Academy News

Ms. Vorrasi’s eighth-grade art students at the Middle School partnered with Ms. Bellini’s and Ms. Mientkiewicz’s first and second grade classes at the Junior and Country Day Schools to bridge imagination and reality—and turn fear into friendship

Shady Side Academy junior Laurence P. has earned national recognition in the 2025 Federal Bar Association Civics Essay Contest, taking Second Place for his exceptional work. 

Shady Side Academy Senior School's winter musical, WE WILL ROCK YOU: School Edition, received two nominations in the 2025 Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater.

The Junior School recently hosted its annual International Fair, a beloved tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures represented by our students and families.

Shady Side Academy seniors Anya J. and Avery L. have been named winners of the prestigious National Merit $2500 Scholarship, recognizing them among the most accomplished high school students in the United States.

Fourth-grade students at the Junior School transformed into legends during this year’s Greek Museum, an annual tradition that brings mythology and history to life through costume, research, and performance. 

Shady Side Academy Senior School students senior Sophia G. and juniors Will N. and Diya S. were named Trib Total Media’s 2025 Outstanding Young Citizen Awardees.

It’s not every day middle school musicians get to work with a professional conductor—but that’s exactly what happened when Edward Leonard, Conductor of the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, visited the Middle School.

On April 23, Shady Side Academy seventh graders welcomed a special guest with firsthand insight into the consequences of poor decision-making: Judge Jennifer Satler P’30,’34 of the Court of Common Pleas, Fifth Judicial District.

What does it mean to live a good life? For students in Kyle Smith’s Philosophy of Happiness and the Good Life course at Shady Side Academy, the answer includes one powerful practice: gratitude.

To celebrate Earth Day, Shady Side families set out on an outdoor adventure filled with fresh air, teamwork, and trail wisdom. Organized by Karen DiFiore (Ranger D), Heather Capezzuti, and Courtney Anderson, the event on Sunday, April 27, brought together approximately 50 students and family members from pre-k through fifth grade. 

On April 28, SSA Senior School’s annual Prize Day took place in the Richard E. Rauh Theater within the Hillman Center for Performing Arts.

Whether he's coaching on the track, teaching in the classroom, or guiding seniors through their final year at Shady Side, Jeff Perlis is always focused on one thing: helping students believe in themselves. Now in his fourth year at SSA, Jeff wears many hats—Dean of Form VI (grade 12), mathematics teacher, and head coach of Girls Track and Field. Across every role, his approach is consistent: build trust early, create space for growth, and meet each student where they are.

From start to finish, Monday, April 21 was a joyful showcase of Bulldog pride across every campus! Enjoy these photos from the day.