Academy News

In honor of Earth Day and in alignment with their ongoing exploration of “Our Natural World,” Country Day School kindergarten students took action to support the environment close to home.

This spring, a group of dedicated Middle School readers took their literary knowledge to the next level by representing Shady Side Academy at the annual Battle of the Books, hosted by the Cooper-Siegel Library in Fox Chapel. 

At a recent Middle School Assembly, students were transported into one of the most daring—and least known—chapters of American history, thanks to historian, author, and Carnegie Mellon University professor Dr. Edda Fields-Black. 

In early April, Shady Side Academy Senior School students competed in the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF) at the Carnegie Science Center. Several students won awards for their projects.

36 Senior School students took the 2025 National Latin Exam (NLE), of whom 17 students earned honors for their achievement. The March administration of the National Latin Exam was taken by over 100,000 students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 20 foreign countries.

Third-grade students from both the Junior and Country Day Schools proudly showcased their U.S. state research projects at the annual Third Grade State Fair, held at each school. The State Fair is a vibrant celebration of learning and patriotism. Students immersed themselves in the rich history, geography, and culture of their chosen states, bringing their research to life through various creative projects.

Twenty-five Shady Side Academy seniors were recognized for academic excellence by being inducted into the SSA Chapter of the Cum Laude Society on Tuesday, April 22. The induction ceremony was held during Senior School community assembly in the Richard E. Rauh Theater of the Hillman Center for Performing Arts.

Shady Side Academy is proud to announce that Michael P. Lyons P’30,’31, a Shady Side parent and highly regarded finance industry leader, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Senior School Commencement on Saturday, June 7.

As part of their world history curriculum, sixth-grade students took a historical lens to the study of religion by visiting four sacred sites across Pittsburgh. This experiential learning opportunity, tied to their unit on the rise and influence of major world religions, offered students a chance to explore how religious movements have shaped civilizations, culture, and architecture over time.

Through a unique partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice and Schoolyard Ventures, the Social Innovators Program empowers Shady Side Academy Senior School students to develop ventures that create real-world impact. Now in its fifth year at SSA, the program guides students through a three-phase process: identifying challenges, designing solutions, and launching prototypes.

Ten hours. Dozens of matches. Countless adjustments, strategies, and high-pressure moments. That was the reality for the Shady Side Academy VEX Robotics team as they battled through the Western PA VEX VRC Championship at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

The morning air was crisp, the ground damp from days of rain, but that didn’t stop Shady Side Academy families from gathering at Frick Park on March 8. Bundled in warm layers, students, parents, and faculty from the Junior School and Country Day School arrived eager to check on the saplings they had planted a year before.

The Junior School gym buzzed with excitement as fourth-grade entrepreneurs eagerly set up their storefronts, transforming the space into a lively marketplace filled with handcrafted goods and homemade treats. The annual Fourth Grade Marketplace wasn’t just a school event—it was the culmination of months of financial learning, creative problem-solving, and hands-on business experience.

The Middle School’s production of "Seussical Jr." transported audiences into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. With The Cat in the Hat (Eira P.) as a mischievous guide, the story unfolded in a swirl of color, song, and imagination, following Horton the Elephant (Ben S.) on a journey of kindness, perseverance, and belief in the smallest of voices.

Middle School Spanish students took a vibrant journey through Mexican culture, history, and tradition as they explored the artistry of Ballet Folklórico de México. Through an immersive classroom experience and a live performance at the Byham Theater, students deepened their understanding of the cultural expressions that define Mexico’s diverse regions.