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Shady Side Academy serves day school students from junior pre-kindergarten (age 3) through grade 12. Boarding students may enroll in grades 9 through 12. 

Class sizes typically range from 15 to 18 students, ensuring individualized attention.

Shady Side Academy has three beautiful campuses in the Pittsburgh area. The Lower School campuses–the Junior School and the Country Day School–are in the Point Breeze and Fox Chapel neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, serving pre-kindergarten through grade 5. The Upper School campus, also in Fox Chapel, serves grades 6–12. 

The average student-to-faculty ratio across the Academy is 8:1. 

Students learn Spanish in junior pre-kindergarten through grade 5. In Middle School, students are introduced to Chinese and Latin, in addition to Spanish. In grades 9-12, students may choose from Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish.

Independent schools are private, self-governed institutions that do not receive government funding, unlike public and charter schools. Parochial schools are religiously affiliated and may include faith-based instruction, while independent schools may or may not have religious ties.

Independent schools offer customized and comprehensive education, often with more intimate and relational class sizes, a robust curriculum, dedicated faculty, and opportunities tailored to students’ unique interests.

Our students are curious, engaged, and motivated learners who are deeply connected to one another and their communities. Learn more about who we are looking for.

We provide orientation programs, buddies or mentors depending on the grade, and community events to help your child acclimate quickly. Our summer Bulldog Basics program, a multi-day introduction to Shady Side teachers, culture, and academic resources available for students entering grades 6 through 11, is just one example of this support.

The dress standards for each division are developmentally appropriate and prioritize school readiness. In grades pre-kindergarten through 8, students wear khaki or navy bottoms or dresses, collared shirts in specific colors, athletic shoes, and layers or outerwear appropriate for the weather. In grades 9 through 12, students enjoy more latitude for self-expression; the color-specific dress code is lifted and students are invited to choose clothes that allow for comfort, full participation in school activities, and appropriate presentation. A complete description of dress code requirements can be provided upon request. 

Tuition varies by grade level and is outlined on our website.

Tuition includes instruction, basic materials, and many extracurricular activities. Additional fees may apply for uniforms, trips, and specific programs. You can learn more about our Inclusive Tuition model here.

A wide range of extracurriculars, from arts to athletics to clubs, are available and included in our Inclusive Tuition model.

Yes, Shady Side Academy offers need-based financial aid and payment plans to make tuition more accessible.

Shady Side does not offer academic or athletic merit-based scholarships. Families of candidates to senior pre-kindergarten through 12th grade may apply for need-based financial aid. 

The non-refundable deposit reserves your child’s place and is applied to the first-year tuition. The deposit is 10% of net tuition.

January 1 is the deadline for financial aid. Families must submit the Clarity financial aid application and provide supporting financial documents to be considered for financial aid. Students who enroll without financial aid are considered for future support in cases where a significant change in circumstances occurs. Financial aid awards are limited, and families must apply annually.

Yes, all financial aid information is handled with the utmost confidentiality.

Financial aid is available from senior pre-kindergarten to grade 12. Financial aid is not available in junior pre-kindergarten. 

Transportation options include district-provided busing, paid Shady Side-contracted vans, and traditional drop-off and carpooling.

Yes, extended day programs are available for families requiring flexible schedules. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. and picked up as late as 6:00 p.m. Extended care is billed separately from inclusive tuition. 

Lunch is covered by Inclusive Tuition. Daily options include hot meals, salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches, soup, fruit, and beverages. Menus accommodate dietary restrictions, and Lower School campuses are nut-free.

Applications for junior pre-kindergarten, senior pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten are due January 1. Applications for candidates for grades 1–12 are due February 1. Applications for financial aid are due January 1.

Applications may result in acceptance, waitlisting, or denial based on space and fit.

International applications must provide additional documentation providing English proficiency. The minimum TOEFL requirement is 100+ and the minimum Duolingo requirement is 130+.

Yes, space permitting, we welcome applications for mid-year transfers.

Part-time schedules are available in pre-kindergarten. Students can enroll for five half days, two full days and three half days, three full days and two half days, or five full days. Students who begin the year with a part-time schedule may increase their time at school in consultation with the classroom teacher and according to divisional guidelines.

Yes, students in junior and senior pre-kindergarten have scheduled rest times as part of their daily routine.

Yes, children must be potty-trained before starting school. 

Specials are offered in the Lower Schools as part of the academic curriculum and include art, library, music, physical education, outdoor adventure, Spanish, technology literacy, theater arts, and wellness.

Our dining services accommodate allergies with safe food preparation and clear labeling.

Yes, each campus has a dedicated nurse to support student health.

We provide counseling, learning specialists, and wellness programs to address students’ needs.

Students use age-appropriate tools, including laptops, tablets, and interactive whiteboards.

A 1:1 iPad program, covered by Inclusive Tuition, is in place in kindergarten through grade 8. In grades 9-12, laptops are required. Students may request an Academy laptop on an annual basis if needed.

We use platforms such as SeeSaw and Canvas to communicate assignments, progress, and updates. Our website-based portals also contain information for parents and students about all things Shady Side.

Shady Side students come from more than 125 zip codes, states from Alaska to Texas, and half a dozen countries. SSA families speak 30+ languages at home. Thirty-nine percent of Shady Side students identify as students of color. Each year, we welcome a cohort of new students in pre-kindergarten through grade 11 who join us from more than 120 different schools. Shady Side is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, with programs, policies, and activities that foster belonging for all families.

Yes, regular assemblies and events foster school spirit and community engagement.

Shady Side emphasizes a safe, inclusive environment. The Academy preempts conflict through relationship building, a robust advisory program, and proactive intervention when differences arise. The Academy addresses conflicts promptly through restorative practices, counseling, and proactive community building.

Parents are partners in their children’s education, and parent engagement is encouraged through events, volunteer opportunities, and community gatherings. Shady Side has a robust and active Unified Parents’ Association that is excited to welcome new members.

Parents can volunteer in various roles, from event support to classroom assistance.

Regular updates include report cards, parent-teacher conferences, community events, and digital tools, including newsletters, portals, and apps, to keep families informed.

Shady Side’s curriculum offers various academic pathways and opportunities for enrichment, but the curriculum cannot be adapted to reduce rigor. Limited academic accommodations can be made for students who have received a formal diagnosis as a result of an up-to-date, comprehensive evaluation completed by a licensed practitioner. Shady Side does not offer behavioral support services. Please contact the admissions team to learn more about how Shady Side’s program can be a good match for gifted students and students with certain learning support needs.