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 an information session or a campus visit 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.

Glimcher Tech & Design Hub

The Glimcher Tech & Design Hub, a dynamic facility dedicated to innovation, creativity, technology and design, opened at the Senior School in September 2019. The 12,000-square-foot space includes three primary areas: a Fabrication and Robotics Wing, a Computer Science Wing and a café. The facility is on the lower levels of Rowe and Memorial Halls, in the space formerly occupied by the Science Department before it moved to the new McIlroy Center for Science & Innovation in 2018.

Technology and Maker Space Renovation - Exterior

Naming Opportunities Still Available

It's not too late to support the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub! Download a list of naming opportunities. For more information, contact Dr. Allison Saras at asaras@shadysideacademy.org or 412-968-3077.

Create
Fabrication & Robotics Wing

Fabrication & Robotics Wing

Students will delve into automation, experiment with concepts and engineer solutions in this dedicated fabrication and robotics wing. It houses a variety of learning and creation spaces including:

Fabrication Lab
Robotics Arena
Workshop
Wet Lab
"Think Tank" Meeting Room
Faculty Office

Collaborate
Computer Science Wing

Computer Science Wing

As the new home of the Senior School Computer Science Department, this wing finally gives students and teachers a modern, dedicated technology space, including:

Two Spacious Computer Lab/Classrooms
Computer Lounge
Faculty Offices

Connect

Cafe & Community Space

The SSA Café

Directly inside the new exterior entrance to the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub is the new SSA Café, a popular place for students and teachers to gather, socialize and connect. The café serves coffee, tea, juice, smoothies, grab-and-go snacks and more.