Our People - From the President | Shady Side Academy

An Introduction To BART GRIFFITH ’93

Shady Side proudly welcomed Bart Griffith ’93 P’28,’30 as the 13th Academy president in 2019. We invite you to take a moment to hear his story.

Since assuming leadership, Griffith has dedicated himself to advancing the Academy’s mission and positioning it as a national leader among independent schools. Under his guidance, Shady Side Academy has experienced remarkable enrollment growth, surpassing a 25% increase since 2018—an achievement that reflects the school’s evolving appeal to families seeking an exceptional educational experience.

This momentum is driven by a bold strategic vision, one that prioritizes creating a unique and valuable education for families and bright, curious students who want small classes and big opportunities, desire a balanced and informed worldview, and seek real-world learning to become the leaders of a connected, digital future. His tenure has been marked by transformative initiatives that not only honor Shady Side’s legacy but also ensure its continued relevance in a dynamic world:

The development of a visionary master plan for a unified 6–12 campus, launched in 2024. This comprehensive plan has reimagined Shady Side’s physical landscape, beginning with the creation of Gene Deal Fields (2022) and the renovation of the Class of 1966 Memorial Hall Library (2023). The plan also includes the construction of the Rockwell Middle School (January 2026), West Gate Entrance (expected 2026), and Rockwell Student Commons (expected 2028).

Projects that benefit Shady Side’s youngest learners. This commitment is evident in the transformation of the Junior School’s Early Learning Center and the comprehensive renovations to the Country Day School, which now features updated classrooms, secure entryways, and spaces that support its distinctive outdoor education programming. Across all campuses, these physical enhancements were complemented by advances in safety and security.

Improvements to faculty and staff compensation, benefits, and professional growth systems. These enhancements launched in 2023 underscore his commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional educators and staff who support the Academy’s ambitious goals.

A historic $15 million personal commitment from alumnus S. Kent Rockwell ’62 and his partner, Pat Babyak. This generous donation is the largest in the Academy's 140-year history.

The Academy’s Community and Belonging Action Plan, introduced in 2020 in partnership with the Board of Trustees. This plan provides a structured framework for fostering strong connections and relationships within the community.

Steady leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, Shady Side Academy navigated unprecedented challenges with a focus on student well-being, academic continuity, and institutional resilience, emerging stronger and more adaptable for the future.