Charleston Independent Schools 2016

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| | www.ed.sc.gov ISD 14
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Challenging the Intellect
POrTEr-GauD SCHOOL
The hallmark of a vibrant
educational atmosphere is one in which
not only the students but the teachers
and administrators feel challenged,
inspired and engaged. Such is the
case at Porter-Gaud School, one of
the Southeast’s leading independent
schools, located in downtown Charleston.
Porter-Gaud was founded in 1867 as Porter Military
Academy by Dr. Anthony Toomer
Porter, an Episcopalian priest from
a Georgetown rice family, according to current headmaster
DuBose Egleston. Porter Military Academy merged with
Gaud School in the mid-
60s to become Porter-Gaud
as we know it today, and
it has continued to do its
part inspiring the hearts and
minds of young men and
women for the real world.
“I’ve been here since
first grade. They nourish
us as young children and
give us the right amount of
freedom later,” commented
Cole Walter, a senior who
is planning a year of work
in China, funded by the U.S. State Department, before
pursuing a degree in International Comparative Studies at
Duke University. Walter is learning Chinese – he already
speaks French and a generous amount of Spanish – and
looks forward to fostering his understanding of world
languages.
However, Walter isn’t just a bookworm; thanks to
the head of the Service Department, Gretchen Tate,
whom Walter called his“role model,” he’s been inspired
to take charge of the People in Need Project, which
covers everything from meeting basic physical needs to
environmental stewardship.
As one might expect, a versatile experience is
encouraged at Porter-Gaud. Witness fifth grader Anna
Lehman, who was basking in the post-show glow of her
recent role in “The Lion King” as mother lion Nala on the
day we met. But it isn’t just singing and musical theater
that occupies Lehman’s time – she also plays the piano and
shoots hoops on the basketball court.
“I believe Porter-Gaud has made me more well-
rounded,” she mused. “I’ve learned about so many
different things here.”
Speaking of different, Computer Science Chair
Doug Bergman’s passion for pushing the boundaries
of technology in the classroom is evident. Far from the
stereotypical techy introvert, Bergman socialized with me
for a good while about why he’s doing things differently
at Porter-Gaud – and how every student is a contender
for doing everything from
coding to creating a popular
video game.
“If you look inside my
classroom, it’s not nerdville,”
he explained. “I have soccer
players, cheerleaders and
football captains who
all happen to be great
computer scientists!”
Bergman said that six
young ladies won awards
this year from the National
Council of Women in
Technology and pointed out that the program boasts
winners almost every year.
“It’s a hard program,” he said, “but they end up wanting
to put forth the effort.”
Egleston, head of school since 2009, emphasized
the importance of supporting his faculty and staff for
the purpose of sustaining Porter-Gaud’s mission and its
creative, inspiring environment.
“I give my faculty what they need without
micromanaging them,” he remarked. “I can’t step in and
do their job – but when I do my job well, they can do
theirs.”
And, clearly, the students can do theirs.
To learn more, visit or call 843-556-3620.
By DENISE K. JaMES
Photos courtesy of Porter-Gaud.