THE Value of an SSA Education
We recognize that choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. As such, we understand our responsibility to help you learn what is unique about Shady Side Academy. There is much to explore, and encapsulating all that is special about our school is not an easy task. The thoughts below are to help you learn about what we feel is most important about the Shady Side Academy experience.
Honesty, Kindness, Responsibility, Respect and Safety
We embrace these Guiding Principles in our teaching and as a lens through which we support students' decision-making each and every day.
One community, three beautiful campuses
From the playgrounds and the athletic fields, to the arts facilities, a 650-seat theater, a green classroom building, an ice rink, and 170 acres of sheer beauty, Shady Side Academy students are afforded many resources to embrace new challenges all within a coordinated academic program. Please view our campus slideshows for a closer look.
Breadth of programming
We are proud of the number of opportunities offered to students. It begins at the Junior School with a range of special classes (e.g. Spanish, instrumental music, computer), in addition to students' regular subjects, and continues at the Middle School where students build on their writing and study skills and have the opportunity to compete in Science Olympiad and Math Counts. It culminates at the Senior School where we offer five languages, six advanced math courses after calculus, an unparalleled English electives program, distinct arts facilities and much more. The Senior School also offers an unique 5-day boarding program. As a school, we are committed to providing opportunities for academic growth and the skills for college success.
A balanced and nurturing experience
We often speak of the three A's - academics, arts and athletics - and our program is created to offer students a rich balance of experiences in each of these areas, all supported by caring teachers. In PK-12, our students all participate in physical activities every day. Every student participates in performances and learns visual art techniques. Our curriculum is designed to support students in an environment that encourages a love of learning and their multi-dimensional interests.
Inspiring faculty
If you ask Shady Side Academy students what is the most important part of their school experience, they would answer: teachers and the support and encouragement they provide each and every day. Shady Side Academy has a low student teacher ratio, small classes, and the personal commitment of our faculty to teaching, advising, coaching, and mentoring students with their own commitment to life-long learning.
Global perspective
Shady Side Academy prepares students to become thoughtful citizens of the world. Whether it's our fifth graders participating in a mock natural disaster drill via satellite or our Senior School students performing service projects in places like Fiji, Korea, China and Ghana, our students have opportunities to learn what it means to be a member of a global community. Our students have opportunities to study five languages, including Chinese and Latin. Students learn about different cultures and service through clubs and cultural events such as Globalfest - an annual celebration of the cultural landscape of our school through dance, song, poetry, film and food of different cultures.
A diverse, inclusive and welcoming community
We celebrate both our similarities and uniquenesses, as individuals, both boys and girls. We share with one another the history and significance of religious and cultural holidays and their relevance to our past and the present. In the fall of 2007, the Academy announced our Declaration for a Diverse and Inclusive Community and our corresponding plan to guide us in our continued evolution as a community and our support of all students and their families.
Parents are our partners
Educating a child is a tremendous responsibility. Through the Parent-School Covenant parents and teachers commit to a partnership to educate and support our students in the development of their minds, talents and character.
Transcendent tradition
This fall Shady Side Academy enters its 128th year. For generations, Shady Side has been graduating leaders in business, industry, medicine, science and the arts. We count among our alumni a White House cabinet member, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, an astronaut and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. The network of friends that students make at Shady Side lasts a lifetime. While our 5000+ alumni span the globe, they also remain connected, supportive and involved in the school in many important ways.
