Upper School Updates

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As we kick off the second semester, our Upper School students have been settling back into their daily routines. It's been great to welcome everyone back to campus after the break!

Semi-Formal
The 2026 Semi-Formal will take place on Saturday, January 24, at the Music Farm (32 Ann Street). The classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 are encouraged to attend and enjoy the dance with their friends and classmates. Students may arrive beginning at 7:30 p.m. and the doors will close at 8:15 p.m. As per our policy, students will be required to remain at the dance until the conclusion at 10 p.m. 

Students may bring non-Porter-Gaud guests and are required to submit the guest form by January 16 to Mr. Hilpert. If the guest form is not received by this time, students may not have an outside guest. Guest forms can also be picked up at the front office. 

Tickets will be sold online here. Pricing is as follows: 

• Early Bird - January 5-17: $35 Porter-Gaud Students, $45 Guests
• Week of January 18-23: $45 Porter-Gaud Students, $50 Guests

After purchasing a student ticket, you will have the option to add a guest ticket. Guest tickets will only be sold with the Porter-Gaud student ticket. 

Sophomore College Night
Sophomore College Night will take place on Wednesday, January 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a brief welcome in Gwynette Auditorium. Following the introduction, we will have representatives from several institutions present on a variety of admissions-related topics. Students are required to attend, and we strongly encourage parents and caregivers to join us as well. 

Upper School Spring Sports
We are excited about the upcoming spring athletics season, which officially begins on Monday, January 26. Please review the details regarding our spring offerings here, complete the sign up form, and make sure your child is signed up and eligible to participate on the first day. 

Senior Yearbook Ads
The deadline for senior ads is January 31. If you'd like to purchase a senior yearbook ad, please click here. ​​Prices are as follows:

• Full-page - $595
• Half-page - $350

Parent Webinar on January 13
Please save the date for the upcoming webinar, “Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind,” on January 12, 2026, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. This event is being offered as part of The Parent Series, a year-long program offering six one-hour webinars designed for independent school parents and caregivers in all stages of their child’s growth. Click here for additional details on how to register. We also invite parents  in all divisions to join us for a parent coffee on Wednesday, January 21, from 9:15 - 10 a.m. in the Upper School Library to discuss learnings from the webinar. We hope to see you there!

Dining Update from Taher
Click here to view the menu for January 12-16. You can also follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining) or access menus online.

Uniform Savings
Lands End is offering 30% off select warm-weather uniform items and 20% off other uniform items through January 19. Click here for more information. 

Updates from the PGPA

• PGPA Concessions Sign Up: Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our athletics teams. No experience necessary!
• Volunteer Opportunities: Click here to learn more about PGPA Volunteer Opportunities. 

Important Calendar Dates for Planning Purposes

• January 14: Sophomore College Night
• January 19: MLK, Jr. Day - School Closed
• January 24: Semi-Formal
• January 26: Spring Sports Begin
• February 16-17: Winter Break - School Closed
• February 26 - March 1: US Musical
• March 6: Pre-ACT (10th grade) & PSAT 8/9 (9th Grade)
• March 10: Parent coffee 10th-12th grade scheduling
• March 25: Conference Day
• April 3: Good Friday - School Closed
• April 4-12: Spring Break
• April 18: Prom
• April 26: Spring Arts Festival
• May 1: Senior College T-Shirt Day
• May 4 - 15: AP Exams
• May 13-15: Senior Exams
• May 18: Senior Milestone Dinner (6 p.m.)
• May 19: Senior Breakfast, Graduation Practice, Unity Assembly
• May 21: Baccalaureate (5 p.m. - Church of the Holy Communion)
• May 23: Graduation (6:30 p.m.)
• May 26: Upper School Spring Semester Exams G & F Blocks
• May 27: Upper School Spring Semester Exams E & D Blocks
• May 28: Upper School Spring Semester Exams C & B Blocks
• May 29: Upper School Spring Semester Exams A & Make Up Blocks