Shady Side Academy

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania

United States

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

Chinese-Mandarin
French
German
Latin
Spanish

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

Acting
Architecture
Ceramics
Debate
Design
Directing
Drama
Drawing
Graphic Design
Lighting Design
Metal
Painting
Photography
Pottery
Printmaking
Production
Publications
Public Speaking
Screen-Printing
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Stagecraft
Studio Art
Theater Arts
Theater Design
3-D Art

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

Acting
Architecture
Ceramics
Debate
Design
Directing
Drama
Drawing
Graphic Design
Lighting Design
Metal
Painting
Photography
Pottery
Printmaking
Production
Publications
Public Speaking
Screen-Printing
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Stagecraft
Studio Art
Theater Arts
Theater Design
3-D Art

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

Interested in Shady Side Academy?

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