Letter to the editor: Many factors contribute to Sewickley Academy's decline in enrollment

The article which highlighted enrollment trends between independent schools did not specify that Shady Side Academy purchased Fox Chapel Country Day and has seven-day borders. Both contribute to its substantial enrollment. They also have a president and board who are committed to diversifying their campus, not segregating it. They have developed community partnerships with Pittsburgh’s Neighborhood Academy School, including an alliance with their football team. All of these variables increase the appeal and attraction to the school.

Several Sewickley Academy families un-enrolled due to the pandemic; they saw no value in paying tuition for online or “virtual school.” Four Sewickley students recently transferred to Shady Side Academy to play ice hockey, a sport not offered at SA. After the hostile takeover at SA, several long-term families transferred to Shady Side and other schools. New incoming families are questioning their selection and un-enrolling. The administration has not acknowledged the current decline, post leadership change.

Finally, Sewickley has two excellent K-5 public schools. The pedagogy at Sewickley Academy’s Lower School is outdated. Since the take-over, Sewickley Academy has also eliminated PBL (Problem Based Learning), a “method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.” Sewickley residents do not have to choose private independent education. For those who do, it’s usually a matter of legacy or individual preference.

Dominic Odom

Sewickley