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Shady Side Academy

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Co-Ed, No Religious Affiliation

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Boarding at Shady Side Academy offers a unique combination of benefits: an expansive 130-acre college-like campus, serving 440 day and boarding students in grades 9 – 12 with close proximity to the city of Pittsburgh giving students many options for enrichment and weekend activities.

Shady Side offers two choices for boarding. Five-day boarding allows those who live close by to spend time with family on weekends. Seven-day boarding is great for students who live beyond commuting distance and want to open themselves to further opportunities through weekend cultural, educational and service activities that take advantage of our campus and city.

The boarding program is intentionally small with a capacity of 75 boarders. During the 2018-2019 school year, students came from nine states and five countries. The ratio of students to adults living on campus is 2:1, allowing students to easily access teachers for academic assistance, mentorship and support.

At Shady Side, there is a balanced approach to education with a commitment to students’ academic, physical and emotional development. Putting that approach into action is a caring faculty and staff dedicated to fostering a true love of learning. Class sizes, averaging 15 students, encourage a strong sense of community and Shady Side’s academic program provides a challenging yet nurturing atmosphere in which learning occurs at the highest levels.

The broad academic program exists in an atmosphere that encourages inquiry, questioning, self-determination and creativity. Arts and athletics are an integral part of the curriculum. More than 50 extracurricular activities and clubs support students’ diverse interests.

Faculty members are leaders in their respective fields. Eighty-four percent hold advanced degrees, and they participate regularly in professional development activities. They believe in a traditional approach to learning while developing creative curricula and determining how to best meet the needs of individual students.

Senior School students refine critical thinking, writing and analytical skills that distinguish them in the college search. Three full-time college counselors are dedicated to helping students find "best fit" colleges and universities that will nurture their abilities and undiscovered talents, while allowing them to realize their career aspirations. The Academy enjoys a 100 percent college matriculation rate.

  • Campus: Aerial View
  • Academics: Science Class
  • Academics: Math Class
  • Arts: Painting Class
  • Athletics: Football
  • Advisory Group
  • Campus Life
  • Academics: Outdoor Classroom
  • Arts: String Ensemble
  • Athletics: Swimming
 

Videos



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423 Fox Chapel Road
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA 15238

(412) 968-3000

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Director of Admissions: Meredith Colicchie
Admissions Phone:(412) 968-3180Fax:412-968-3120
Email: [email protected] Website:
www.shadysideacademy.org


  • Application Deadline: February 04
  • Application Fee: $50
  • International Application Fee: $100
  • Accepts SSAT Standard Application Online (SAO): Yes
  • Accepts Gateway to Prep Schools Application: No
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  • at a glance
  • academics
  • campus life
  • arts & athletics
  • college info
  • summer programs
  • Founded: 1883
  • Campus Size: 130 acres
  • Grades Offered: kindergarten-12th
  • Accredited by: PAIS, MSA
Student Body
Boarding
Grades 9th-12th
Day
Grades kindergarten-12th
Total
Girls     30 371 401
Boys     39 470 509
Total     69 841 910

Tuition and Financial Aid
  • 7-Day Boarding: $49,475
  • 5-Day Boarding: $44,975
  • Day Tuition Fee: $30,975
  • Payment Plans: Offered
  • Need-Based Aid: Offered
  • Students Receiving Aid: 18.00%
  • Average Awarded: $19,480
 

Summary: The Senior School has an extensive academic curriculum, designed to help students collect, analyze and synthesize data; state and support arguments; and work effectively with groups of people.

Three elements form the basis of the academic program: 1) Students are dedicated and thoughtful in their work. This is apparent in classrooms and communal spaces around campus, where students can be seen applying themselves to academic work. 2) The faculty creates an experience that helps students grow and gain knowledge. They challenge students to develop through a host of academic activities. 3) Shady Side Academy is a learning community; we work together to grow and learn.

Knowing that every person learns differently, Shady Side Academy provides a unique learning environment for each student. Small classes enable teachers to know students as individual learners and help each one develop in a way that is personally beneficial and fitting.

