Affording SSA
An education is the best investment you can make in your child's future.
Our families find great value in the Shady Side Academy experience. Our small class sizes, individual attention, passionate teachers, challenging curriculum and breadth of opportunities prepare students to shine brighter in all that they do.
An independent school education is a significant investment that requires careful financial planning. Shady Side Academy is committed to enrolling a culturally and socioeconomically diverse student body, as we believe this diversity enriches the educational experience for our students.
Inclusive Tuition
Shady Side Academy is proud to offer Inclusive Tuition, which ensures all students benefit from the full SSA experience without the burden of unforeseen costs or hidden fees. Inclusive tuition rates include lunches, textbooks, academic activities and field trips, academic and athletic team travel and fees (excluding ice hockey), athletic team gear and booster fees, yearbooks and Parents' Association dues. (If applicable, after-school programs, international travel programs, transportation fees and select financial processing fees are not included.) View tuition rates and payment options below.
2023-2024 Tuition & Fees
Inclusive Tuition Rates by Grade |
|
| Pre-Kindergarten | |
| 5 Half Days | $13,100 |
| 2 Full Days, 3 Half Days | $14,900 |
| 3 Full Days, 2 Half Days | $15,950 |
| 5 Full Days | $18,650 |
| Kindergarten | $21,475 |
| Grades 1-5 | $26,350 |
| Grades 6-8 | $31,550 |
| Grades 9-12, Day | $36,950 |
| Grades 9-12, 5-Day Boarding | $56,375 |
| Grades 9-12, 7-Day Boarding | $59,525 |
Fees |
|
| International Student Fee | $4,000 |
| International Student Health Insurance Fee | $1,880 |
| Ice Hockey Fees | $300-$2,500 |
Tuition Discount
Applicable only to families who do not receive any other tuition discounts:
- Payment in Full by July 15: 1.5% discount
Financial Assistance & Scholarships
Approximately 21 percent of SSA students receive need-based financial assistance.
Shady Side Academy offers a number of financial assistance options for families, including need-based financial aid up to 90% of full tuition.
Families seeking financial aid should pursue the financial assistance process concurrently with the admissions process.
Shady Side typically receives financial aid applications that exceed the Academy’s available resources. Financial aid is awarded to applicants who are highly qualified and will maximize their Shady Side experience to become students who think expansively, act ethically and lead responsibly. In order to receive financial assistance from SSA, students must be citizens of the United States or Canada. Financial aid applications are not reviewed for those applicants who do not complete the admissions process. Awards are not granted at the JPK level.
Shady Side utilizes Clarity for our financial aid platform. The application is available beginning November 1 and the deadline for submission is January 1. Please visit our FAQ page and also make sure to indicate interest in financial aid in your child's candidate profile (in Veracross) to ensure you receive reminders about webinars and deadlines.
For questions, please contact financialaid@shadysideacademy.org.
In addition to need-based financial aid, the Academy awards a limited number of merit scholarships in select grades. No additional application is required to be considered for merit scholarships.
Shady Side Academy admits qualified applicants of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on these bases in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
