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
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-12
Year Founded
1867
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
School Motto
To inspire lives of purpose, learning, and service through cultivating each student's God-given potential.
School Mascot
Cyclones
Student Body
Total Students
1,059 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 18%
Students 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
$29,200
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
Total Sports Offered
16 sports
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
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
- 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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People that viewed Porter-Gaud School also viewed these schools: Mason Preparatory School, Ashley Hall, Blessed Sacrament School, Coastal Christian Preparatory School and University School of The Lowcountry.
The nearest high school to Porter-Gaud School is James Island Christian School (1.2 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Mason Preparatory School (1.0 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Oak Grove Montessori (0.9 miles away)
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