Porter-Gaud School

300 Albemarle Road

Charleston, SC 29407

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

1-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on October 10, 2023

The main complaint that I have about Porter-Gaud is the fact that, although the administration makes attempts to make the school more progressive, Porter is still stuck in systemic privilege. As a "12-Year-Society" alumnus, I felt that the Board of Trustees held back the school's social progression by encouraging the construction of a new chapel on the front lawn of the school, despite pushback from every head of the three divisions (with the exception of Head of School). Upon speaking to several teachers at the school while I was a senior, all of them seemed to have the same opinion—Porter-Gaud must focus more on accommodating for crowded student spaces (ie. Washington Hall), rather than the new vanity project recently undertaken in the spring of 2023.Additionally, I feel that the social environment at Porter-Gaud is equally systemically privileged. Porter-Gaud seems to focus the majority of its funding on sports, and only delivered one-third of the promise that the school had on the infamous 2017 "ReNEWal" project. One of my peers in my graduating class told me that they initially applied to Porter-Gaud because of their promised new performing arts center. Rather, the area of said performing arts center is a chronic construction lot since the former Arts Building was demolished in 2017. Furthermore, the diversity of the school is extremely skewed with 90% of the students as White, reflective of the schools old-money, Charleston-historic name preferences. As a Jewish and LGBT student, I felt that my identity was not being properly represented by the administration during my time at this school, and it was difficult for me to make up missed assignments on Jewish high-holidays, not-to-mention that I was called a f*ggot by a student still enrolled at this school at the time of writing this review (granted, this did occur off of school property).Overall, Porter-Gaud has a long way to go socially to accommodate for students who are not straight, White or a Protestant Christian, and that although the heads of the divisions are trying to make Porter more progressive, the Head of School and the Board of Trustees are keeping the school on its systemically traditionalist, White, Christian culture.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2019

We are thrilled our children attend Porter. This school and its community are wonderful. We can not say enough about our Porter Gaud experience. We would absolutely recommend this school to any parent.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2019

For the money payed, it is a rip off. The amount of stiffness and bad taste in the education, is had to find.
Submitted by student on October 30, 2018

This school is a stereotype southern school. It is rated poorly....very poorly...and as an educator, I was horrified at the teaching techniques, school attitude on the part of the administration, teachers and students. Another interesting aspect is tuition is expensive; some students pay the full cost, some pay partial and some (faculty) pay very little. Why not everyone pay the SAME? I would NEVER send my kid to this school again....it is considered unconstitutional ---cruel and unusual punishment which is my biggest regret of my parenting,
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2018

Two of my three children attend Porter-Gaud. My other child is a daughter, and she goes to Ashley Hall. My boys absolutely love PG, and are thriving. The teachers are wonderful, the administration is fantastic, and my children are very happy. Porter Gaud has wonderful school spirit, and my boys wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
Submitted by student on May 30, 2018

I came from a small private school, and I was ready academically, but not so ready socially. Fortunately, everyone accepted me and I made lots of great friends. It was worth the transition.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2018

It may be tougher for outsiders in the past but the inclusion now is great. Education and opportunities are endless
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2018

Don't send your child here. If your child isn't a stereotypically Southern partying fanatic, do not send him or her to this failing institution. To start, bullying is very prevalent. Those who don't conform to Porter-Gaud's strict social guidelines are immediately excluded and verbally bullied. Administration never intervenes. This is due to potential loss of capital if they intervene and actually suspend or take action against the bullies. This business is only about receiving tuition from parents and only cares about its own development. To conclude, don't send your child here. Please, don't do it.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2017

Phenomenal! I would not send my child anywhere else in the Charleston area. My child is thriving and ahead for his grade level and was behind before he started.
Submitted by student on December 12, 2017

Ok so I e been at this school every year since first grade is used to like it now in middle school its terrible we have the worst teachers and when u get In trouble they flat out lie to your parents do not send your kids here
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2017

Excellent academics and culture!Love this school! Love the families as well!
Submitted by other on January 24, 2016

My son started this year after going to another school across town. It has been very difficult in transition and the staff did VERY LITTLE to help my son. I think I made a BIG MISTAKE.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2015

I would have to say, I agree with the other kids at school. We don't know what it is like in a any other school cause we go here and have all our lifes
Submitted by student on October 12, 2015

I go to school here. It is a small school and you get sick of the same people all the time.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2015

I read the reviews and I must disagree with most of the comments, "The teachers at this school go above and beyond for every student I know. They meet them where they are and work really hard to get them to excel." We have had a less than satisfactory experience. My daughter was in the school last year and was in the Honors Spanish. I talked with the teacher several times personally and asked if she could help my daughter 10 minutes after school 3 times within a 5 week period- just 30 minutes. She said, she "could not do that." This is NOT a school where teachers give personal attention. If a kid starts to fall behind, they continue to fall behind. Oh, wait, they have a tutoring service where you can PAY additional money (beyond their incredible tuition) to be tutored by students from a College nearby- not any classroom teachers. My daughter left stressed to the max (enough to be treated by a psychologist) and we are now happy where we are- across town. This is a VERY unsatisfactory educational program.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2015

Our son started PG for 9th grade, after attending excellent public schools in northern VA. We have found that PG is terrific too! The PG courses seem about as rigorous as the Honors/AP classes that our other son took in his competitive VA H.S. The difference is that the PG class sizes are smaller, so the teachers know the kids well and have time to help. The PG staff members are friendly. The students are polite and outgoing. The school is well organized. We love the weekly Chapel and the New Testament/Ethics class. The new Public Speaking class is also a great idea. The Computer Science teacher is fabulous. The Latin teacher makes that dead/difficult language fun, and the AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and AP English teachers make those challenging classes interesting for the kids. We enjoy attending the plays and concerts. The Handbells Choir is special, as is the Track Team. We wish PG had an orchestra. AP Psychology and Engineering classes would be good additions to the curriculum. More kids should be encouraged to take an AP class in 10th grade. The PG Parents' Guild could be more inclusive. But, overall, we LOVE the school - and the new late start on Wednesdays!
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2013

The teachers at this school go above and beyond for every student I know. They meet them where they are and work really hard to get them to excel.