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How We Grow

 
The Shady Side Way

On any given morning, you might find a first-grade student holding a door open for a classmate who turns and says, “Thank you!” The smile they share is a small but powerful reminder of how character is nurtured from the very start at Shady Side.

Rooted in our five guiding principles, the Shady Side Way helps our youngest learners explore honesty, kindness, responsibility, respect, and safety through play-based lessons. It’s more than just a lesson, though—it’s a way of life woven into daily routines and celebrated meaningfully. Students proudly wear Shady Side Way wristbands as reminders to live these values, and when they’re recognized for their actions, families share in their success through postcards sent home and public acknowledgments during assemblies.

As students grow, these early lessons become the foundation for a journey of ethical growth and leadership development, from pre-k through grade 12, ensuring that students develop the character to become humane leaders in a world that is always moving. 

Kids holding hands

Balancing Challenge with Support

At the heart of our teaching philosophy is the belief that growth happens when students are challenged—but also supported. Our educators create a culture where students feel safe to explore new ideas, make mistakes, and refine their understanding. This balance fosters not only academic excellence but also personal resilience and self-confidence.

To this end, we understand that each child’s journey is unique. That’s why we are committed to meeting the needs of a neurodiverse student population. Our team of learning specialists and counselors, present in every division, play an essential role in supporting students. These dedicated professionals partner closely with parents, teachers, administrators, and external experts so each student reaches their full potential.

While Shady Side is best equipped to support students with mild learning differences, we remain committed to helping all families navigate the best path forward. In cases where a student’s needs extend beyond what we can provide, we partner with families to explore alternative educational programs that offer the specialized support their child deserves.

Stress Less, Thrive More

Through mindfulness practices like yoga, gratitude exercises, and lessons in empathy and problem-solving, students build emotional awareness and learn how to manage stress. 

Lower Schools

Girl on swing

At the beginning of wellness classes, students gather for a moment of calm, settling into sensory activities before sharing how they feel. One child might say, “I feel nervous about the math test,” while another adds, “I’m excited for art class.” These simple check-ins are designed to help young learners understand and navigate their emotions.

Middle School

Student reading book

We know the middle school years are full of growth and discovery. That’s why we utilize the Wellness Wheel—a holistic framework that helps students explore key areas of well-being, including emotional, physical, social, and intellectual health. Whether practicing empathy and self-regulation in advisory or meeting with the on-campus therapist, wellness in the Middle School empowers our students to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Senior School

Girl with plants

In the Senior School, we’ve partnered with Allegheny Health Network (AHN) to bring The Chill Project to campus—a mindfulness-based wellness program. At its core is the Chill Room, a dedicated space where students and staff can recharge. An on-campus AHN wellness educator and counselor work alongside Shady Side’s counseling team to support student well-being.

Making a Difference Beyond the Classroom

When one of our youngest students delivers flowers to a neighbor, or a Senior School student mentors a Middle School student, it’s more than an act of kindness—it’s a lesson in compassion and responsibility. These moments, simple yet profound, reflect the impact of service learning at Shady Side.

These experiences are designed to foster the skills parents want their children to develop—empathy, leadership, and a sense of purpose. By engaging in service projects, students learn to see the world through others’ eyes, work collaboratively, and take initiative to create meaningful change. When children learn to care deeply and act purposefully, they grow into the kind of people who make the world a better place.

 

Unlocking Promise and Supporting Potential

The Semper Scholars program reflects our belief that promise and potential should never be limited by a student’s background or prior experiences. Recognizing that an independent school can feel daunting or unfamiliar for some families, the Semper Scholars program ensures that every scholar receives the guidance and resources needed to thrive.

Student on laptop

Our Semper Scholars are students of exceptional promise in grades 6 through 12 who demonstrate strong academic potential, character, and determination. They come from diverse ethnic, racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds and contribute to the rich fabric of the Shady Side community.