Application Requirements for International Students

If you would like to apply to our School you can either download an application or request an application packet. Be sure to designate a local guardian on the Application Form. A local guardian must be a responsible adult (age 21 years or older) and must reside within a 90-mile radius of the School.

Submit the SSFS application form and the $100 application fee to:

Admissions Office
Sandy Spring Friends School
16923 Norwood Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860

The application process also requires the following steps:

Official School Transcript and Records (downloadable) - Submit the School Records Request Form to the student's current school in order to have a copy of all transcripts, test scores, and health records sent to the Admissions Office. The health records must include a completed immunization record which includes evidence of a series of three DTP and three polio vaccines, as well as two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunizations. In addition, a doctor's statement that assures the School that the student is free of tuberculosis is required.

Teacher Evaluation Form (downloadable) - Three teacher evaluation forms are required. Please print out the downloadable form and make three copies. Then write the student's name and grade applying to on each teacher evaluation form. Please have the teachers either send the teacher evaluation to us directly at the address above or they can return the form to you in an official school envelope with their names signed across the flap of the envelope.

Student Essay (downloadable) - An essay by the applicant is required. Please choose one of the four essay topics and write an essay of 500 words or less. The essay must be completed in the applicant's own handwriting.

Testing - The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) is required. The TOEFL is the preferred test. For more information on how to register for the TOEFL, please visit their website at www.toefl.org. We do not require a minimum score on either test since we offer four levels of ESL from beginner to advanced.

Interview - An interview with the applicant is required. A representative from the admissions office or International Student Program will contact you to schedule an interview. If the applicant is unable to attend the school for an interview, a telephone interview will be conducted. Please contact Louise Steinfort if you know of a particular date you would like to interview or visit the school.