ADMISSION
How to Apply
Coming Soon! Please check back mid-September for the 2026-2027 school year application form and application processs, including visit and testing dates. (Please note that we are fully enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year, and are no longer accepting applications.) We hope to work with you this fall toward 2026 admission! Questions? Please reach out to Kathleen Beck at kbeck@portergaud.edu.
The Application Process
The application process varies by division. Please click on the appropriate tab below to begin your journey with Porter-Gaud!
Use the arrows in the banner below to move between Lower School, Middle School, Upper School O'Quinn admission processes.
Lower School
(1-4)
Middle School
(5-8)
Upper School
(9-12)
O'Quinn
5-K Families
Note: All steps listed are required to be completed by Friday, February 7, 2025 in order for your child to be included in the annual decision round.
| Submit an Online Inquiry |
|---|
| An Online Inquiry Form can be submitted here: Online Inquiry Form |
| Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Lower School Parent Visit (includes a campus tour) |
|
These small-group, parent-only events include a campus tour, hosted by Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission, Lower School. These events take place through the fall and winter. We can't wait to welcome you to campus. *Out of town families who cannot make it to a Discover Porter-Gaud's Lower School Parent Visit are invited to attend an individual parent meeting with Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission and Enrollment, Lower School. |
| Complete the Application for Admission Form |
| Once submitted, an Online Checklist is generated. After the admission team processes the application (within 24 hours), please log back in (using the login you will create to begin the application) and click on 'View Checklist'. From the checklist, you can continue with the required steps in the application process. Submit the Admission Application |
| 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. |
| 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 the link below, print the form, complete it, and then take it to your child's current school after the completion of the second quarter. Parental Authorization Form For The Release Of Records 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) |
|
Candidates for Rising 1st Grade: Candidates for Rising 3rd and 4th Grades: Admission testing for the rising 4th grade is offered on Tuesday, January 14 from 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. To register, click here, then select “Create an Account” or “log in”. Select “I have an event or walk-in code”, and enter Event Code BDU65QRF for the January 14 testing date. For families not local to Charleston, schedule testing to take place in the admission office during a visit to Charleston. To schedule, please contact Kathleen Beck at 843.402.4726 or kbeck@portergaud.edu. |
| Attend the First Grade Preview of Porter-Gaud with Your Current Kindergartener (also required of current families and O'Quinn families). |
|
Wednesday, December 4 from 3:30-4:30 P.M. This fun event gives our rising first grade applicants the opportunity visit our campus and get to know potential classmates. Alternatively, it gives our admission staff and Lower School faculty and administrators the opportunity to get to know your child. This event is offered once per admission season and is required for all rising 1st graders. |
Admission Decision and Dates
Last day to begin the application process: Friday, January 24, 2025
Admission Materials Deadline (annual Decision Round): February 7, 2025
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 7, 2025
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 14, 2025
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.
Note: All steps listed are required to be completed by Friday, February 7, 2025 in order for your child to be included in the annual decision round.
| Submit an Online Inquiry |
|---|
| An Online Inquiry Form can be submitted here: Online Inquiry Form |
| Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Middle/Upper School Open House (an event for parents) |
|
These parent/caregiver-only events, hosted by Paige Baran, Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School, take place through the fall and winter. They include a presentation providing an overview of the Middle and Upper School, a question and answer session, and a campus tour showcasing classes in action. We can't wait to welcome you to campus! Open House Dates *Out of town families who cannot make it to one of the dates listed above are invited to attend an individual parent meeting with Paige Baran, Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School. |
| Complete the Application for Admission |
| Once submitted, an Online Checklist will be generated. After the admission team processes the application (within 24 hours), please log back in (using the login you will create to begin the application) and click on 'View Checklist'. From the checklist, you can continue with the required steps in the application process. Submit the Admission Application |
| Attend a Student Visit Day |
| As part of the application process, students in grades 5-7 are required to spend time at Porter-Gaud, in their current grade. This day is designed to help our applicants get a feel for life as a Porter-Gaud student, and is an opportunity for us to get to know your child. We are happy to provide a school absence excuse. Parents can register their child for a student visit day from the applicant's Online Checklist. This checklist is generated once an admission application is submitted. We require the application in order for a student to register and visit. Keep in mind that dates fill quickly. Monday, October 7 | 8:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 12 | 8:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 3 | 8:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Friday, January 10 | 8:30 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. |
|
Student Interview (Rising 5th-7th and 9th Grade Only) |
|
Applicants for grades 5-7 and 9 are required to attend a 20 minute interview, via Google Meet, with Paige Baran. Please note that we must have an application on file prior to scheduling the interview, and we require at least one parent or caregiver to be present during the Google Meet. Parents can register their child for a student interview from the applicant's Online Checklist. This checklist is generated once an admission application is submitted. We require the application in order for a student to register. |
| 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 print the form linked below, 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. |
| 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. For students not local to Charleston, testing options are available online using the registration link below. Note: We can accept the SSAT in lieu of the ISEE testing in some cases. 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. Saturday, November 16 | 9:00 A.M. -12:00 P.M. - In-person on a computer To register for the admission assessment, please click here to visit ERB’s registration site, and select “Create an Account” or “log in”. Select the testing format of your choice and filter by grade level. (If asked, Porter-Gaud's code is 410412) |
Admission Decision and Dates
Last day to begin the application process: Friday, January 24, 2025
Admission Materials Deadline (annual Decision Round): February 7, 2025
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 7, 2025
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 14, 2025
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.
