We are here for you! While we may not be on campus, we continue to do what we love – sharing all that is unique and exciting about Shady Side Academy. So please be in touch, but virtually. Email a member of our admissions team, fill out the online inquiry form, or take advantage of our virtual visit programs, which include virtual information sessions, campus photo and video tours and Day in the Life videos, to see SSA in action. While these are challenging times, Shady Side continues to deliver the world-class education it is known for, and we look forward to connecting with you to further explore SSA.
We understand that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Shady Side Academy offers a rigorous curriculum, expert faculty and exceptional arts and athletics opportunities on four beautiful campuses, which underscore the learning experience. Our balanced, holistic approach to education stands out among the top Pittsburgh private schools. We encourage you to explore more about how we can prepare your child for success in whatever field he or she may pursue. Because “how” matters.
Our admissions team looks forward to meeting and working with your family!
Let's get started on this journey! There are a number of ways to begin, but it all starts with a conversation. Complete the inquiry form using the link below or email us at admissions@
shadysideacademy.org. Although our campuses are currently closed, we offer several types of virtual visit programs to help your family explore Shady Side Academy.
Although our campuses are temporarily closed, we invite you to take advantage of our new virtual visit programs. You can also begin the inquiry process by completing our online inquiry form or by calling a member of our admissions team.
In a virtual information session, held via Zoom webinar, you'll learn more about each of our campuses and programs from the school head and admissions director and have the opportunity ask questions.
Middle School Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, May 27 at 9 a.m.
Register
Senior School Virtual Information Session
Thursday, May 28 at 9 a.m.
Register
Even though you can't visit us in person right now, we invite you to tour our beautiful campuses virtually through the photos and videos below!
APPLY
We're thrilled that you have decided to take the first step toward applying to Shady Side Academy! Please use the checklists below as a guide to the steps and deadlines.
Shady Side Academy has partnered with Ravenna Solutions to offer families an easy-to-use, web-based application process. You can manage and complete the entire process online through Ravenna including completing the admissions application, requesting teacher recommendations and transcripts, and, for applicants to grades 6-12, completing the student questionnaire.
Ready to apply? Create your Ravenna account here. Be sure to create your account using your preferred email address, as all admissions communications will be sent to this address.
Questions?
For questions regarding the online application, please email Ravenna customer service at help@ravennasolutions.com using the email address connected to your Ravenna account. For questions regarding any other part of the admissions process, please don't hesitate to contact a member of the SSA admissions team. We're here to help!
Country Day School: Applicants For Grade PK-5
A completed applicant file includes the application, teacher recommendation, testing/screening and transcript (grades 1-5). Have questions? Please email Krissy McGoran, director of admission, at kmcgoran@shadysideacademy.org.
Recommended Steps
1. Schedule an appointment to meet with Krissy McGoran, director of admission.
While our campuses are current closed due to the Coronavirus, we are committed to meeting with families and helping them learn about our school. Virtual meetings over Skype can be scheduled by emailing kmcgoran@shadysideacademy.org.
In addition to talking about the school, and answering questions families may have, we will also share plans for student evaluation and testing.
2. Complete the Online Application
Please complete the online application form (submitted by the parent(s)) through Ravenna. The application fee is $50.
3. Request a Teacher Recommendation
Request a teacher recommendation through Ravenna. You can "delegate" a recommendation form by entering the teacher’s email address. Ravenna will email the teacher instructions to complete and submit the recommendation form online. You will receive a real-time update in your Ravenna account when the form has been submitted.
4. Request Transcripts (Grades 1-5 only)
Download the Transcript Request Form from Ravenna and submit it to your child's school to request they send your child's transcript to SSA.
5. Schedule Admissions Testing (Grades 1 - 5 only)
Applicants For Grades PK-5
A completed applicant file includes the application, teacher recommendation, testing/screening and transcript (grades 1-5). Have questions? Please email Joyce Greece, admissions assistant, at joygreece@shadysideacademy.org.
