Shady Side Academy
- A+Overall Grade
- Private, Boarding
- PK, K-12
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 95 reviews
- AcademicsA+
- DiversityA
- TeachersA+
- College PrepA+
- Clubs & ActivitiesA+
- SportsA+
Applying
Tuition
Yearly Tuition
$31,975
Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year. For more information, please contact the school.
Boarding (Tuition + Boarding)
$51,475
Received Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid
$18,000
From Shady Side Academy
Shady Side Academy is a nationally respected private school in Pittsburgh for boys and girls in grades PK-12, with optional 5- or 7-day boarding in high school. Four age-specific campuses with extraordinary resources, teachers who actively mentor, a forward-thinking curriculum, a diverse and inclusive community, and a legacy of alumni accomplishments all inspire students to high achievement in academics, arts, and athletics, and to meaningful ambitions in life.
With an approach that includes small class sizes, individual attention, and a rigorous curriculum, Shady Side understands that how we educate students equips them to thrive in college and in life. Because "how" widens perspectives, reveals hidden talents, cultivates character, and elevates expectations – at every level and for every child. Because "how" matters.
Shady Side Academy Rankings
Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.
Academics
Culture & Safety
Poll
- 83%
- of students agree that they feel safe at their school.12 responses
Poll
- 75%
- of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.12 responses
Boarding
Students
Diversity
A
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
1,028
- 75%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.16 responses
- 69%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.16 responses
- 81%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.16 responses
Teachers
Poll
- 88%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.17 responses
Poll
- 88%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.17 responses
Clubs & Activities
Clubs & Activities
A+
Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
Girls Athletic Participation
Very High
Boys Athletic Participation
High
- 100%
- of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.7 responses
- 43%
- of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.7 responses
- 100%
- of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.7 responses
Shady Side Academy Reviews
95 reviews
All Categories
Our experience at Shady Side Academy has been outstanding. Our daughter came to the school as a Sophomore after our family moved to Pittsburgh, and her transition was seamless. The students, faculty and administration made her feel a part of the Shady Side community from our first visit. The culture at SSA is extremely welcoming and inclusive for both the student and their family—it’s truly a partnership.
Academics at Shady Side are rigorous, but the support from teachers is unmatched. We feel confident that our daughter will be successful not only in college, but beyond, due in large part to her time at Shady Side Academy.
If you’re even slightly considering Shady Side as an option, I encourage you to attend one of their Open House events. That was the first step we took, and I’m so grateful that we did!
Academics at Shady Side are rigorous, but the support from teachers is unmatched. We feel confident that our daughter will be successful not only in college, but beyond, due in large part to her time at Shady Side Academy.
If you’re even slightly considering Shady Side as an option, I encourage you to attend one of their Open House events. That was the first step we took, and I’m so grateful that we did!
Shady Side has been a fantastic school for our son. He was very happy in the Upper St. Clair school system but chose to attend SSA for the exceptional hockey experience combined with excellent academics. We have seen him grow and mature in so many ways. A naturally quiet kid, the small class size encouraged him to contribute more and integrate into class dynamics. His hockey experience has been phenomenal as well. We couldn't be more pleased with our decision to send him to SSA. Thank you SSA for providing such a great place to develop life skills, character, sports ability, and academic success!
Do not be fooled by the facilities, not worth the tuition cost. Despite some amazing faculty, there are plenty of duds and unfortunately the overall education is mediocre. There has been turn over in the administration but the Middle School Campus is the hold out and for any pretween/tween student that does not conform to the rigid expectations at the Middle School there will be many emails, meetings and overall negativity toward the student generated. The Senior School does a better job with student autonomy and support for student interests/passions, but still a disappointment, even for their most strong and capable students. There have been positive changes the school has made over the last 6 yrs but it has a long way to go. SSA should shake off the culture of elitism & until it succeeds it will be stuck being an ordinary high school with awesome facilities that costs a lot of money to enroll.