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
S pace Limited at Elementary Divisions
If interested in enrollment for your child for the Fall 2021, please call the admissions office to determine if we have room.

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.

Down on the Farm
Our unique SSA Farm initiative integrates sustainability and hands-on learning into the PK-12 curriculum.
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.

In Their Own Words
Read our blogs, and get to know our students and faculty as they share their experiences at SSA.

Preseason Information

Senior School Preseason Athletics

Schedules and protocols for pre-season sports are currently being developed following the direction of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office and the CDC and will be posted as they become available. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact the coaches listed by sport below.

Badminton, Ulimate Frisbee and PE Fitness

Cheerleading
Kayla Kolic

Crew, Boys and Girls
Pam Ciardi Lloyd

Cross Country, Boys
Preseason Letter
Paul Ejzak '89

Cross Country, Girls
Preseason Letter
Susan Whitney

Field Hockey, Girls
Preseason Letter
Betsy Gorse

Football
Chuck DiNardo '00

Golf, Boys
Mark Hessler
Kyle Smith

Golf, Girls
Preseason Letter
Gene Deal

Soccer, Boys
Preseason Letter
Ed Ellsworth

Soccer, Girls
Preseason Letter
Mary Lynch

Tennis, Girls
Preseason Letter
Jeff Miller

ImPACT Testing

The ImPACT test is mandatory for all newly enrolled Senior School students prior to participation in athletics. If you are a returning family whose rising 9th or 11th grader did not get tested in the spring, or if you are a newly enrolled family, please register online for ImPACT testing in August. Once signed up you will receive instructions and a one time passcode form ImPACT to complete the test at home. For those that are fall athletes please remember that this will need to be completed prior to the start of preseason practices.

Questions? Chris Rose, Head Athletic Trainer, crose@shadysideacademy.org.