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.
#SSANow
A Day in the Life
What is SSA really like? Watch our videos to get a peek into a typical day in the life of Shady Side students.

125th Anniversary

Pittsburgh's Shady Side Academy Football field with 125 for 125th Anniversary In 2008-2009, the Academy celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding in 1883, and its incredible growth from a one-room schoolhouse with 16 students to a nationally respected independent school enrolling more than 900 students across three campuses. The quasquicentennial celebration included events and festivities at all three campuses, including:

All-Academy "125" Photo
Junior School 100th Anniversary Celebration
Middle School 50th Anniversary Celebration
Academy 125th Anniversary Celebration on May 2, 2009, highlighted by a visit from Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough '51.

Commemorative History BOOK

Commemorative Book for Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh

Inspire Us Through the Years: The 125-Year History of Shady Side Academy delves deeply into the vibrant personalities, rich traditions and transformational events that have shaped Shady Side into the nationally respected private school it is today.

Written by Mary Brignano, based on the research of Jonathan Silver, and designed by Robert Meyers, this 250-page, hardbound book features photographs from the Academy's archives, bringing the history of SSA to life like never before.