Academic Program
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 this academic program:
- 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.
- The faculty creates an experience that helps students grow and gain knowledge. They challenge students to develop through a host of academic activities.
- Shady Side Academy is a learning community; we work together to grow and learn.
Curriculum
From the rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum, each student gains the ability to think critically, creatively and individually. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests at the most challenging levels. Advanced courses are offered in all subject areas, and many electives and independent studies are open as additional alternatives for pursuing individual interests.
To closely monitor student progress, the Advisory Program matches each student with a faculty advisor, a mentoring adult who serves as an objective party to provide advice and counsel. The advisor serves both students and their families.
Additionally, Shady Side Academy plays a hands-on role in helping students make informed decisions in the college-selection process. Our College Counseling Program begins in ninth grade, with three full-time counselors guiding students through the process.
Faculty
Ultimately, the delivery of our academic program finds its foundation in good teaching. We have outstanding teachers, teaching small classes, where they know each student well. Research indicates that a teacher’s knowledge of his or her students, and the ability to use that knowledge to help students learn, is one of the key ingredients for academic success. The Shady Side Academy faculty strives to know how students learn on an individual level, to enable them to reach their highest potential.