Note: All steps listed are required to be completed by Friday, February 7, 2025 in order for your child to be included in the annual decision round.
| Submit an Online Inquiry |
|---|
| An Online Inquiry Form can be submitted by clicking the link below: Online Inquiry Form |
| Attend a Discover Porter-Gaud's Middle/Upper School Open House (an event for parents/caregivers) |
|
These parent/caregiver-only events, hosted by Paige Baran, Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School, will take place through the fall and winter. They will include a presentation providing an overview of the Middle and Upper School, a question and answer session, and a campus tour showcasing classes in action. We can't wait to welcome you to campus! Open House Dates *Out of town families who cannot make it to one of the dates listed above are invited to attend an individual parent meeting with Paige Baran, Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School. |
| Complete the Application for Admission |
| Once submitted, an Online Checklist will be generated. After the admission team processes the application (within 24 hours), please log back in (using the login you will create to begin the application) and click on 'View Checklist'. From the checklist, you can continue with the required steps in the application process. Submit the Admission Application |
| Attend a Student Visit |
|
As part of the application process, students applying for grade 9 are required to spend time at Porter-Gaud. This visit is designed to help our applicants get a feel for life as a Porter-Gaud student, and is an opportunity for us to get to know your child. Parents can register their child for a student visit day from the applicant's Online Checklist. This checklist is generated once an admission application is submitted. We require the application in order for a student to register and visit. Student Visit Dates Parents/caregivers with students applying to grades 10-12 are asked to contact Kathleen Beck at 843.402.4726 to schedule a visit. To schedule, please contact Kathleen Beck at 843.402.4726 or kbeck@portergaud.edu. |
| Student Interview |
|
Applicants for grade 9 are required to attend a 20 minute interview, via Google Meet, with Paige Baran. Please note that we must have an application on file prior to scheduling the interview, and we require at least one parent or caregiver to be present during the Google Meet. Note: Students applying for grades 10-12 should contact Kathleen Beck at kbeck@portergaud.edu or 843.402.4726 before scheduling an interview. Parents can register their child for a student interview from the applicant's Online Checklist. This checklist is generated once an admission application is submitted. We require the application in order for a student to register. |
| 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. 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. |
| 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 the link below, 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. Parental Authorization Form For The Release Of Records 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. For students not local to Charleston, testing options are available online using the registration link below. Note: We will accept the PSAT or SSAT in lieu of ISEE testing in some cases. Saturday, November 16 | 9:00 A.M. -12:00 P.M. - In-person on a computer To register for the admission assessment, please click here to visit ERB’s registration site, and select “Create an Account” or “log in”. Select the testing format of your choice and filter by grade level. (If asked, Porter-Gaud's code is 410412) |
Admission Decision and Dates
Last day to begin the application process: Friday, January 24, 2025
Admission Materials Deadline (annual Decision Round): February 7, 2025
Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 7, 2025
Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 14, 2025
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.
Priority Enrollment Statement:
On Monday, February 3, 2025, provided the required process (listed below) for Priority Enrollment has been completed, and Porter-Gaud is a good academic and social fit for the student, 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 in the fall of 2025!
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 |
|---|
|
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 Lower School: O'Quinn Kindergarten Parent Open House (includes a campus tour) |
|
These parent-only events, hosted by Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission & Enrollment, will take place through the fall and winter. They include a presentation providing an overview of the Lower School, a question and answer session, and a campus tour showcasing classes in action. (This event is not required for current Porter-Gaud families with children in grades 1-12.) We can't wait to welcome you to campus! To register, click on the date of your choice. Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 9;30-11:00 A.M. |
| 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, December 4, 2024 from 3:30-4:30 P.M., is required for all first grade applicants (including O'Quinn students and students with older siblings on the main campus), and is held once per admission season. This fun event gives our rising first grade applicants the opportunity to visit our campus and get to know potential 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 2025-2026 school year in late January 2025. |
Porter-Gaud is no longer accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Please reach out to Kathleen Beck at kbeck@portergaud.edu with any questions. If you are interested in admission for the 2026-2027 school year, please fill out our inquiry form.
We would love to discuss your place at Porter-Gaud.