Shady Side Academy

Educational Excellence
Through Tradition & Progress

By Christopher Cussat

In 1883, a one-room, one-teacher school was founded to offer an outstanding educational experience for students in the Pittsburgh area. Over 120 years later, Shady Side Academy still provides a challenging, stimulating and nurturing educational environment that allows its students to realize their utmost potential. This long history of pedagogical excellence and mission-driven education has established Shady Side Academy as one of the premier, private schools in Western Pa.

President Thomas Southard believes that Shady Side Academy’s history and longevity are fundamental factors that define the school’s success. “We have real strength in our long-standing tradition that is enhanced by many years of continuity.” In fact, Shady Side Academy is the region’s longest continually operating, independent school. Southard affectionately regards Shady Side Academy’s presence in Pittsburgh as being “an old friend with new ideas.”

From its humble beginnings, Shady Side Academy has grown into one of the most unique and progressive private schools in the region. It is now spread across three distinct campuses: the Junior School (grades Pre-K-5) in Point Breeze, and the Middle School (grades 6-8) and Senior School (grades 9-12) both located in Fox Chapel. In addition, it is one of only a handful of schools in the country that offers a five-day boarding program.

With a mission that focuses on the idea of community, Shady Side Academy is devoted first and foremost to its students. Ingomar North native, Cheryl Little, is head of the Junior School and the mother of two Shady Side Academy graduates. She explained, “We have a great reputation of being an academic school, but we are also very nurturing and caring.” Southard agreed, “Our reputation over the years is certainly warranted…we are age-appropriately challenging and rigorous throughout, while at the same time, one of the most caring environments that a parent can ever ask for their child.”

The Shady Side Academy experience is based on the belief that a student’s success in life must begin with an education that balances knowledge and reason with keen expressive skills and moral consciousness. As a result, teachers and staff strive to develop their students’ analytical, artistic and physical skills in tandem with their abilities to reason ethically and communicate effectively. Katie Mihm, academy director of admission, explained, “Shady Side's value is that it provides opportunities for students to challenge their minds as well as their creative and physical sides.”

But even long-established and well-proven systems must continue to grow in order to become better. Shady Side Academydoes not stand still within the thrust of advancement. Said Southard, “We have a strength in the past, but we don’t live in it.” As proof of this statement, there are many exciting changes that have happened recently and many that are still to come.

For example, recent additions to Shady Side Academy include the new Hillman Center for the Performing Arts and the Richard E. Rauh Theater which were completed in September 2004. This October, Shady Side Academy will launch its own special performance series. According to Southard, “This will augment the Pittsburgh arts scene by offering major public performances in the Fox Chapel area.” David Liebmann, director of programs, added, “The intention of our series is to reach out to the broader Pittsburgh community and show that the Hillman Center is a great destination to see performing arts.” The special series’ inaugural performance will be the Golden Dragon Acrobats from China. Shady Side Academy will be the group’s only Pittsburgh stop during their national tour.

Such progress continued in June 2005, when Shady Side Academy initiated the renovation of its main Senior School classroom building (Rowe Hall) using ‘green’ construction. As part of this ‘green’ renovation, the refurbished building boasts the following environmentally friendly features: significant natural daylight, fresh air and the significant use of recycled materials and the existing structure. “Shady Side Academy is taking the lead in education around environmental sustainability,” said Southard. “It is the first school building in Pittsburgh to be renovated with green construction.” The project will be completed by Fall 2006.

Another important, future example of Shady Side Academy’s dedication to progress is the establishment of a new Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) program which will begin Fall 2007. With more parents choosing to initiate their children’s education early, Shady Side Academy recognized this growing trend and the definite need to start a pre-school. Said Little, “With working families and the current ‘academic push,’ people want their children in school earlier than kindergarten.” Southard added, “This represents our further commitment to early childhood development.” The school states that its new Pre-K program will inspire young children to learn through active exploration in a nurturing, joyful, child-centered, and home-like environment. Shady Side Academy is not only dedicating their educational resources to this, but they are also constructing a new, stand-alone Pre-K building on the campus of their Junior School.

When asked to define Shady Side Academy’s best traits, the administration had no problem responding. Said Mihm, “Students learn and grow on campuses dedicated to their age group, where teachers understand their needs and how best to challenge and support them.” Little answered, “We will meet children where they are and take them forward…we will develop the path for the child and not the child for the path.” Southard simply concluded, “It’s a home away from home…a comfortable, family-like environment.”

The Golden Dragon Acrobats will perform in the Hillman Center at Shady Side Academy’s Senior School campus on October 6. On October 14, Rowe Hall will be officially opened during Homecoming Weekend. For more information about admissions or upcoming events, visit www.shadysideacademy.org or contact 412- 968-3000.