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.

GETTING INVOLVED
Extracurricular clubs and activities abound at Shady Side, allowing students to explore new interests, meet new friends and take on leadership roles.
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.

SSA Summer

SSA Summer logo Summer is a unique time for students to grow. After the school year ends, a good summer camp or class can give your child the opportunity to discover new passions, hone existing talents, forge new friendships and tackle personal challenges.

Shady Side Academy has offered generations of Pittsburgh families fun, flexible, safe and affordable summer programs. Our campuses in Fox Chapel play host to a wealth of day camps, focus camps, sports camps, STEAM camps and summer school classes for elementary, middle and high school students. High-energy programming, combined with a knowledgeable and experienced staff, make SSA Summer programs unlike any other in the region!

REGISTER NOW and reserve your child's spot for 2022 with just a $50 non-refundable deposit!

The SSA Summer Difference

We embrace every child's unique story. Our goal is to understand, support and realize the potential in every child. Counselors and teachers maintain open communication with parents to ensure we know your child's hopes and dreams. Our warm community provides a safe, supportive environment for kids to take risks.

We offer a safe, fun experience. SSA Summer's COVID-19 health and safety protocols are grounded in national and local public health guidance. Camp enrollments are limited, with plenty of outdoor activities.

We offer more than 25 different camps and classes. From day camps to sports camps to summer school classes, you can build a schedule customized to your child's individual interests and your family's needs.

We have outstanding facilities and outdoor spaces. Most programs take place on our spacious 130-acre Senior School campus in Fox Chapel, which offers amazing athletic and arts facilities. We also offer camps on our 35-acre Middle School campus and 17-acre Country Day School campus in Fox Chapel. (NOTE: Due to renovations on our seven-acre Junior School campus in Point Breeze, all 2022 programs will be held on our Fox Chapel campuses. We'll return to our Junior School campus in Summer 2023 with bigger and better programming!)

We understand the needs of working families. Our full-day camps include free lunch and free before-care, plus optional paid after-care. We also offer busing from the North Hills and East End to our Fox Chapel campuses, making transportation a snap.

VIDEO: Spend Your Summer at SSA!

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Contact Us

Nathan Verbanets
Director of Programs

Testimonials

"My daughter was ecstatic to learn she was able to attend the East End Explorers camp again. Each day she came home, she poured out the day's events like a faucet. She was extremely happy. It was truly a blessing to know that it was made possible because of your thoughtfulness. Thank you so much for all your assistance. Somehow I don't feel thank you is quite enough."

"Our son has been attending [camp] for the past six years. He has enjoyed every summer attending Discovery Camp and Camp Ren and looks forward to coming back year after year!"