Empowering Future Changemakers at Sandy Spring Friends School

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: Fourth graders apply fractions in real-life scenarios, such as making and slicing pizzas with ingredients from their garden.

  • Middle School: Students tackle accessibility challenges using design thinking, blending engineering and empathy to create practical solutions.

  • Upper School: Seniors dive into Passion Projects, conducting in-depth research and presenting original work that showcases their academic growth and personal interests.

STEM and Experiential Learning in Action

From the earliest grades, SSFS fosters curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math:

  • Kindergarteners explore physics through playful experiments with ramps and pathways.

  • Engineering students gain hands-on experience by competing in the DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix, earning top awards and demonstrating innovation in real-world applications.

The Seven Pillars of an SSFS Education

SSFS builds its curriculum on seven core pillars that shape the student experience:

  1. Close Relationships – Small class sizes foster strong teacher-student connections.

  2. Intellectual Rigor – A challenging academic program pushes students to excel.

  3. Inclusion and Belonging – A diverse and welcoming community ensures every student feels valued.

  4. Interaction with Nature – Outdoor learning deepens environmental awareness.

  5. Global Perspective – Students gain the knowledge and skills to engage with an interconnected world.

  6. Real-World Applications – Learning extends beyond the classroom through hands-on projects and service.

  7. Living Values – The Quaker belief in integrity and service inspires students to create meaningful change.

Explore the SSFS Curriculum

SSFS offers a carefully designed curriculum tailored to each stage of a student’s journey:

  • Preschool (Ages 3-4): A nurturing, play-based introduction to learning.

  • Lower School (K-5): A foundation built on curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

  • Middle School (6-8): A focus on critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership.

  • Upper School (9-12): A rigorous, inquiry-driven program preparing students for college and beyond.

Join the SSFS Community

At Sandy Spring Friends School, students are encouraged to think deeply, engage meaningfully, and lead with purpose. Discover how an SSFS education can empower your child to thrive academically and personally.

Explore our curriculum or schedule a visit today at ssfs.org.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Academics at Sandy Spring Friends School: Empowering Changemakers

Image
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...
Read more

Sandy Spring Friends School – A Beacon of Hope and Resilience

Image
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...
Read more

Sandy Spring Friends School: Experiential Learning from Preschool to Grade 12

Image
At Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS), we embody a commitment to experiential learning and transformative education that resonates through every corner of our campus. Our preschool through grade 12 school in Sandy Spring is more than just a place of learning—it's a vibrant community where students and teachers work together to explore, question, and act on knowledge both inside and outside the classroom. When we asked our students to describe SSFS in one word, they chose words that reflect the essence of our school: Adventurous. Interactive. Loving. Joyous. Peaceful. Caring. Safe. Special. Each of these words captures the unique atmosphere that defines our educational environment. Spend a day with us, and you’ll see these qualities come to life. As you walk across our beautiful campus, you'll hear the joyful sounds of students transitioning between classes, engaged in lively discussions and collaborative projects. The air is filled with the focused energy of students tackling c...
Read more