Porter-Gaud School is an Episcopal, independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school that fosters a challenging academic environment, honors teaching and learning, respects differences, expects honesty, and applauds achievement. With a rich history spanning more than 150 years, Porter-Gaud has established itself as one of the leading independent schools in the Southeast.
The school welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and offers a supportive learning environment where students receive individualized attention starting in the earliest stages of their education. Porter-Gaud’s main 80-acre campus is located on the banks of Wappoo Creek in Charleston, South Carolina, and serves more than 1,000 students in grades 1-12. The O’Quinn Schools of Porter-Gaud serve students from age two through Kindergarten on two campuses.
Guided by an exceptional and caring faculty, Porter-Gaud students discover their unique gifts and talents and are passionate about sharing them with the world. Small class sizes and a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio means that lessons are student-centered, interactive, and discussion-based. Students don’t just absorb ideas, they question them, define them on their own terms, and apply them to their own lives. Lively curiosity is nurtured as an essential tool in building knowledge and understanding.
In every division, students benefit from an educational experience that prepares them to be effective lifelong learners and contributors to the global community. In addition to emphasizing academic rigor and intellectual exploration, the school’s curriculum fosters critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and other forward-looking skills that are needed to thrive in today’s complex, rapidly changing world. Porter-Gaud students become engaged learners, flexible problem solvers, and ethical decision makers who are well-equipped to succeed in every aspect of their academic, personal, and professional lives.
As an Episcopal school, Porter-Gaud acknowledges the sovereignty of God, recognizes the worth of the individual, and seeks to cultivate a school community that endows its citizens with a foundation of moral and ethical character and intellect. Weekly chapel nourishes the spiritual needs that are so crucial to character development. Students also participate in a broad range of community service activities, and more than 7,000 hours have been spent in service to local nonprofit organizations.
Outside of the classroom, the fine arts department allows students to express themselves creatively, whether in the studio or on the stage. Scholar-athletes can participate in a thriving athletic program with more than 55 competing teams.
Each year, our graduates gain entrance to and excel at the finest colleges and universities around the world. Numerous Porter-Gaud students are also recognized with national honors, including National Merit and Presidential Scholars.