Sandy Spring Friends School

 

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Our Campus

Prepare to...exhale. We prepare students to create a sustainable future on one of the largest and most beautiful campuses in the region.

"I felt this sense of peace as soon as I first drove onto the campus..."

We hear some version of this statement from countless community members. With 140 acres nestled between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, the serenity of Sandy Spring Friends School is amplified by the nearby bustle. Serene and light-filled, the forested SSFS campus includes the historic Meeting House, educational farm, faculty residences, a state-of-the-art performing arts center, an expansive athletics center (including a fitness center and climbing wall), sports fields, a swimming pond, and an aerial park.

In and from this peaceful place, the possibilities are limitless. 

Campus Highlights

certificate

2026

Year SSFS first earned Maryland Green School designation, reflected in daily PK-12 student experiences and recognizing our Quaker-inspired commitment to environmental leadership and literacy

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6

Miles of cross-country trails in our old-growth forest, plus 13 trails of varying difficulty at our adjacent aerial adventure park

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1.5

Acres of Educational Farm, overseen by our farmer, who engages students across all three divisions in sustainability as a lived practice

summer

60%

of the School's energy consumption is offset by our 2 solar fields

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1

The first high school in the nation to boast a WELL Building Certification Gold Status facility, for our gleaming Upper School Pen y Bryn Building, dedicated in 2022 

Our Community Speaks: The Campus Experience

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"With 140 acres of woods, fields, and open skies, the campus invites the mirth and whimsy of a child’s imagination to run wild. This isn’t just a school—it’s a place where childhood is honored, curiosity is encouraged, and the wonder of learning comes alive every day."


Learn More: Lower School

Kara Sommer P ’39, Parent

A smiling man with a thick beard and glasses, wearing a blue shirt, against a plain background.

"One day last year, there was a family of geese—two adults and about 8 goslings—walking beside the Middle School building on their way to the pond. I watched a crowd of our students gather and follow them from a distance until there were more humans than geese in their little caravan. Our students are so genuine in class, but observing the way that they feel free to be themselves during breaks on our beautiful campus is fulfilling."

Alexander Abbott, Middle School History Teacher

Smiling person with long, blonde hair, red lipstick and a green shirt

"This beautiful campus has never been about the land or the buildings. It’s about the people inside those buildings—the talented, compassionate educators who create the sense of safety, joy, and belonging that our children need to truly thrive."

Kerry DeVilbiss-Johnson P ’38, Parent

Smiling student with long, curly red hair, wearing a striped shirt

"My favorite spot on campus is the pond—it’s really calming."

Ella O. ’32, Student

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"Ever since Kindergarten, I have loved the walk through the woods to the Art Barn. Some of my favorite memories have come from there, from making candles each winter in Lower School with the art teacher, Kate, to weaving a wall hanging on one of our looms in Upper School."

Learn More: Arts

Grace Christerson ’25, Alum

Smiling student with chin-length brown hair, wearing a brown "Milano" sweatshirt

"It’s been a wonderful experience for me here. I love the nature on this campus…we’ve built shelters in the woods, walked by fields of flowers on the way to the Meeting House, enjoyed the sheep, and in second grade, we made maple syrup right here on campus."

Lee B. ’30, Student 

Map and Directions

The only way to truly experience SSFS is to visit us—we can't wait to welcome you to campus!