Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #6 - Each fall the Middle School devotes an entire school day studying complex social issues and engaging in hands-on service activities. This year's theme was health, and students learned about a particular aspect of this larger topic from clean water, air quality, and food access and waste. Projects started on this day are worked on throughout the year.

Shady Side Academy Middle School

previous
Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #1 - At the Shady Side Academy Middle School students learn to balance school work, learn time management and begin the transition to young-adulthood. The transition from elementary to middle school is aided every step by caring faculty who get to know each child as an individual, offering encouragement while expecting the best from each child both personally and academically.
next
Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #1 - At the Shady Side Academy Middle School students learn to balance school work, learn time management and begin the transition to young-adulthood. The transition from elementary to middle school is aided every step by caring faculty who get to know each child as an individual, offering encouragement while expecting the best from each child both personally and academically.
Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #2 - In 6th grade, about half the grade is new to Shady Side and our Sixth-grade wing is a space just for them. With lockers, classrooms, science and computer labs close by, our sixth graders, along with their teachers, are able to learn and build relationships together. They move outside of the wing for art, lunch, library, and music.
Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #3 - Small classes sizes allow teachers to know their students and differentiate instruction to engage every student. Experiential learning is an important part of the curriculum involving students every day in ways that keep them engaged and excited about learning. Shady Side students are active participants and develop solid communication skills.
Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #4 - Shady Side Middle School offers a number of different options for students to participate in the performing arts - Fall Drama, Winter Musical, Chorus, Core Choir, String Ensemble, Concert Band, and Jazz Band.
Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #5 - From football to soccer, Shady Side Academy students have access to 18 sports at the Middle School level. There is an activity/athletics period every afternoon. Other options offered are Math Counts, studio art, drama, Science Olympiad, Web Page Design, and fitness and conditioning.
Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #6 - Shady Side Academy Middle School offers 3 languages (Chinese, Latin, and Spanish) which student explore in the sixth-grade year and choose one in seventh grade. It also offers 6 levels of math giving our students the opportunity to enter a course best suited to them.
Shady Side Academy Middle School Photo #7 - Each fall the Middle School devotes an entire school day studying complex social issues and engaging in hands-on service activities. This year's theme was health, and students learned about a particular aspect of this larger topic from clean water, air quality, and food access and waste. Projects started on this day are worked on throughout the year.
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:

School Overview

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
Shady Side Academy Middle School Student 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
% 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

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

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?
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

Endorse Shady Side Academy Middle School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.
For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.
2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
This article reviews the top SSAT prep courses, including Test Innovators, Enrollment Management Association (EMA), Princeton Review, Ivy Global, and Kaplan. Each course is evaluated based on its price, in-person and online services, officially licensed materials, instant normative scoring, and free trial options. We'll dive into the features and benefits of each course, helping you understand which one best fits your student's needs and learning style.

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

Request Information

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).

Related School Videos

Quick Links