Department Director: Sophie Lau

Average Class Size: 15

Full Time Teachers: 63

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 84.00%

Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1

Summer Programs Offered: Offered

Academic Schedule: Trimester

Number of Advanced Placement Courses Offered: 6

Notable Achievements: #1 Best Private High School (Pittsburgh) Niche.com, #4 Best Boarding High School (PA) Niche.com

Advanced/Enrichment Programs
  • 5-Day Boarding
  • AP Courses
  • Independent Studies
  • Senior Projects
Support Programs
  • College Counseling
  • Evening Study Assistance
  • Learning Differences Support
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Study Skills Assistance
  • Technology Center
  • Writing Center
English:
  • Classics
  • Creative Writing
  • Literature
  • Playwriting
  • Poetry
History:
  • Asian History
  • Classical History
  • European History
  • Medieval History
  • United States History
  • World History
Foreign Languages:
  • Chinese-Mandarin
  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Latin
Religion/Philosophy:
  • Ethics
  • Philosophy
  • Social Justice
  • World Religions
Humanities/Social Sciences:
  • Economics
Sciences:
  • Astronomy
  • Astrophysics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Health
  • Physics
  • Physiology
Math:
  • Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Functions
  • Geometry
  • Statistics
  • Trigonometry
Computer Studies:
  • Computer Applications
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Science
  • Web Design
Music:
  • Band
  • Choral Music
  • Electronic Music
  • Individual Instructions
  • Music Theory
  • Orchestra
  • Recording
  • Solfege/Ear Training
  • Voice
Performing/Visual Arts:
  • 3-D Design
  • Acting
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Ceramics
  • Debate
  • Design
  • Directing
  • Drama
  • Drawing
  • Film and Video
  • Graphic Design
  • Lighting Design
  • Metal
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Pottery
  • Printmaking
  • Production
  • Public Speaking
  • Publications
  • Screen-printing
  • Screenwriting
  • Sculpture
  • Stagecraft
  • Studio Art
  • Theater Arts
  • Theater Design
Special Programs:
  • Community Service
  • Exchange Programs
  • Independent Study
  • Semester/Year Off-Campus
  • Study Abroad:
Distinctive or New Programs:
  • Robotics Team
    Science Olympiad Team
AP Courses Available:
  • Calculus AB
  • Calculus BC
  • Computer Science A
  • French Language
  • German Language
  • Spanish Language
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Summary: The Senior School experience is an all-inclusive one that engages students throughout the entire day. Students begin classes at 8:15 a.m. and participate in a variety of activities until late afternoon or early evening. From the classroom to the art studio and stage, from the playing field to the dorm (for boarding students), students and teachers share a common experience that leads to close student/faculty relationships.

Everywhere on campus, dedicated faculty members work to create an interconnected experience that helps students develop into the people they hope to be. Research shows that students benefit greatly from being part of a thoughtful, academic community, and the Senior School faculty and staff work to create such an environment every day.

Department Director: Chad Green

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 2

Average Students Per Dorm: 35

No. of Girls Dorms: 1

No. of Boys Dorms: 1

Dorm Amenities:

  • Game Room
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Lounge
  • Wireless Internet
  • Vending Machines

Dress Code: Casual

Student Life

Summary: The Student Life Office is responsible for overseeing school experiences that occur outside the academic classroom and off the athletic fields. From organizing new student orientation to holding class elections, the Student Life team seeks to provide experiences that allow students to grow to their full potential while being shaped by the Academy’s Guiding Principles. Student government, clubs, fundraisers, school dances, CUP days, producing the Daily Bulletin and coordinating the advising program are all part of the Student Life Office.

Students enjoy a college-like atmosphere on our 130-acre campus, with six academic buildings, two dormitories, a professional theater and full athletic facilities.

A variety of leadership opportunities exist for Senior School students to develop their leadership skills.

Shady Side offers a Service Learning program that engages students with community service that is both local and global.

Students have the opportunity to join and lead student clubs based on their interests, with guidance from a faculty advisor.

The Student Life Staff includes the dean of student life, the four form deans and the director of student activities.

