Shady Side Academy Country Day School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025-26)

620 Squaw Run Road East
Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Shady Side Academy Country Day School Photo #1 - Our newest outdoor classroom a treehouse, the only one its kind in Western Pennsylvania, and one of only a few across the country. The treehouse features a 12x20-foot enclosed classroom, and large windows. A 30x30-foot observation deck surrounds the building and a suspension bridge which runs from the base of the treehouse to a lookout platform on a nearby tree.

Shady Side Academy Country Day School Photo #2 - Shady Side Academy's 17-acre Country Day Campus, located in Fox Chapel, offers a unique learning environment for students. Small classes, a vibrant academic program, teachers who know and care for each child, and an emphasis on the arts together provide a special experience for young learners.

Shady Side Academy Country Day School Photo #3 - Exploring the outdoors is central to the elementary school experience at Shady Side, and all classes take advantage of the campus location. The campus is adjacent to Fox Chapel parkland providing access to trails, streams and the opportunity to explore and observe nature.

Shady Side Academy Country Day School Photo #4 - Our in-school buddy system pairs students in order to interact socially, complete projects together, and enjoy playground time. Older students become mentors to the younger children and help them feel special and cared for as important members of our community.

Shady Side Academy Country Day School Photo #5 - At Country Day School, we believe the responsive classroom approach to teaching and learning fosters safe, challenging, joyful classrooms. It creates a school community in which students feel confident taking risks while growing socially, emotionally and academically.

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 Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked PA School
Grades: Prekindergarten-5
Enrollment: 154 students
Yearly Tuition: $15,500
Acceptance rate: 30%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 16 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Shady Side Academy Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-5

Year Founded

1883

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

Campus Size

130 acres

Student Body

Total Students

154 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

20%

State avg.: 27%

Students by Grade

Shady Side Academy Country Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

17 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

9:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

38%

Average Class Size

15 students

Number of AP Courses

6 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Average SAT score

1330

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Common Dress Code

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Dec. 16 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$15,500

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Pre-Kindergarten tuition is $15500 for full day and $10950 for half day. Other schedules are available. Kindergarten tuition is $17,950. First Grade is $21,500 and tuition for grades 2 - 5 is $22,500.

% on Financial Aid

30%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$14,000

Acceptance Rate

30%

National avg.: 81%

Admissions Director

Katie Mihm

Endowment Size

$60 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

1 sport

Sports

Cross Country

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

1 extracurricular

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

After School Adventurers

School Notes

School Motto: Think Expansively, Act Ethically, Lead Responsibly.
School Mascot: Bulldogs

Shady Side Academy has two elementary school campuses. At theCountry Day School, our 17-acre campus in Fox Chapel, we help students develop a foundation that is centered in academics and the arts, where each child may achieve both academic success and personal self-confidence. Each day children get the guidance and reassurance they need to keep exploring. This is a place where children grow, develop, discover - and learn how to keep searching and discovering for a lifetime. Faculty, together with their students, seek new opportunities and challenges outside the textbook and beyond the basic courses. We want teachers to teach students to learn in whatever ways work for them and see each student as an individual. Our second campus, the Junior School, is located in Point Breeze.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Shady Side Academy Country Day School cost?

Shady Side Academy Country Day School's tuition is approximately $15,500 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Shady Side Academy Country Day School?

The acceptance rate of Shady Side Academy Country Day School is 30%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Shady Side Academy Country Day School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.

Does Shady Side Academy Country Day School offer a summer program?

Yes, Shady Side Academy Country Day School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Shady Side Academy Country Day School offer?

Shady Side Academy Country Day School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Cross Country.

What is Shady Side Academy Country Day School's ranking?

Shady Side Academy Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest average SAT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.

When is the application deadline for Shady Side Academy Country Day School?

The application deadline for Shady Side Academy Country Day School is Dec. 16 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 16 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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