Sandy Spring Friends School

In a remarkable turn of events, Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS) has announced it will remain open through the 2027-2028 academic year—a testament to the power of community and the enduring value of Quaker education. A Community United When SSFS faced closure in April 2025 due to financial challenges, the response was immediate and heartfelt: $15 million raised in just over a week by the Friends of Sandy Spring Friends School coalition 1,500+ signatures on a petition advocating for the school’s survival Alumni, parents, and faculty sharing stories of SSFS’s transformative impact This groundswell of support convinced the Board of Trustees to secure funding for at least three more years, ensuring current students can graduate and future generations can experience SSFS’s unique mission. Why SSFS Stands Apart Founded in 1961, SSFS is more than a school—it’s a haven for: Quaker values (SPICES: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Stewardship) Hands-on learning on its...

Sandy Spring Friends School to Remain Open Through 2027-2028 Just weeks after announcing its impending closure, Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS) has reversed course, securing the funding needed to remain open for at least three more years. The announcement comes as a relief to students, parents, faculty, and alumni who rallied together to save the beloved Quaker institution. A Community Rallies to Save SSFS On April 14, 2025 , the school’s Board of Trustees announced that SSFS would close at the end of the academic year due to financial instability. The news sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate and passionate response. A newly formed coalition, Friends of Sandy Spring Friends School , spearheaded efforts to raise funds, securing $15 million in pledges in just over a week. More than 1,500 people signed a petition urging the board to reconsider, emphasizing the school’s deep impact on generations of students. A New Path Forward On April 23 , the board confir...

For over 325 years, Quaker education has been a beacon of academic excellence and spiritual depth. Institutions like Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore were founded on Quaker principles, and their legacy continues to inspire schools like Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS). At SSFS, we embrace the timeless values of Quaker education, creating an environment where students learn through inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and service. The Foundations of Quaker Education Quaker education is built on principles that foster both intellectual and personal growth: Learning through Inquiry : Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and seek understanding. Learning through Reflection : Quiet contemplation helps students process their experiences and deepen their insights. Learning through Collaboration : Working together builds community and teaches the value of diverse perspectives. Learning through Service : Students are inspired to use their skills and knowledge to make a p...

At Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS), education is more than academics—it’s about developing thoughtful, compassionate leaders who embrace curiosity, reflection, and action. Rooted in Quaker values, SSFS challenges students to "Let Their Lives Speak", ensuring they graduate as confident, ethical changemakers ready to make an impact. A Unique Approach to Learning: Question, Reflection, Action (QRA) At SSFS, students don’t just absorb knowledge—they engage with it. The Question, Reflection, Action (QRA) framework encourages students to: Question critically, exploring ideas and challenging assumptions. Reflect on experiences to deepen understanding. Act by applying knowledge in ways that create meaningful change. This approach nurtures critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership, preparing students for success in school, college, and beyond. Academic Excellence Through Inquiry-Based Learning SSFS integrates hands-on, inquiry-driven learning at every level: Lower School: Fou...

Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS) fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where students are not only encouraged to excel academically but also to "Let Their Lives Speak." This Quaker philosophy shapes the School’s mission of empowering students to become compassionate, thoughtful, and innovative changemakers in the world. At SSFS, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. The emphasis on why and how we learn enhances the understanding of what we learn. Through a balanced approach rooted in intellectual rigor and a deep respect for individuality, SSFS nurtures every student's unique potential. The Heart of Learning: Question, Reflection, Action (QRA) SSFS's unique educational framework revolves around the QRA process— Question, Reflection, Action. This student-centered approach encourages learners to: Question concepts and ideas critically. Reflect on inquiry and experiences. Act by applying knowledge in meaningful ways. This process instills critical thin...