Sandy Spring Friends School
SSFS is a progressive, coed, college preparatory Quaker school serving students from Preschool (age 3) through 12th Grade, with optional 5- and 7-day boarding programs in the Upper School.
Sandy Spring Friends School
Let Your Lives Speak
Recognizing the unique worth of each person, SSFS teachers cultivate the individual talents of every student and foster caring and effective citizens of the world.
Inquiry-Based and Hands-On Approach to Learning
Our approach to learning challenges students to question, to reflect, and to act on knowledge.
Quaker Values
A values-based education emphasizes universal Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.
The Future is Bright at SSFS
SSFS is “Lighting the Way” for the future with the opening of our new, environmentally-sustainable Upper School building.
Uniquely Sandy Spring
Quaker Values
At Sandy Spring Friends School, we have a profound sense of hope in the individual's ability to create positive change within the world, and we foster the values that create change: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship. These values are sometimes referred to by their acronym, the Quaker SPICES.
Inquiry-Based Approach
We take an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning, challenging students to strive for academic excellence and to realize their highest potential.
Experiential Learning
We believe that learning is significantly enriched by experience-based projects and programs. They help develop capable, responsible, and globally-aware students who can apply their learning in useful, practical, and meaningful ways.
Teachers as Mentors
Because our teachers see each student as a unique individual, they strive to cultivate each student’s inner Light and talents. The resulting dynamic of frequent communication and trust facilitates confidence and growth, as well as an optimistic outlook, a lifelong love of learning, and the desire to accomplish positive change in the world.
Campus as a Classroom
Our 140-acre campus near urban centers features an old-growth forest and stream, making it a natural environment for study and contemplation and enabling access to a wealth of resources, including six miles of cross-country trails, a pond/swimming hole used seasonally by students and our summer camp, and an aerial adventure park.
Diverse, Caring Community
We believe in a diverse, collaborative, nonhierarchical community, strengthened by all-school and all-division meetings, an active Parents Association, an engaged alumni body, and an emphasis on affirming and empowering the individual and examining all points of view.
At A Glance
coed
685
Students in Preschool-12th Grade
map
140+
Pastoral acres in the heart of Montgomery County
teacher
8:1
Student-teacher ratio
diversity
53%
Students identify as Students of Color
globe
14
Countries represented
SSFS News
![Women in Leadership at SSFS | Rasha El-Haggan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678122592/sandyspring/kijur9laef5myl7g59is/WomeninLeadership.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678122592/sandyspring/kijur9laef5myl7g59is/WomeninLeadership.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678122592/sandyspring/kijur9laef5myl7g59is/WomeninLeadership.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1678122592/sandyspring/kijur9laef5myl7g59is/WomeninLeadership.png","width":900}])
Recently, we had the chance to sit down with three of the many impressive female administrators at SSFS, each of them currently engaged in a leadership training and empowerment program tailored specifically to women.
We hope you enjoy reading the highlights of Rasha’s story, and stay tuned for two additional stories coming soon.
![Agog Over Og: Creating Picture Books with Johnny Williams and the Illustrious Illustrators]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678118349/sandyspring/zl5jdwdfweai8jhuceom/og.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678118349/sandyspring/zl5jdwdfweai8jhuceom/og.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678118349/sandyspring/zl5jdwdfweai8jhuceom/og.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1678118349/sandyspring/zl5jdwdfweai8jhuceom/og.png","width":845}])
In his third year of teaching Third Grade at SSFS, Johnny Williams, recently collaborated with an engaged group of student illustrators to publish the delightfully whimsical tale, Og. Read the full article.
![PHOTOS: MLK, Jr. Day of Service 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1673981725/sandyspring/gpws3spfb2aug3miqczs/MMR_1780_sm.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1673981725/sandyspring/gpws3spfb2aug3miqczs/MMR_1780_sm.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1673981725/sandyspring/gpws3spfb2aug3miqczs/MMR_1780_sm.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1673981725/sandyspring/gpws3spfb2aug3miqczs/MMR_1780_sm.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1673981725/sandyspring/gpws3spfb2aug3miqczs/MMR_1780_sm.jpg","width":1440}])
The SSFS 2023 MLK Jr. of Service was a resounding success! Over 100 community members attended, building community while giving back through several service activities.
