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
E xplore our Campuses
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

St. Margaret Food Drive 5

CDS PA Holiday Decorations 17

Kindergarten Self-Portraits 20

Halloween Celebrations 32

Bertani Election Unit 23

PA Halloween Decorations 10

Book Tasting 11

Peek Into CDS Classes in September 11

First Week of School 43

Junior School

Junior School

No Hungry Kids Fundraiser 1

Holiday Heroes Celebration 5

Second Grade Kindness Agents 10

PE Snowperson Challenge 9

Snow Superheroes 19

Virtual Turkey Trot 8

Diwali Celebration 10

World Kindness Day Messages 5

Kindergarten Veterans Day 6

Halloween Celebrations 38

Kindergarten Van Gogh Inspired Artwork 5

Spooktacular Surprise 8

Kindergarten Fall Walk 7

Peek Into Classes at the Junior School in Sept. 21

Kindergarten Celebrates International Dot Day 36

Second Grade Superhero Ceremony 11

First Week of School 24

Middle School

Middle School

Holiday Light Messages 6

Fall Play Trailer: Mirror, Mirror 1

Girls Who Code Biology Study Website 1

"The Outsiders" Mock Trial 7

Halloween Celebrations 27

Tree of Life Virtual Assembly 16

Fall Friday Fun 9

Peek Into Classes at the Middle School in Sept. 18

First Week of School 16

Senior School

Senior School

Student Diversity Leadership Council Workshop 5

NCAA Signing Day - Nov. 11 26

Fall Play: Alice In Wonderland - A Radio Play 8

Halloween Celebrations 8

Halloween Celebrations 0

Summer Science Research Presentations 2020 11

Freshman and Sophomore Family Movie Night 5

Peek Into Classes at the Senior School in Sept. 10

First Week of School 30

"Premiere To Your Senior Year" Celebration 16

Alumni

New York 2020 8

Palo Alto 2020 4

Los Angeles 2020 4

Harvest Happy Hour 14

Homecoming 2019 136

All-Academy