Facilities

  • All-weather track
  • Baseball field(s)
  • Fitness Center
  • Football field
  • Indoor basketball court(s)
  • Indoor pool

Clubs and Organizations

  • Amnesty International
  • Animal Rights Club
  • Asian Club
  • Astronomy Club
  • Chess Club
  • Classics Club
  • Community Service
  • Computer Club
  • Debate Club
  • Diversity Club
  • Dorm Proctors
  • Drama Club
  • Environmental Club
  • Foreign Language Clubs
  • Free Tibet
  • Future Bus. Leaders of Am.
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • International Clubs
  • Investment Club
  • Jewish Student Org
  • Literary Magazine
  • Math Club
  • Mock Trial
  • Model UN
  • Newspaper
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Pep Club
  • Photography
  • Quiz Bowl
  • Science Bowl
  • Sexualities Club
  • Student Activities
  • Student Government
  • Student Publications
  • Theater
  • Yearbook
  • Yoga
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Summary: The Senior School offers a rich, multi-faceted arts program that builds fundamental arts skills in core courses while providing continued stimulation through an array of electives. Students have the opportunity to explore their creative interests and develop their unique talents.
Shady Side's athletic program is divided into three distinct areas: athletics, physical education and health education. The primary goals at the junior varsity and freshman levels are skill development, physical conditioning, knowledge of strategy, discipline, fun and game participation. Success in competition is encouraged, but not at the expense of student participation or individual preparation for an upper level team. At the varsity level, one of the primary goals is to field highly competitive teams. Shady Side Academy athletes are expected to exhibit excellence in skill, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship as well as pride in self and in Shady Side Academy.

Arts Department Director: Cari Batchelar

Athletics Department Director: Eugene Deal

Notable Achievements: 21 seniors committed to NCAA programs in 12 sports, American High School Theatre Festival in Scotland

Arts
  • A Cappella Group
  • Chamber Choir
  • Chamber Ensemble
  • Chamber Orchestra
  • Choral Music
  • Drama Club
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Stage Band
  • String Ensemble
  • Tech Crew
  • Theater
Interscholastic Sports
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Crew
  • Cross-Country Running
  • Field Hockey
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Ice Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Wrestling
Recreational Sports
  • Hiking
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Weight Lifting
  • Backpacking
 

Summary: The College Counseling staff works as a team to help all Shady Side Academy students reach their future goals. Our three full-time college counselors are dedicated to assisting students in finding "best fit" colleges and universities that will nurture their abilities and undiscovered talents, while allowing them to realize their career aspirations.

Department Director: Lauren Lieberman

College Information

Percentage of Graduates Who Attend College: 100.00%

Colleges attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

Boston University 7 graduates
Bucknell University 11 graduates
Carnegie Mellon University 13 graduates
Dartmouth College 2 graduates
Denison University 7 graduates
Duquesne University 8 graduates
George Washington University 11 graduates
Georgetown University 8 graduates
Harvard University 3 graduates
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 graduates
New York University 10 graduates
Northeastern University 2 graduates
Northwestern University 2 graduates
Pennsylvania State University 15 graduates
Princeton University 5 graduates
Stanford University 3 graduates
Syracuse University 6 graduates
Tufts University 4 graduates
University of Notre Dame 3 graduates
University of Pennsylvania 15 graduates
University of Pittsburgh 32 graduates
University of Virginia 3 graduates
Wake Forest University 6 graduates
Washington University, St. Louis 12 graduates

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores

25th percentile 75th percentile
Critical Reading 560 690
Mathematics 590 700
Writing 570 710

Notable Alumni

David McCullough (Class of 1951) Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian

Matt McKeown (Class of 2003) Aerospace Engineer, SpaceX

Melissa Ryzik (Class of 1994) Writer, received Pulitzer Prize in Public Service

Chris Frantz (Class of 1970) Drummer for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Talking Heads

Kerry Hannon (Class of 1978) Author and finance writer for Forbes and USA Today

Courtney Hershey Bress (Class of 1992) Principal harpist, Colorado Symphony Orchestra

Peter Ackerman (Class of 1988) Hollywood screenwriter; credits include the animated film "Ice Age"

Ray Doshi (Class of 1990) Inventor, CEO of Piper Biosciences

Leah Schwartz (Class of 2007) Co-founder, Andie, a direct to consumer swimwear company

Christian Borle (Class of 1991) Tony Award-winning Broadway and TV actor


 

Summary: SSA Summer has provided generations of Pittsburgh's children with quality and affordable summer programs. Our three campuses play host to a wealth of day camps, summer school classes, sports camps, focus camps and more for kids in grades PK-12. We welcome children from across the Pittsburgh region and beyond to study, play, grow and excel! SSA Summer offers several unique experiences for high school students to learn and grow over the summer, including for-credit summer school courses, enrichment classes and camp internships.

Department Director: Nate Verbanets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Association of Boarding Schools
One North Pack Square, Suite 301, Asheville NC 28801, USA
828 258 5354   [email protected]
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