Apply

Your first step towards admission at Shady Side Academy is to complete the Inquiry Form. Taking this step will ensure you receive everything you need to know about the admissions process. Simply complete the short form by creating an account in Veracross, our admissions portal. Once you have an account, you will gain access to your admissions checklist, upcoming requirements, and individualized visit opportunities.

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The best way to get to know Shady Side is with an in-person visit. We can’t wait to learn more about your child and your hopes and dreams for their educational journey. This is an opportunity to connect with our admissions team, ask all your questions, tour the campus, visit the classrooms, connect with teachers, and envision your family as part of the Shady Side community.

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Your child’s current teacher sees their strengths and opportunities for growth. We value their perspective on your child’s school experience so far and look forward to receiving their feedback. Teacher recommendation requests are submitted directly through the admissions portal, and you will receive a real-time update when the form has been returned. This requirement is waived for junior pre-kindergarten applicants who are not yet in a program.

Download the Transcript Request Form from Veracross and submit it to your child's school. This release allows the school to share your child’s records with our admissions team. This requirement is waived for junior pre-kindergarten applicants who are not yet in a program.

Readiness evaluations provide an opportunity to observe where your child is in their early learning and development.

Students applying for pre-kindergarten or kindergarten complete an individual readiness assessment and a small group observation at Shady Side. 

Applicants for grades 1 and 2 complete an individual readiness assessment and a shadow day.

Applicants for grades 3 and 4 complete the Primary Level Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and a shadow day.

Applicants for grade 5 complete the Lower Level Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and a shadow day. 

In-person testing is available on Shady Side’s campus in December and January or at a Prometric testing site. At-home testing is available through ISEE’s Proproctor feature. The Junior School's ISEE code is 393903; Country Day School’s ISEE code is 393620.

All of these steps can be completed in the order that best matches how you want to explore Shady Side. You can complete the application form to kick off your process or submit it after you have a chance to visit with us. The form invites you to share background about your family and child and to reflect on a few short-answer questions about what is most important to you in your child’s education. A $50 application fee is required to finalize your child’s application. (Waivers are available to those who qualify. Please email Enrollment Management for information.)

Enjoy the satisfaction of checking things off. All of your progress will be documented in your child’s checklist, and we will be sure to prompt and remind you as deadlines approach.