Some of our Senior School students get their first, real taste of independence when they become boarders in our 5-Day Boarding Program. Most think it’s the best of both worlds—weekends with the family—weekdays to concentrate on school and spend extra time with their teachers and peers. Structured independence in a safe, nurturing environment is what makes Shady Side’s 5-Day Boarding Program unique. The program provides a preview of college life and helps make that transition an easy one.
The Shady Side Academy 5-Day Boarding Program provides:
We treat our community of boarders as an extended family that studies, learns, works, plays and grows together. All of this take place in a supportive, 24-hour environment staffed by adults who are dedicated to the success and well-being of each individual.
A Month, A Term, The Year:
Some Reasons to Consider Boarding
Independence and Opportunity
Extended access to teachers, the library, rink, pool, and stage.
Supervised study halls every night. No commuting, especially during times
of inclement weather. The opportunity to participate in special dorm events
and to live with teachers and friends in preparation for the transition to
college. Interested in Shady Side’s 5-day boarding program? A month,
a term, or a year of boarding is an ideal way to develop the skills to live
responsibly and confidently. With teachers nearby for mentoring and support,
boarders gain independence in a structured and safe community.
From the Parents’ Perspective
One mom writes, “I knew that
the academic and social environments were excellent at Shady Side from my
son’s Form III year, but I didn’t know what to expect from boarding.
My son felt welcome immediately and is having a great experience in the dorms.
Every person I contacted to assist with the arrangements was very helpful.
Since I can’t come over and see him during the week, I depend on the
dorm faculty to put my mind at ease. All their acts of kindness gave me great
comfort in knowing that my child is among so many people who truly care for
his well being.”
Another mom writes, "The four years each of our children spent in Shady Side Academy's five-day boarding fostered close relationships with other students and ongoing mentoring from their [former] dorm parents. Without this program, Benny and Jackie would not have had access to the teachers who have so dramatically affected their lives because we were not willing to send them away to a seven-day a week boarding program. Having the best of both worlds - at school during the week and at home on the weekends - kept the challenges of school in perspective, and kept our family close throughout our childrens' teenage years."
From a Recent Graduate's Perspective
"I really do believe that my education at Shady Side would not have been
as complete without my boarding experience. I became a more complete person
boarding and I gained valuable friendships that continue strongly today."
Leadership Opportunities
Because the boarding community is small, focused, and friendly, every
student can take an active part. Everyone shares a sense of connection and
is given a chance to lead. And every boarding student can apply to be a prefect—a
student dorm leader—as a junior or senior. Prefects are a driving force
in the Residential Life Program. Beyond the day to day duties assigned to
them, prefects plan and carry out special activities for their peers. Prefects
also participate in an ongoing leadership symposium including a four-day summer
workshop followed by regular discussions and dinners throughout the year.
Prefects are expected to demonstrate the same kind of energy and commitment
in the dorms that they would make as a team captain, dramatic lead, or organizer
of a major club or activity. Being a prefect provides an invaluable foundation
for future leaders.
Looking Ahead to College
Virginia Maddux, Shady Side’s Director of College Counseling,
notes that college freshman report that the most difficult part of the transition
to university life centers on becoming a member of a residential community.
It is for this reason that students who have had the opportunity to live away
from home for the first time during high school often have a smoother transition
to college. Boarding in a familiar, nurturing environment provides students
the opportunity to safely explore their independence. With the support
of faculty, students to learn valuable lessons about time management and about
getting along with people from different backgrounds so that each student
is prepared to handle new situations with confidence when they head off to
college.
For More Information
For a month, a term, or the year, 5-Day boarding offers the “Best
of Home and School.” To find out more, contact Wendy Skinner, Dean of
Students and Director of Residential Life, at (412) 968-3087 or by e-mail
at wskinner@shadysideacademy.org.
