Why Shady Side?

Shady Side Academy is foremost a learning community where the responsible development of the mind is the highest priority. As a private, independent school, we understand that our task is to prepare students not just for college but to become independent thinkers and learned, compassionate and productive citizens of the world.

Students

As a student at Shady Side Academy, you will work closely with teachers and other students in small classes that encourage you to listen, reflect, analyze and articulate. Our classrooms are places where teachers and students are constantly engaged in appropriate intellectual discourse. Beyond the classroom, all the endeavors of our students, from athletics to theatre, encourage the growth of the mind.

Teachers

Teachers are themselves students and scholars at Shady Side Academy. Well over half hold advanced degrees and maintain active roles in their fields, publishing articles and books, giving and attending workshops and performing in plays and concerts. We support the professional growth of our teachers with study grants, sabbaticals, Benedum Fellowships and special curriculum development projects. The results are seen in the lively, incisive and challenging courses they design.

While we encourage minds to develop we also support people who take on responsibility and influence school life. For example, at the Junior School, student council representatives meet regularly with the School Head to discuss issues of concern. Responsibility for student life and ethical behavior increases each year through the Middle School, where students encounter many opportunities in student government and all eighth graders take a course in ethics. Senior School students can become full voting members on committees for curriculum, admissions, discipline, independent study, and associate members of academic departments.

At Shady Side self-discovery is an ongoing process that extends well beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to take risks and build confidence through a wealth of opportunities in the arts, athletics, student clubs and community service.