Shady Side Academy Country Day School Photo #4 - 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 Country Day School

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: 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:

Category
Attribute
School History
School Resources

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Year Founded
1883
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Campus Size
130
School Motto
Think Expansively, Act Ethically, Lead Responsibly.
School Mascot
Bulldogs

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
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
Dec. 16 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
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

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
1 extracurricular
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
After School Adventurers

School Notes

  • 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

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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Quick Stats (2025)

  • 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

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Pittsburgh, PA is $12,981 for elementary schools and $18,156 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Pittsburgh, PA is 68% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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