Admission Testing
- Admission Decision
Submit an Inquiry Online
Attend a Virtual Open House (for parents)
Virtual Middle School Open Houses, led by Director of Admission and Enrollment Ken Hyde, will be held throughout the fall and winter, and include a small-group presentation, a question and answer session, and a virtual campus tour.
- Click here to register for the Virtual Middle School (Grades 5-8) Open House date of your choice. Choose from the following dates:
- Wednesday, October 7 at 1:00 p.m.,
- Tuesday, October 27 at 9:00 a.m.,
- Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m.,
- Tuesday, November 10 at 9:00 a.m.,
- Wednesday, December 2 at 9:00 a.m., or
- Tuesday, January 12 at 9:00.a.m.
If in looking ahead you would also like to attend a Virtual Upper School Open House, please click here to register for the date of your choice.
Complete the Application for Admission
Student Virtual Experience
There are many ways students can experience life at Porter-Gaud virtually! Please take a moment to schedule a Family Zoom Meeting with Ken Hyde, (see the "Register for a Virtual Family Meeting" step below) then encourage your prospective student to use the link below to explore the many ways to get to know us virtually!
Register for a Virtual Family Meeting
We want to get to know you and your prospective student(s)! After an Admission Application has been submitted, prospective families are welcome to Zoom one-one-one with Ken Hyde, Director of Admission and Enrollment.
Prior to COVID visitor restrictions, we required students to spend a full day on campus as part of the application process, and we offered excused absence letters to students when needed. If your child would like a letter in order to take part in this call, please let us know and we are happy to accommodate this request. We are offering many date and time options in the hope that you will be able to find a time that is convenient for your family.
To register, log into the Parent Portal, click on View Checklist, and then Schedule Appointment.
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 first semester. 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 first semester may delay your child's application as we will receive only partial records.
Also, we are aware that many schools have extended their Semester 1 end date, with that date being very close to our deadline. Provided that all other steps in the application process are completed by February 5, and we are only awaiting the requested records, your child will be included in the initial decision round.
Register for Admission Testing
Prospective students sit for the ISEE admission test, which is offered at prometric testing centers across the world, and at Porter-Gaud.
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 the ISEE is held at Porter-Gaud: (If you aren't local to Charleston, click here to find a testing center in your area.)
Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 9:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. (Computer-based)
Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Computer-based)
Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 9:00–11:00 a.m. (Paper test)
Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 9:00–11:00 a.m (Paper test)
Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. (Paper test)
Please click here to register for ISEE testing. (If asked, Porter-Gaud's code is 410412.)
Click here to for what to expect.
Click here for a guide to interpreting your child's ISEE Score Report.
Admission Decision
Application Deadline (annual Decision Round): Friday, February 5, 2021
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 5, 2021
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 12, 2021
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and funding remain available.
Upper School
- Submit an Inquiry Online
- Attend a Virtual Open House (for parents)
- Complete the Application for Admission
- Student Virtual Experience
- Register for a Virtual Family Meeting
- Submit Three (3) Teacher/Principal Recommendation Forms
- Release of Records
- Register for Admission Testing
- Admission Decision
Submit an Inquiry Online
Attend a Virtual Open House (for parents)
Virtual Upper School Open Houses, led by Director of Admission and Enrollment Ken Hyde, will be held throughout the fall and winter, and include a small-group presentation, a question and answer session, and a virtual campus tour.
- Click here to register for the Virtual Upper School (Grades 9-11) Open House date of your choice. Choose from the following dates:
- Thursday, October 15 at 9:00 a.m.,
- Tuesday, October 27 at 5:30 p.m.,
- Wednesday, October 28 at 1:00 p.m.,
- Thursday, November 12 at 9:00 a.m.,
- Wednesday, December 2 at 1:00 p.m., or
- Wednesday, January 13 at 9:00 a.m.
Complete the Application for Admission
Student Virtual Experience
There are many ways students can experience life at Porter-Gaud virtually! Please take a moment to schedule a Family Zoom Meeting with Ken Hyde, (see the "Register for a Virtual Family Meeting" step below) then encourage your prospective student to use the link below to explore the many ways to get to know us virtually!
Register for a Virtual Family Meeting
We want to get to know you and your prospective student(s)! After an Admission Application has been submitted, prospective families are welcome to Zoom one-one-one with Ken Hyde, Director of Admission and Enrollment.
Prior to COVID visitor restrictions, we required students to spend a full day on campus as part of the application process, and we offered excused absence letters to students when needed. If your child would like a letter in order to take part in this call, please let us know and we are happy to accommodate this request. We are offering many date and time options in the hope that you will be able to find a time that is convenient for your family.
To register, log into the Parent Portal, click on View Checklist, and then Schedule Appointment.
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 first semester. 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 first semester may delay your child's application as we will receive only partial records.
Also, we are aware that many schools have extended their Semester 1 end date, with that date being very close to our deadline. Provided that all other steps in the application process are completed by February 5, and we are only awaiting the requested records, your child will be included in the initial decision round.
Register for Admission Testing
Prospective students sit for the ISEE admission test, which is offered at prometric testing centers across the world, and at Porter-Gaud.
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 14, 2020 from 9:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 9:00–11:00 a.m
Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Please click here to register for ISEE testing. (If asked, Porter-Gaud's code is 410412.)
Click here to for what to expect.
Click here for a guide to interpreting your child's ISEE Score Report.
Admission Decision
Application Deadline (annual Decision Round): Friday, February 5, 2021
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 5, 2021
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 12, 2021
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and funding 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