Discover the difference a Porter-Gaud education would make.
Below are some of the questions most often asked by our prospective families. We hope this information is helpful, and we encourage you to reach out to our Admission Office for further details.
| How many students attend Porter-Gaud? |
| Currently, our Lower School has 291 students, our Middle School has 351 students, and our Upper School has 433 students. Our total enrollment is 1075. |
| In which grades does Porter-Gaud admit new students? |
Porter-Gaud admits new students into each grade. Our primary entry points, however, are 1st grade, 6th grade, and 9th grade. Generally, admission becomes more competitive over time as the number of applicants per available space increases with each grade.
** Please note that due to unprecedented enrollment in our 1st grade and 7th grade classes for the 2024-2025 school year, we are unable to accept applications for 2nd and 8th grades for the 2025-2026 school year. |
| When should my family start the application process? |
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Porter-Gaud begins working with prospective families as early as mid-September and October for admission for the following fall. The deadline for our Annual Decision Round is typically in early February, and this is the point at which applicants have the best chance for admission as many of our grades become fully-enrolled for the coming year.
In mid-March, we begin our Rolling Admission phase and will consider applicants on an individual basis, provided that available space remains.
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| What is the best way to learn about Porter-Gaud? |
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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.
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| What are the hours of the school day? |
- Lower School (Grades 1-4): 7:50-2:55 (There is a late start at 8:50 a.m. on Wednesdays.)
- Middle School (Grades 5-8): 8:00 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. (There is a late start at 8:50 a.m. on Wednesdays.)
- Upper School (Grades 9-12): 8:20 a.m. – 3:20 p.m. (There is a late start at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.)
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| Does Porter-Gaud provide lunch? |
| Ask any of our students, and they will rave about the lunches at Porter-Gaud! Lunch is included in tuition, and dining options include a hot bar, a salad bar, the choice of two homemade soups daily, a deli bar, fresh fruit, and a panini station. |
| Does Porter-Gaud have after-school care and enrichment opportunities? |
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Our Extended Day Program is available to Lower School students on a regular or drop-in basis until 5:45 p.m. on most school days. Students enjoy a snack, supervised homework time, fun on the playground, and special activities such as board/card games, arts and crafts, organized sports games, and much more.
In addition, our Cyclone Club provides Middle School students with a safe and productive environment in which to complete assignments and play age-appropriate games.
Enrichment opportunities for Lower and Middle School students include approximately 40 different options throughout the year, including 3D Printing, Girls Run the World, Ballet, Chess Club, Karate, Soccer, Tennis, Acting, Sailing, Piano, and Cooking—just to name a few.
Find Out More
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| Which grades offer competitive interscholastic sports? |
| Per SCISA regulations, competitive sports are available to students in Grades 5-12. |
| What is Porter-Gaud's Immunization Policy? |
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All students must provide evidence of immunizations or vaccinations required by the State of South Carolina. Official records from a licensed medical provider or clinic are required and must be approved by the school nurse.
Exemptions from immunizations for reasons of conscience, including religious exemptions, will not be accepted for any Porter-Gaud student. Exemptions from immunization requirements may be granted on a medical basis.
Students requesting a medical exemption from the immunization or vaccination requirements must annually submit a signed, dated letter from the student’s South Carolina-licensed, treating physician (M.D. or D.O.) specifically stating the basis for the exemption and that the required immunizations or vaccinations would be medically contraindicated or pose a significant risk to the health and well-being of the child or a member of the child’s household. Requests for medical exemptions will be considered and granted on a case-by-case basis.
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