Shady Side Academy is a nationally respected private school in Pittsburgh for boys and girls in grades pre-kindergarten through 12, with an optional boarding experience 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 Shady Side students to high achievement in academics, the arts, and athletics, and to meaningful ambitions in life.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 213 students
- Yearly Tuition: $31,550
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Shady Side Academy Middle School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Sports offered
School History
School Resources
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Year Founded
1883
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Campus Size
130
Student Body
Total Students
213 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
96%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Two levels of math per grade; independent study in math offered
Average SAT score
1330
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Common Dress Code
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1
Yearly Tuition Cost
$31,550
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$16,000
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Bob Grandizio
Admissions Associate
Kasey Fron
Endowment Size
$60 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Lego League/Robotics, Literary Magazine: The Spiral Staircase, Math Olympiad, Philosophy Club, Science Olympiad, Team America Rocketry Challenge
Arts and Music Programs:
Band Program, Choral Program, Strings Program
Lego League/Robotics, Literary Magazine: The Spiral Staircase, Math Olympiad, Philosophy Club, Science Olympiad, Team America Rocketry Challenge
Arts and Music Programs:
Band Program, Choral Program, Strings Program
School Notes
- The Middle School (grades 6-8) is dedicated to the academic, social and emotional growth of students in a safe and respectful atmosphere that promotes intellectual inquiry and exploration. The school offers students a comprehensive curriculum, which includes a balanced program of challenging courses, varied arts options and both competitive and instructional athletics. Students acquire confidence while striving for excellence in a setting that infuses the Academy's Five Guiding Principles into every aspect of the program.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Virginia (Franke) Kleist - 1974 - Trailblazing as a Student and Educator -
- Susan Kim - 1992 - Moving Beyond Her Comfort Zone -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shady Side Academy Middle School cost?
Shady Side Academy Middle School's tuition is approximately $31,550 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Shady Side Academy Middle School?
The acceptance rate of Shady Side Academy Middle School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Shady Side Academy Middle School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Shady Side Academy Middle School?
Shady Side Academy Middle School famous alumni include: Virginia (Franke) Kleist - 1974 - Trailblazing as a Student and Educator and Susan Kim - 1992 - Moving Beyond Her Comfort Zone.
Does Shady Side Academy Middle School offer a summer program?
Yes, Shady Side Academy Middle School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Shady Side Academy Middle School offer?
Shady Side Academy Middle School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis and Track and Field. Shady Side Academy Middle School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is Shady Side Academy Middle School's ranking?
Shady Side Academy Middle School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest average SAT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Shady Side Academy Middle School?
The application deadline for Shady Side Academy Middle School is Feb. 1.
School Reviews
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