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Shady Side Academy Welcomes Fox Chapel Country Day School as Second PK-5 Campus
Shady Side Academy welcomes Fox Chapel Country Day School as its second PK-5 campus , offering families in the north suburbs greater access to the region ’ s best PK-12 education . The two highly respected independent schools signed a merger agreement in spring 2016 , which will take effect in 2017 .
Shady Side Academy now offers families the choice between two junior school campuses , one in Point Breeze and one in Fox Chapel . While each campus offers a unique experience , both are alive with engaged and curious learners who are prepared to succeed at SSA Middle School .
Fox Chapel Country Day School is located on 17 wooded acres in Fox Chapel and enrolls more than 100 students in junior prekindergarten ( age 3 ) through fifth grade . Founded in 1948 , the school provides a foundation that is centered in academics and the arts , in which each child can achieve both academic success and personal self-confidence .
From the moment you enter Fox Chapel Country Day School , its motto , “ Childhood is a journey , not a race ,” is unmistakable . The unhurried , nurturing environment fosters happy and creative students who come to school ready to discover and learn each day .
Each morning , students participate in schoolwide and classroom meetings , learning the value in caring for others , themselves and their environment . Talented and dedicated teachers work with parents from the very beginning , recognizing that each child ’ s educational journey is unique . Close , supportive interactions promote lifelong friendships , with the older children serving as “ buddies ” and mentors for the younger children .
Children spend an enormous amount of time playing , exploring and learning outdoors on the beautiful wooded campus , as well as in the bright , spacious , welcoming indoor classrooms . Ideal student / teacher ratios support a learning environment in which small groups of students are given a foundation in math , reading , science , language arts , Spanish and other academic areas carefully designed to meet the needs of varied levels and learning styles . The
solid academic curricula , along with a strong commitment to the creative and performing arts , builds confidence and social skills while preparing students for Shady Side Academy Middle School .
Historically , a majority of FCCDS graduates have gone on to attend SSA ’ s middle and senior schools , which are located less than a mile up the road in Fox Chapel . Merger discussions between the two schools have occurred on and off for the last 30 years .
Sixty percent of Shady Side ’ s middle school enrollment comes from the north suburbs , but many of those families don ’ t enroll until sixth grade because SSA ’ s junior school campus in Point Breeze is simply too far away . With the merger , families in the north now have access to a Shady Side Academy education at an earlier age .
The Fox Chapel Country Day School campus is located just minutes from Hampton , and Hampton Township School District provides bus service to FCCDS , as well as to SSA ’ s middle and senior schools .
Families interested in learning more about Fox Chapel Country Day School are encouraged to attend the school ’ s Fall Festival and Open House on Sunday , Oct . 30 , from 2-4 p . m . Bring the kids and enjoy an afternoon of fun activities , including hay rides , a pumpkin patch , a costume parade , and arts and crafts , as well as tours of the school .
To learn more , or to inquire about admission for the 2017-2018 school year , visit www . ShadySideAcademy . org / CountryDay or call 412.963.8644 .
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