Shady Side Academy
Overview

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.




Academics
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
Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Class Size: 15
Summer Programs: Offered
Full Time Teachers: 63
Number of AP Courses Offered: 6
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 84%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Learning Support
- 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
Religion / Philosophy
- Ethics
- Philosophy
- Social Justice
- World Religions
Humanities / Social Sciences
- Economics
Sciences
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Health
- Physics
- Physiology
Math
Computer Studies
- Computer Applications
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Web Design
Music
- Band
- Choral Music
- Electronic Music
- Individual Instructions
- Music Theory
- Orchestra
- Recording
- Soflege/Ear Training
- Voice
Performing / Visual Arts
Special Programs
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
- Exchange Programs
- Independent Study
Campus Life
Dorm Life
Number of Dorms: 2
Average Students Per Dorm: 35
Number of Girls Dorms: 0
Number of Boys Dorms: 0
Dorm Amenities
- Game Room
- Laundry Facilities
- Lounge
- Vending Machines
- Wireless Internet
Other Dorm Amenities
Student Life
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
- Basketball Court
- Fitness Center
- Football Field
- Indoor Basketball Court
- Indoor Pool
Other Facilities
Clubs & 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 Business Leaders of America
- Habitat for Humanity
- International Club
- Investment Club
- Jewish Student Organization
- Literary Magazine
- Math Club
- Mock Trial
- Model UN
- Newspaper
- Peer Counseling
- Peer Tutoring
- Pep Club
- Photography Club
- Quiz Bowl
- Science Bowl
- Sexualities Club
- Student Activities
- Student Government
- Student Publications
- Theater Club
- Yearbook
- Yoga Club
Arts & Athletics
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
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
Graduates
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.
College Information
Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%
Middle Percentile of SAT Scores | Reading | Math | Writing |
---|---|---|---|
25th percentile | 560 | 590 | 570 |
75th percentile | 690 | 700 | 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
Merit
Merit Scholarships: Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 2%
Average Merit Scholarship: 8,900
Current Endowment Amount: $60,000,000
Vital Information
Student Body Type: Coed
Total Boarding: 69
Total Day: 841
Total Enrollment: 910
Boys: 509
Girls: 401
Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12
Day Grades Offered: K-12
School Type: Elementary, Middle, High School
Dress Code: Casual
Applications Accepted: SAO
Application Deadline: February 4th
Tuition & Financial Aid
7-Day Boarding: $49,475
5-Day Boarding: $44,975
Day Tuition Fee: $30,975
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 18%
Average Awarded: $19,480
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 2%
Average Merit Scholarship: $8,900
Current Endowment Amount: $60,000,000
Contact
Director of Admissions: Robert Grandizio
Admissions Phone: 412 968 3180
Fax: 412 968 3213
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.shadysideacademy.org
Nearby Schools
- The Kiski School - 23mi / 36 km
- The Linsly School - 53mi / 85 km
- Grier School - 89mi / 143 km
- Western Reserve Academy - 95mi / 154 km
- Gilmour Academy - 106mi / 170 km
- Mercersburg Academy - 115mi / 186 km








