Academics
We speak of Shady Side being three schools and yet one Academy. While we have developed three distinct learning environments that are unique to the developmental needs of students at the junior, middle and senior levels, the sum of our efforts is a coherent and comprehensive education spread across a 14-year continuum. Among the threads that hold it all together are:
- Faculty attention to a student's curiosity, progress and his/her need for healthy challenges and mentoring
- Emphasis on the mastery of essential skills
- An atmosphere that encourages inquiry, questioning, self-determination and creativity
- Balance: intellect and action, responsibility for self and for something larger than oneself
Perhaps above all else, at every level we teach students how to learn - how to orient themselves in new settings, discern patterns and relationships and then apply themselves in the pursuit of meaningful achievements.
We encourage you to learn more about the academic core of our mission by exploring this site's pages for each division - Junior, Middle and Senior.
Our Junior School curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary teaching, learning through play and investigation, and is guided by the Responsive Classroom philosophy.
With support from caring faculty, Middle School students are encouraged to take on greater personal responsibility in their learning. This allows them to delve deeper into their individual strengths and abilities.
Our renowned college-preparatory curriculum helps Senior School students to further develop and refine critical thinking, writing and analytical skills that distinguish them in the college search. Dedicated college counselors guide students through a process with final results meant to fulfill their ambitions and further prepare them for the future.
