Middle School - Shady Side Academy

Grades 6–8

Imagine your child walking through the doors of middle school for the first time, a little nervous but filled with excitement, eager to explore all the possibilities ahead. The middle school years are not just a stage of growing up; they’re a journey of self-discovery.

In these pivotal years, we’ve designed every aspect of the experience to meet the unique needs of 11- to 14-year-olds, understanding the profound transformations happening at this age. Here, your child will uncover who they are—not just as a student but as a person—through classes that inspire curiosity, clubs and affinity groups that foster a sense of belonging, athletics that build resilience, and opportunities for respectful dialogue that nurture empathy.

Advisory Period

Our advisory program provides students with dedicated time to connect with a trusted faculty mentor and a supportive peer group. These sessions foster meaningful relationships, build confidence, and equip students with the skills to navigate academic and personal growth.

Clubs

With dedicated time for clubs during the school day, students can explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and collaborate with peers. From robotics to creative arts, clubs provide an outlet for creativity, teamwork, and personal discovery.

Athletics

Movement is essential to learning and well-being. All students participate in two athletic or movement-based activities each year, ensuring they stay active, build resilience, and develop healthy habits that support both physical and mental strength.

Essential Skills

Students gain key academic and organizational skills through structured learning experiences. Dedicated library time in sixth and seventh grade nurtures research and literacy skills, while all sixth graders take a study skills course to build effective learning strategies that set them up for success.

Performing Arts

All students choose from general music, concert band, chorus, or strings ensemble each year.

Phys Ed & Health

All students have one semester of gym classes and one semester of health classes each year.

Visual Arts

All students take art each year. Classes may include 3D design, sculpture, printmaking, video, drawing and more.

We Explore Big Questions in Bold Ways

Project Week in the Middle School is a dynamic, hands-on experience where students break from traditional classes to tackle real-world challenges through interdisciplinary learning. By blending science, design, and the arts, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an immersive, project-based setting. Whether designing sustainable communities or exploring the power of legacy, Project Week pushes students to think creatively, apply knowledge in meaningful ways, and see their learning come to life.