The Sandy Spring Friends Upper School is an independent, college-preparatory high school program under the guidance of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Our community is designed to support and engage learners from diverse cultures and backgrounds as they partake in challenging educational activities. Faculty and students work to maintain a setting of trust and respect in which all members act with integrity and responsibility. Together we represent a dynamic, interactive community focused on academic, artistic, athletic, social, and spiritual education.

The Sandy Spring Friends Upper School provides an academically rigorous, supportive, and accepting community characterized by close relationships among students and faculty. Quaker testimonies guide our policies and procedures, with emphasis on recognition and respect for individuals' perspectives and differences. Within this environment, students are able to fully explore talents and interests. They become critical thinkers through a demanding academic curriculum, enriched arts program, inclusive athletics, service opportunities, clubs, and after school social gatherings. Student leadership and decision-making are encouraged and valued. The importance of diversity is supported by vibrant international and boarding programs which provide opportunities for students and faculty from a variety of cultures and backgrounds to interact both during and after school hours. Underlying all that we do in the Upper School is a commitment to the Quaker values of simplicity, equality, honesty, respect, peaceful resolution of conflict, and community involvement.

When Sandy Spring Friends School students graduate from the Upper School, they move on to higher education and the world at large as confident, responsible, and thoughtful citizens. Graduates understand their interdependence with communities, both local and global, as well as with the natural environment. They are open-minded, experimental, skilled, and curious. They have an understanding of practices in simplicity, tolerance, and non-violence. From the foundation of a strong and caring community, challenging intellectual pursuits, and enriching life activities, Sandy Spring Friends School students are prepared to become fully active, contributing members of the world.

Adopted by the Upper School Faculty May 2003