We are currently filled for the fall in our PK and Kindergarten classes. If you would like to be considered for the wait pool for these grades, please contact Maggie Marquette at mmarquette@shadysideacademy.org to discuss further.
Recommended Steps
1. Schedule an appointment to meet with Maggie Marquette, director of admission.
While our campuses are currently closed due to the Coronavirus, we are committed to meeting with families and helping them learn about our school. Virtual meetings over Skype can be scheduled by emailing joygreece@shadysideacademy.org.
In addition to talking about the school, and answering questions families may have, we will also share plans for student evaluation and testing.
2. Complete the Online Application
Please complete the online application form (submitted by the parent(s)) through Ravenna. The application fee is $50.
3. Request a Teacher Recommendation
Request a teacher recommendation through Ravenna. You can "delegate" a recommendation form by entering the teacher’s email address. Ravenna will email the teacher instructions to complete and submit the recommendation form online. You will receive a real-time update in your Ravenna account when the form has been submitted.
4. Request Transcripts (Grades 1-5 only)
Download the Transcript Request Form from Ravenna and submit it to your child's school to request they send your child's transcript to SSA.
5. Schedule Admissions Testing (Grades 1 - 5 only)
Applicants For Grades 6-8
A completed applicant file includes the application, interview, two teacher recommendations (English and math), admissions testing, transcript and student questionnaire. Have questions? Please email Becci Carter, admissions assistant, at bcarter@shadysideacademy.org.
Recommended Steps
1. Schedule an appointment to meet with Jeff Gross, director of admission.
While our campuses are currently closed due to the Coronavirus, we are committed to meeting with families and helping them learn about our school. Virtual meetings over Skype can be scheduled by emailing jgross@shadysideacademy.org.
In addition to talking about the school, and answering questions families may have, we will also share plans for student admissions testing.
2. Complete the Online Application
Please complete the online application form (submitted by the parent(s)) through Ravenna. The application fee is $50.
3. Request Teacher Recommendations
Request teacher recommendations through Ravenna. You can "delegate" recommendation forms by entering your child's English and math teachers' email addresses. Ravenna will email the teachers instructions to complete and submit the recommendation forms online. You will receive a real-time update in your Ravenna account when the forms have been submitted.
4. Request Transcripts
Download the Transcript Request Form from Ravenna and submit it to your child's school to request they send your child's transcript to SSA. The official school transcript must include previous year’s transcript as well as the current year.
5. Complete the Student Questionnaire
Student applicants must complete the online student questionnaire in Ravenna.
Applicants For Grades 9-12
For day and domestic boarding applicants:
A completed applicant file includes the application, interview, two teacher recommendations (English and math), admissions testing, transcript and student questionnaire. Have questions? Please email Vanessa Cannon, admissions assistant, at vcannon@shadysideacademy.org.
Recommended Steps
1. Schedule an appointment to meet with Bob Grandizio, director of admission.
While our campuses are currently closed due to the Coronavirus, we are committed to meeting with families and helping them learn about our school. Virtual meetings over Skype can be scheduled by emailing rgrandizio@shadysideacademy.org.
In addition to talking about the school, and answering questions families may have, we will also share plans for student admissions testing.
2. Complete the Online Application
Please complete the online application form (submitted by the parent(s)) through Ravenna.The application fee is $50.
3. Option for boarding applicants
Shady Side Academy also accepts the Standard Application Online (SAO) and our school code is 7307. To learn more about using the SAO and begin your application, click here. For students using this option, steps 6 – 9 below will be completed through the SAO.
4. Request Teacher Recommendations
Request teacher recommendations through Ravenna. You can "delegate" recommendation forms by entering your child's English and math teachers' email addresses. Ravenna will email the teachers instructions to complete and submit the recommendation forms online. You will receive a real-time update in your Ravenna account when the forms have been submitted.
5. Request Transcripts
Download the Transcript Request Form from Ravenna and submit it to your child's school to request they send your child's transcript to SSA. The official school transcript must include previous year’s transcript as well as the current year.
