Key Facts
Key Information
About
Shady Side Academy is an independent, secular, coeducational preparatory school located in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, within the Greater Pittsburgh area. Founded in 1883 as an all-male night school in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood, the academy has grown into a prestigious institution serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. It operates across four campuses in Pittsburgh and its suburbs, including a boarding program at the Senior School's Croft and Morewood Houses. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic program, emphasis on character development, and preparation of students for admission to top colleges and universities, primarily serving affluent families in the region. The academy's educational philosophy centers on core values such as respect, kindness, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement. As a nonprofit organization, Shady Side Academy maintains transparency through IRS tax filings. Its history includes innovative expansions to support a comprehensive PK-12 experience. Shady Side Academy's athletic teams were formerly known as the Indians, a name adopted in the 1940s that replaced the original 'Blue & Gold,' but the academy has since transitioned away from this branding due to controversy over Native American imagery.