Lower School (Grades 1-4)
For families not currently in our 5K Program at O'Quinn
Note: All steps listed are required to be completed by Friday, February 6, 2026, to be included in the annual decision round.
Applicants with outstanding checklist items after the February 6th deadline can be considered in Rolling Admission, provided space remains, once the steps are completed.
| Submit an Online Inquiry |
An Online Inquiry Form can be submitted below:
Online Inquiry Form |
| Attend a Lower School Parent Visit & Campus Tour Session |
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These small-group, parent-only events include a campus tour and are hosted by Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission and Enrollment. These events take place through the fall and winter. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus!
Dates:
- Friday, October 3, 2025, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, October 16, 2025, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
- Friday, November 14, 2025, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
- Friday, January 16, 2026, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
- Friday, January 30, 2026, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Click here to registeR FOR THE DATE OF YOUR CHOICE
Out of town families who cannot make it to a Lower School Parent Visit Session are invited to attend an individual parent meeting with Lauren McClary, Associate Director of Admission and Enrollment.
To schedule, please contact Kathleen Beck at 843.402.4726 or kbeck@portergaud.edu.
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| Complete the Admission Application |
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Once submitted, an Online Checklist is generated. After the admission team processes the application (within one business day), please log back in (using the same login used for the application) and click on 'View Checklist'. From the checklist, you can continue with the required steps in the application process.
Click here to submit the admission application.
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| Review Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid |
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Please 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 2026-2027 school year in late January 2026.
Tuition and Fees information
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| 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 your child's current homeroom teacher. |
| Release of Records |
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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.
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| Register for our Admission Assessment (includes a campus tour and classroom visit for students) |
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Candidates for Rising 1st Grade:
- We administer the OLSAT to applicants for rising first grade. The cost of the OLSAT is included in the first grade application fee.
- Admission testing for rising 1st grade is offered on Thursday, January 22, Tuesday, January 27, and Thursday, January 29, from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Click here to register for the date of your choice.
Candidates for Rising 3rd and 4th Grades:
- Applicants to rising 3rd and 4th grade sit for the ISEE Primary. A separate registration fee is charged at the time of online registration through ISEE by ERB.
- Admission testing for the rising 3rd grade is offered on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 and Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. To register, use the ISEE link below, and select “Create an Account” or “log in”. Select “I have an event or walk-in code”, and enter event code TYL78L4D for the December 17th date or enter event code 5XLZ7QPB for the January 14th date.
- Admission testing for the rising 4th grade is offered on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 and Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To register, use the ISEE link below, and select “Create an Account” or “log in”. Select “I have an event or walk-in code”, and enter event code 7N4V8NQS for the December 10th testing date, or enter event code HJPDMQPJ for the January 28th testing date.
Register for ISEE Testing
Families not local to Charleston can contact Kathleen Beck to schedule testing to take place in the admission office during a visit to Charleston.
How to Prepare for ISEE Testing | How to Interpret Your Isee Report
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| Attend the First Grade Preview of Porter-Gaud with Your Current Kindergartener (also required of current families and O'Quinn families) |
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Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 3:30-4:30 P.M. This fun event gives our rising first grade applicants the opportunity to visit our campus, including the First Grade Building, 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.
Click here to register for the First Grade Preview
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| Admission Decision and Dates |
- Last day to begin the application process: Friday, January 23, 2026
- Admission Materials Deadline (annual Decision Round): Friday, February 6, 2026
- Admission Decisions Communicated to Families: Friday, March 6, 2026
- Enrollment Deadline for Accepted Applicants: Friday, March 13, 2026
All applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, provided space and financial aid funding (if applicable) remain available.
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