6. Complete the Student Questionnaire
Student applicants must complete the online student questionnaire in Ravenna.
7. Submit a Student Writing Sample (Grades 11-12 Only)
For applicants to grades 11-12 only, an additional graded analytical writing sample is required from an English or history class this current academic year.
Applicants For Grades 9-12
For international boarding applicants:
Shady Side Academy welcomes interest from international families. Our rigorous academic program and seven-day residential option attracts talented students from around the world. Have questions? Please email Meredith Colicchie, admissions director for boarding, at mcolicchie@shadysideacademy.org.
Applicants From China
Shady Side Academy has an agreement with the China-US Leading Schools Association (CULSA). All applicants from China who require an F1 Visa should contact CULSA to begin the application process for Shady Side Academy. Please email CULSA or visit CULSA’s website at www.aligneducation.com.
1. Submit the Applicant's TOEFL Score
The Senior School Admissions Office MUST receive an applicant's TOEFL score to begin the application process. A score of 100 or above (or equivalent performance on the iELTS) must be submitted before any other step in the admissions process is initiated for any student for whom English is a second language. Scores must come directly from ETS. Our school code is 7706. Upon receipt, SSA will contact the family to discuss the scores and whether the applicant should proceed with the process below.
2. Complete the Online Application
Please submit the online application form (submitted by the parent(s)) through Ravenna. The application fee is $100.
Shady Side Academy also accepts the Standard Application Online (SAO) and our school code is 7307. To learn more about using the SAO and begin your application, click here. For students using this option, steps 6 - 9 below will be completed through the SAO.
3. Schedule a Personal Interview
While our campuses are currently closed due to the Coronavirus, we are committed to meeting with families and helping them learn about our school. Virtual meetings over Skype can be scheduled by emailing mcolicchie@shadysideacademy.org.
In addition to talking about the school, and answering questions families may have, we will also share plans for student admissions testing.
4. Complete Admissions Testing
In addition to an English proficiency test, applicants are required to take either the SSAT or ISEE. Shady Side Academy must receive the test scores directly from SSAT or ISEE (including the essay). The Shady Side Academy testing code for the SSAT is 7307 and for the ISEE is 393901.
5. Request Teacher Recommendations
Request teacher recommendations through Ravenna. You can "delegate" recommendation forms by entering your child's English and math teachers' email addresses. Ravenna will email the teachers instructions to complete and submit the recommendation forms online. You will receive a real-time update in your Ravenna account when the forms have been submitted.
6. Request Transcripts
Download the Transcript Request Form from Ravenna and submit it to your child's school to request they send your child's transcript to SSA. The official school transcript must include previous year’s transcript as well as the current year.
7. Complete the Student Questionnaire
Student applicants must complete the online student questionnaire in Ravenna.
8. Submit a Student Writing Sample (Grades 11-12 Only)
For applicants to grades 11-12 only, an additional graded analytical writing sample is required from an English or history class this current academic year.
9. Other Application Requirements
Prior to completion of the application process, international applicants must show proof of a valid passport, credit card and mobile phone.
International applicants also must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover all tuition, fees, books and living expenses. Therefore, Shady Side Academy requires completion of a Certification of Finances form and collects all personal and business taxes from the parents or legal guardians of international applicants.
10. After Enrollment
The I-20 will be submitted for the F1 Visa by Shady Side Academy’s admissions office after the applicant has been accepted, the signed enrollment contract has been returned and the tuition deposit has been paid.
PIAA athletic eligibility paperwork and previous school head’s sign-off must be completed and submitted to SSA by the student’s parents over the spring and summer before the student arrives in the U.S.
SSA requires all students to have health insurance. All newly admitted international students will be enrolled in an Academy sponsored health insurance plan offering coverage in the United States. Enrolling international students must show proof of immunizations as directed by the summer Family Information Update process, which has a deadline of Aug. 1.
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