About
World-Class Education
Shady Side Academy has set the standard for educational excellence in Western Pennsylvania for more than 130 years.

Our Mission
Challenging students to think expansively, act ethically and lead responsibly.
Admissions
Visit Opportunities
Register for an information session or a campus visit today!

Because "How" Matters
At Shady Side Academy, the difference is "how" – how we engage, how we explore, how we educate.
Schools
FOUR CAMPUSES, ONE ACADEMY
Across 189 acres and four campuses, SSA students have plenty of space to learn, play, create and compete.

TWO WAYS TO BOARD
Seven- and five-day boarding options offer an enriching Senior School experience in a supportive residential community.
Academics
Signature Programs
Learn more about the academic programs that set SSA apart from other schools.

College-Ready
Our three full-time college counselors help SSA students find their best fit colleges.
Arts
A Commitment to the Arts
At a time when other schools are cutting arts programs, our commitment to the arts has never been stronger.

Alumni in the Spotlight
Alumni in the arts include a Tony winner, two Grammy nominees and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
Athletics
Support our Sports Teams
Check the calendar for upcoming events and cheer on our athletes.

Playing at the Next Level
Each year, a number of our graduates go on to play athletics in college.
Student Life
THE VALUE OF SERVICE
All students engage in service projects that reach beyond our campuses to the greater Pittsburgh region and around the world.

GETTING INVOLVED
Extracurricular clubs and activities abound at Shady Side, allowing students to explore new interests, meet new friends and take on leadership roles.
Support
The Blue & Gold Fund
Your support provides innovative programs and experiences that prepare our students to make a difference in the world.

Make a Gift
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of our students and faculty. Make your gift now.

Equity & Inclusion

Student Diversity at SSA

An equitable education is an ethical education.

Shady Side Academy is a diverse community of students and adults who share different cultural values and perspectives. We embrace each other's differences and backgrounds, and know that this diversity adds to the richness and depth of our students' overall learning experience. Faculty members work to ensure a safe and open environment where understanding is central to all, and students’ differences are celebrated as an integral part of the educational experience.

Our Commitment

Creating an inclusive environment where students feel welcomed, valued and appreciated
Fostering a community of diverse perspectives to better prepare our students for a global society.
Cultivating a community of cultural understanding, respect and social responsibility

Equity & Inclusion Action Plan

On July 15, 2020, Shady Side Academy announced its Equity & Inclusion Action Plan, which provides a framework to affect positive, systemic change at SSA. Read the full plan here.

34% Students of Color

compared to 15% in the Pittsburgh metro area

35+ Languages

spoken in the homes of SSA families

8 Countries

that SSA students call home

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources

Declaration for a Diverse & Inclusive Community

In 2007, the Shady Side Academy Board of Trustees approved the following statement on the Academy's commitment to diversity:

As an Academy, we must cultivate, understand and embrace the differences among us as part of our educational endeavor. Academy leadership, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and students provide an example by fostering an environment of understanding and respect of all people. Further, we must instruct and empower children to challenge assumptions and ask questions in order to become responsible citizens in a diverse world. We believe that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socio-cultural status, religious tradition, age, gender, ability and sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity, broaden respect for others and inspire strong character. As we strive for academic excellence, so shall we strive for richness and depth in the community life at Shady Side Academy. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at Shady Side Academy must appreciate and respect the inherent value of all people.

Language & Definitions

Diversity: Quantifiable. Understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences, along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical ability, religious belief, political belief or other ideologies.

Equity: Actionable. Individuals receive the supports they need to gain access to resources – to help achieve equal outcomes.

Inclusion: Qualitative. People feel included and welcomed. It is the understanding and appreciation of intersecting identities while valuing the whole person and their perspective.

Student Clubs & Groups

The Senior School offers numerous clubs and groups for students who share a common interest, experience or identity, including:

Asian Student Union
Black Student Union (BSU)
Christian Fellowship
Democratic Student Union
Diversity Leadership Council
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Italian Student Union
Jewish Student Union
LatinX Club
Patriot Society
Perspectives Club
Who Run the World

Conferences & Professional Development

Section Navigation

Office of Equity and Inclusion

Lillian Grate
Chief Equity, Inclusion & Community Relations Officer
412-447-2213
Email Lillian

The Office

Partners with Academy administration to inform and create equitable policies and practices
Collaborates and consults with school heads to build inclusive and equitable communities
Works with faculty to develop multicultural curricula that represent the diversity of our community and beyond
Offers education and support to parents, students, trustees and staff