High School Programs
Summer School (9-12)
Shady Side Academy offers Summer School courses for students entering grades 9-12, including for-credit courses in art and science.
Arts courses offering one term of academic credit meet full days for one week. Science courses offering a full year's academic credit meet half-days for five weeks with one additional afternoon lab per week. All courses are held on the Senior School campus. Limited bus transportation is available only with prior registration. For-credit courses include lunch.
Please note some courses have prerequisites in order to enroll. For-credit summer courses are condensed and therefore accelerated due to the shortened duration. Students can expect additional work at home each evening. Read course descriptions carefully before registering. Most courses have enrollment limits so that we can provide a quality learning experience for every student. All courses are subject to cancellation if fewer than five students enroll prior to Friday, May 12, 2023.
Notes on For-Credit Courses
Transfer of Credits: Credit for the purpose of making up a failure has been accepted by public and independent schools. Arrangements for credit transfer should be discussed when registering for Summer School. Shady Side Academy does not assume responsibility for credits not transferring.
Absences: To earn credit in for-credit summer courses, students must attend all class sessions. We recognize that from time to time, circumstances arise beyond the control of students or their families, including illness or emergency, that make attendance impossible. The Summer School director may deem an absence approved or unapproved based on available documentation. Unapproved absence from any course may result in no credit earned.
SSA Families: Please note only one graduation requirement in any discipline can be earned through summer school. For example, Science requires three years of study, and only one of the required Science courses may be taken in the summer. To read the policies regarding summer study, please see the Course Catalog on the Senior School Curriculum page.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are issued in for-credit courses at the middle and the end of the summer session. The Summer School director receives interim reports on students not performing satisfactorily, in which case parents are notified and action plans formulated.
Meet the Summer School Director
Dr. David Barndollar is Shady Side Academy's Summer School Director. He is an experienced educator and school leader deeply committed to the development of students. He serves as the chair of the Senior School's English department and has served in a number of capacities over his career as an educator.
Please contact Dr. Barndollar with any questions.
2023 For-Credit Courses
Art
Architecture
June 12-16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$1,100 (1 credit)
Architecture is a course that provides students with the fundamentals of architectural design, analysis and techniques presented through a sampling of drafting and model-making projects. Emphasis is on the following: history of architecture and styles; drafting and model-making; sketching architectural forms; and proper use of tools and materials. Two field trips will take place during the weeklong course: one to Fallingwater, and one to the Carnegie Museum of Art. Daily attendance is required to receive credit. All materials provided.
PREREQUISITE: 2D Studio Art Foundation or 3D Studio Art Foundation
Glass
June 12-16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$1,100 (1 credit)
Students will learn about the properties of glass, specifically two of the most common types of glass currently used for fusing and slumping. They will learn how to safely cut, grind, clean, assemble, fire and polish glass. Students will gain a thorough understanding of glass fusing temperatures, firing schedules, glass molds, annealing temperatures, coefficients of expansion, compatibility and how glass reacts to certain factors such as heat, time and gravity. Throughout assigned projects, emphasis will be placed on technique, design, pattern, color, texture and form. The class will include a field trip to the Pittsburgh Glass Center.
PREREQUISITE: Studio Art 2D Foundation or Studio Art 3D Foundation
Mathematics
Math II
June 20-July 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
$2,700 (3 credits)
Math II is a study of geometric concepts. In this course, students are active participants in their own learning by completing problems through which key geometric concepts are investigated. Reading, writing and speaking mathematics are emphasized by requiring students to complete solutions to open-ended word problems and present their findings in class. The students learn new ways of thinking to solve problems and to formalize their logical thinking. New concepts such as vectors, parametric equations and right triangle trigonometry help the students find alternate ways to solve increasingly complex problems and proofs. The teacher helps the students navigate the problem-solving strategies needed to discover solutions and to make conclusions. Supplemental materials are provided for the students to practice the concepts as needed.
PREREQUISITES: Math I or successful completion of an Algebra I course and a demonstration of mastery of the concepts found in Math I
Science
Biology 1
June 20- July 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
$2,700 (3 credits)
This junior-level course covers ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, development, plant and animal structure and function, respiration, photosynthesis and microbiology.
PREREQUISITE: Physics 1 and Chemistry 1
Chemistry 1
June 20- July 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
$2,700 (3 credits)
This sophomore-level course covers the fundamental concepts of modern chemical theory, utilizing the laboratory investigation techniques taught in the Physics 1 course. The topics covered include: atomic theory, chemical structure and bonding, molecular geometry, stoichiometry and quantitative analysis, gas laws, acid/base chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, oxidation/reduction reactions, and basic organic chemistry.
PREREQUISITE: Students must be rising 10th graders or older who have completed Physics 1
2023 ENRICHMENT COURSES
SAT/ACT Test Prep
Shady Side Academy partners with the alumni-owned Goldstein Test Prep to bring SAT/ACT prep courses to our Senior School campus.
Learn more about the Goldstein Test Prep program highlights and upcoming programs (link will be updated with 2023 course information when available).
Visit the Goldstein Test Prep website for a full list of courses.
Camp Internships (9-12)
Shady Side Academy offers several opportunities for high school students interested in working in one of our SSA Summer programs. Becoming a member of our close-knit staff is a wonderful opportunity for responsible, vibrant and outgoing teenagers looking to work with children. We provide ample opportunities for leadership and advancement, while also giving lots of training, feedback and positive reinforcement. Working at camp can be one of the most memorable and instructive jobs you'll ever have; join us to see what the fun is all about! The positions below are highly competitive and we typically reach our cap by mid-May.
Grades 11-12: Junior Counselors
Rising juniors and seniors can apply to become junior counselors for our elementary-aged Day Camp Discovery. Junior counselors are responsible for helping counselors lead co-ed groups of campers in lessons/activities, and providing a safe, fun and quality day camp experience for all children. Junior counselors actively lead campers in scheduled programs, oversee activities and assist counselors and specialists.
The application process to become a junior counselor is easy! Simply complete our online employment application, and you will be contacted for a brief interview or phone call. Once accepted, all junior counselors must complete a Pennsylvania criminal background check, a Pennsylvania Childline background check and an FBI background check. These positions are highly limited and very competitive. Interviews begin in March 2023.
Grade 10: Fellows
Fellowships are very limited and competitive opportunities for rising sophomores to volunteer with SSA Summer programs. Fellows have two options: they can join two counselors in overseeing a group of elementary-aged campers at Day Camp Discovery; or they can join an activity area to act as a teaching assistant. All hours are documented so that they can be used towards National Honor Society, scholarships, etc.
The application process to become a fellow is easy. Simply complete our online employment application, and you will be contacted for a brief interview or phone call. Once accepted, all fellows must complete a Pennsylvania criminal background check, a Pennsylvania Childline background check and an FBI background check. These positions are highly limited and very competitive. Interviews begin in March 2023.
