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
Visit Opportunities
Register for a Zoom information session or a Saturday campus tour today!

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

MLK Day Assembly Jan. 21, 2022 71

Second Grade Dash Robots 9

Fourth Grade Huts 3

Fourth Grade Math QR Code Hunt 4

JPK Fox Versus Winter STEEM Activity 3

Fifth Grade Snowbot Challenge - Dec. 16 3

Winterfest - Dec. 16 21

Third Grade Show - Dec. 16 6

Fifth Grade Wreath Making - Dec. 14 9

Third Grade Thanksgiving Balloon Robot Parade 1

Third Grade Thanksgiving Balloon Robot Parade 6

Autumn Festival - Oct. 29 20

Spirit Week Oct. 4-8 22

Fall Family Hike & Owl Prowl - Oct. 1 6

Family Picnic 5

First Day of School 22

Junior School

Junior School

MLK Day Project Kim and Reppy Kindergarten Class 7

PK Learns About Kwanzaa 4

K Learns About Kwanzaa 6

K Learns About Christmas 8

Third Grade Play it Forward Toy Drive - Dec. 2021 6

Hour of Code - Dec. 6-10 5

Hour of Code - Dec. 6-10 59

5th Grade Guest Speaker Alexey Kushir - Dec 8 4

K Fall/Winter Nature Observation 5

K Learns About Hanukkah 6

PK & 4th Grade Creepy Crawler Bug Hunt 7

4th Grade STEEM - Mars Rovers 1

KG Kim/Reppy Writing Workshop Celebration 9

2nd Grade Food Drive - Nov 18 9

1st Grade Veterans Day Red Poppy Art 3

Halloween Parade - Oct. 29 29

Pre-K Community Helper Visits - Oct. 2021 8

Kindergarten Field Trip to Renshaw Farms 23

Spirit Week Oct. 4-8 35

K Hopes and Dreams Rocks 6

Digital Citizenship 14

First Week of School 60

Middle School

Middle School

Seventh Grade Shakespeare Dramatic Works Unit 3

6th Grade Walk to Water - Dec. 17 20

Holiday Choral Concert - Dec. 15 13

Holiday Instrumental Concert - Dec. 9 17

Fall Play: Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine - Dec. 2 18

6th Grade Religions Field Trip - Nov. 12 7

Veterans Day Assembly & Cards - Nov 9-11 8

8th Grade Chinese Taiwan Pen Pals 5

Halloween Celebrations - Oct. 29 26

8th Grade Mural Project 5

Chicks Hatching 1

Spirit Week Oct. 4-8 44

Sixth Grade Creek Day 16

First Week of School 10

Form I & Form II Ice Cream Social 7

Sixth Grade Ice Cream Social 11

Senior School

Senior School

Michael Seamans '01 Visit 6

Pre-Med Club Cardiothoracic Surgery Simulation 8

Winter Band Concert at Assembly - Dec. 13 10

Latin Field Trip to Pompeii Exhibit 15

Winter Choral Concert - Dec. 8 20

Student 3D Art Exhibit in Rowe - Nov. 2021 12

Form III Bulldog Games - Nov 18 5

College Athletic Signing Day - Nov. 10 22

Fall Play: She Kills Monsters 105

Halloween Costume Contest 7

Tree of Life Memorial Assembly - Oct. 25 7

Summer Science Research Presentations Oct. 12 5

Spirit Week Oct. 4-8 23

Spanish V Plastic Recycled Jump Ropes 8

Service Learning Club at Family House 4

First Week of School 56

Summer Jam Sessions 4

Alumni

New York 2020 8

Palo Alto 2020 4

Los Angeles 2020 4

Harvest Happy Hour 14

Homecoming 2019 136

All-Academy

Faculty and Staff Closing Days 33

Bulldog Blue & Gold Day 46

Teacher Appreciation Week 22

UPA Plants & Presents Sale 11

National Bulldog Day 27

Bulldog Day Photo Submissions 52

Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic 9

Gene Deal Fields 3

Regional Scholastic Art Award Winners - Jan. 29 13

UPA Welcome Back 10

First Week of School 2020 1