About Us

Established in 1883 in a one-room school house in Pittsburgh's East End, Shady Side Academy has continued to fulfill its objective to educate future leaders in business, industry, the arts, science, education, government and more. 

For more than 125 years, Shady Side Academy has been committed to providing a leading education with solid study skills and strong foundation in character development. The lens through which we approach all that we do is our five Guiding Principles:  Honesty, Kindness, Respect, Responsibility and Safety.

Every child, whether a budding painter, engineer or competitive swimmer, has the opportunity to explore individual interests in an environment that is supportive and nurturing, guided by an engaged faculty who are committed to being lifelong learners. 

One school, three gorgeous campuses. From playgrounds and athletic fields to a world-class performing arts center and LEED Gold Certified classroom building, Shady Side Academy students enjoy a range of campus facilities through which they can experience new challenges.

We believe in community.  With parents as our partners and a strong alumni network, Shady Side Academy is a place where children prepare to become thoughtful citizens of the world.

Shady Side Academy inspires students to learn and grow into thinking, articulate, creative people who will graduate to join an alumni body that includes a White House cabinet member, Broadway star, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, astronaut, documentary filmmaker, doctors, scientists, writers, lawyers, industrialists, teachers and more.