![PHOTOS: LS Parent Classroom Visit]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1673991743/sandyspring/ur6bojkkx5qwdqxmtskw/MMR_1012_sm.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1673991743/sandyspring/ur6bojkkx5qwdqxmtskw/MMR_1012_sm.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1673991743/sandyspring/ur6bojkkx5qwdqxmtskw/MMR_1012_sm.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1673991743/sandyspring/ur6bojkkx5qwdqxmtskw/MMR_1012_sm.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1673991743/sandyspring/ur6bojkkx5qwdqxmtskw/MMR_1012_sm.jpg","width":1440}])
Lower School parents and guardians had the opportunity to participate in their students' morning classes and see their students' classwork during the Jan. 12 LS Classroom Visits.
![PHOTOS: MS Potluck Lunch]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1674142389/sandyspring/tf80kscd9tjdwuq07xwo/MMR_1436_sm.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1674142389/sandyspring/tf80kscd9tjdwuq07xwo/MMR_1436_sm.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1674142389/sandyspring/tf80kscd9tjdwuq07xwo/MMR_1436_sm.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1674142389/sandyspring/tf80kscd9tjdwuq07xwo/MMR_1436_sm.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1674142389/sandyspring/tf80kscd9tjdwuq07xwo/MMR_1436_sm.jpg","width":1440}])
The Middle School brought back a favorite potluck lunch tradition, where they shared their families' favorite dishes with their classmates. Thanks to all the parent volunteers!
![PHOTOS: US Music Concert]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1673992310/sandyspring/uru15f0zgoae6ewpzrvt/IMG_0245_sm.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1673992310/sandyspring/uru15f0zgoae6ewpzrvt/IMG_0245_sm.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1673992310/sandyspring/uru15f0zgoae6ewpzrvt/IMG_0245_sm.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1673992310/sandyspring/uru15f0zgoae6ewpzrvt/IMG_0245_sm.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1673992310/sandyspring/uru15f0zgoae6ewpzrvt/IMG_0245_sm.jpg","width":1440}])
Upper School students performed on Jan. 12 during the US Winter Music Concert. The evening featured handbells, instrumental music, and singing.
![US Culture Cafe]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1671468949/sandyspring/k0vs1xiybwmizwpoqwok/MMR_8346_sm.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1671468949/sandyspring/k0vs1xiybwmizwpoqwok/MMR_8346_sm.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1671468949/sandyspring/k0vs1xiybwmizwpoqwok/MMR_8346_sm.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1671468949/sandyspring/k0vs1xiybwmizwpoqwok/MMR_8346_sm.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1671468949/sandyspring/k0vs1xiybwmizwpoqwok/MMR_8346_sm.jpg","width":1440}])
The OIEJB and ESOL department teamed up to provide opportunities for international and domestic students to enjoy food and conversation together.
![MS 12 Days of Winter]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1671468841/sandyspring/rywgw1qxmhvp3tbsp2p9/MMR_8823_sm.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1671468841/sandyspring/rywgw1qxmhvp3tbsp2p9/MMR_8823_sm.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1671468841/sandyspring/rywgw1qxmhvp3tbsp2p9/MMR_8823_sm.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1671468841/sandyspring/rywgw1qxmhvp3tbsp2p9/MMR_8823_sm.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1671468841/sandyspring/rywgw1qxmhvp3tbsp2p9/MMR_8823_sm.jpg","width":1440}])
MS students “wrapped up” their 12 Days of Winter calendar of fun, festive activities!
![LS Winter Program]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1671468729/sandyspring/ujht01wc2xhspncyqt4v/MMR_0186_sm.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1671468729/sandyspring/ujht01wc2xhspncyqt4v/MMR_0186_sm.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1671468729/sandyspring/ujht01wc2xhspncyqt4v/MMR_0186_sm.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1671468729/sandyspring/ujht01wc2xhspncyqt4v/MMR_0186_sm.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1671468729/sandyspring/ujht01wc2xhspncyqt4v/MMR_0186_sm.jpg","width":1440}])
Families were invited to enjoy songs and dance from the Lower School celebrating the Winter Program's theme, "Peace is the Way."
Upcoming Events
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SSFS Baseball Field
Woods Academy
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SSFS Baseball Field
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Virtual
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Virtual - See Parent Portal
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Virtual
SSFS Baseball Field
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Martin Luther King Recreational Park
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