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
Attend an Open House
Explore our beautiful campuses, meet our students and faculty, and more!

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.

Photos

Country Day School

Country Day School

Kindergarten Backpack for Hunger Donation 7

Holiday Show - Dec. 19 23

MS-CDS Concert Dec. 17 8

Fall Harvest Festival - Oct. 31 36

K&4 STEM Challenge - Oct. 11 18

Junior School

Junior School

MLK Days of Service 24

FIRST Lego League Championship - Dec. 14 10

Hour of Code - Dec. 9-15 31

A Gathering of Warmth and Light - Dec. 20 10

K&3 Buddies Share Personal Stories - Dec. 10 6

First Lego League (FLL) Robotics Scrimmage - Nov. 16 7

2nd & 7th Grade Explorers Hunt - Nov. 14 7

Halloween Parade - Oct. 31 94

K&3 Buddies Share a Sweet Treat - Oct. 30 13

Kindness Assembly - Oct. 25 12

Fall Readers' Night - Oct. 24 12

Kindergarten Jackson Pollock Art - Sep. 27 16

Middle School

Middle School

FIRST LEGO League Championship - Dec. 14 10

Winter Concert - Dec. 11 33

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Scrimmage - Nov. 16 17

2nd & 7th Grade Explorers Hunt - Nov. 14 7

Fall Play "Villain School" 26

Form 1 English Students Trade Up - Oct. 8

Tree of Life Memorial Assembly - Oct. 25 30

Sixth Grade Creek Day - Oct. 8 20

Bring Your Parents to School Day - Oct. 3 7

Senior School

Senior School

Winter Band Concert - Dec. 6 14

Winter Choral & Strings Concert - Dec. 5 22

Math 1 Liquid Experiments - Nov. 26 7

Speech and Debate Tournament - Nov. 23 0

Veterans Day Assembly - Nov. 11 10

Autumn Concert - Nov. 7 27

Emory Anderson: 1 Day, 2 WPIAL Playoffs - Nov. 1 8

Fall Play: An 80s Midsummer Night's Dream - Oct. 31 84

Latin Students in Glimcher Tech & Design Hub - Oct. 28

Tree of Life Memorial Assembly - Oct. 25 19

Sophomores in the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub - Oct. 16 9

Frosh-A-Thon - Oct. 16 9

College Application Extravaganza - Oct. 16 3

Summer Science Research Presentations - Sep. 24 36

Alumni

All-Academy