Porter-Gaud School Photo #4 - Joy is found in recognizing abilities and unearthing new skills, meeting challenges, and building strong relationships that foster an inclusive learning community.

Porter-Gaud School

Porter-Gaud School is a coeducational, independent, college-preparatory, day school.
In accordance with our ties to the Episcopal Church, we acknowledge the sovereignty of God, recognize the worth of the individual, and seek to cultivate a school community that endows its citizens with a foundation of character and intellect.
Porter-Gaud fosters a challenging academic environment that honors excellence in teaching and learning, respects differences, expects honesty, and applauds achievement.
The school strives to create an environment that nurtures and protects what we value most in our children their faith, their curiosity, their talents, their integrity, their humanity, and their dreams.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked SC School
  • Grades: 1-12
  • Enrollment: 1,059 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $29,200
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 3 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Porter-Gaud School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Carolina for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-12
Year Founded
1867
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025

Student Body

Total Students
1,059 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 18%
Students by Grade
Porter-Gaud School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
Number of AP Courses
21 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese, AP Comparative Government, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language, AP Government & Civics, AP Latin, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP U.S. History, AP World History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 3 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by grade. Number above is for highest level.
Admissions Director
Ken Hyde
Admissions Associate
Lauren McClary
Application URL
Endowment Size
$25 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Book Club, Chess Club, Community Service Club, Foreign Language Clubs, Math Club, Model United Nations, Student Council, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Theater Program

School Notes

  • School Motto: To inspire lives of purpose, learning, and service through cultivating each student's God-given potential.
  • School Mascot: Cyclones
  • Porter-Gaud School is a coeducational, independent, college-preparatory, day school.
  • In accordance with our ties to the Episcopal Church, we acknowledge the sovereignty of God, recognize the worth of the individual, and seek to cultivate a school community that endows its citizens with a foundation of character and intellect.
  • Porter-Gaud fosters a challenging academic environment that honors excellence in teaching and learning, respects differences, expects honesty, and applauds achievement.
  • The school strives to create an environment that nurtures and protects what we value most in our children their faith, their curiosity, their talents, their integrity, their humanity, and their dreams.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Khris Middleton '09 - Three-time NBA All-Star who won an NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021.
    • Sallie Krawcheck '83 - Financial feminist and CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest, an innovative digital investment platform for women.
    • Stephen Colbert '82 - TV personality, host of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and former host of Comedy Central's news satire The Colbert Report, a program where Colbert portrayed himself as a parody of conservative pundits.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Porter-Gaud School cost?
Porter-Gaud School's tuition is approximately $29,200 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from Porter-Gaud School?
Porter-Gaud School famous alumni include: Khris Middleton '09, Sallie Krawcheck '83 and Stephen Colbert '82.
What sports does Porter-Gaud School offer?
Porter-Gaud School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Porter-Gaud School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in South Carolina for most sports offered.
What is Porter-Gaud School's ranking?
Porter-Gaud School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Carolina for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Porter-Gaud School?
The application deadline for Porter-Gaud School is Feb. 3 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 3 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Porter-Gaud School located?
Porter-Gaud School is located in the West Ashley neighborhood of Charleston, SC. There are 11 other private schools located in West Ashley.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked SC School
  • Grades: 1-12
  • Enrollment: 1,059 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $29,200
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 3 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Charleston, SC is $18,264 for elementary schools and $20,454 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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