Sewickley Academy students to have more academic opportunities this school year

Sewickley Academy officials have implemented a variety of new courses, creative spaces and other facility upgrades in preparation for the new school year.

Classes begin Aug. 31 at the private Pre-K to 12th grade academy.

“As we approach the new school year at Sewickley Academy, I’m filled with excitement over the comprehensive enhancements and developments we’ve introduced across campus,” Head of School Ashley Birtwell said. “These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovative learning and personal growth.

“From expanded Advanced Placement offerings to enriching programs in the middle and lower schools, we are poised to provide students with opportunities that ignite curiosity and deepen understanding. The joy and anticipation I feel for the year ahead are immense, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the journey we’re embarking on together.”

The Senior School has added microeconomics, macroeconomics and computer science principles to its Advanced Placement courses.

The science and computer science programs have expanded with anatomy and physiology, artificial intelligence, game design and web development.

Mathematics was enhanced with data analysis and a finance course.

Sophomores will have opportunities to learn more about other countries and cultures through an enriched global studies program.

Charlotte Bogdewic, Christy Mulhollem and Wesley Vaina were hired as the school’s inaugural deans.

Middle schoolers will be greeted by their new top administrator, Mark Shelley. The former Pittsburgh Environmental Charter School executive director for academics for grades 6-12 was formally announced as Sewickley’s Head of Middle School in July.

He also served as the supervisor of humanities at Princeton High School in New Jersey and as principal at Princeton’s Riverside Elementary School.

Shelley’s first year includes the introduction of several new courses, including sixth grade study skills, seventh grade information literacy and research skills, and an eighth grade capstone project designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

There were also investments made in skill labs, club opportunities and other community gatherings.

The Lower School added Destination Imagination, a creative STEAM program to nurture innovations and collaboration. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

A new outdoor learning space, also referred to as a nature explore classroom, will be introduced this year to the young students.

This coming school year also marks the return of the academy’s varsity ice hockey team. It’s the first time since the 2020-21 school year students will be able to get back on the ice competitively. It was made possible through a collaboration with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, South Side Area High School and Northgate High School.

Donato Fanelle returns as hockey coach.

Other facility upgrades include a new e-sports facility with state-of-the-art technology for both casual and competitive play, renovations to Nichols Field and a new panther statue to add to the academy’s aesthetics.