Welcome

At Sandy Spring Friends School we question, we reflect, and we act on knowledge learned both in and out of the classroom in ways that foster critical thinking and empower us to make the world a better place.

Welcome to Sandy Spring Friends School

Adventurous. Interactive. Loving. Joyous. Peaceful. Caring. Safe. Special. When we asked our students to describe Sandy Spring Friends School in just one word, these are the words they chose. If you spend time with us, you will see how much these words truly resonate. Our commitment to experiential learning and a transformative education can be witnessed on any given day. Walking across our beautiful campus, you hear the laughter and chatter of students as they move from building to building and room to room between classes. You feel the intense focus of students taking notes and grappling with robust essential questions, using what they know to build a bridge to what they have yet to discover. You catch teachers pouring over the creation of multi-modal assessments, and coaches getting ready for the team practice before the next big game. You hear the delighted squeals of kindergarteners discovering frogs and tadpoles by the pond, and the harmony of student performers practicing for the upcoming musical. And, on occasion, you can even smell pizza baking in the handmade oven near our active farm. Education at Sandy Spring Friends School here at our home on Norwood Road is a full sensory experience!

At SSFS, students and teachers lead and learn together. You’ll find that our students have a voice on important matters, on and off our campus. They cultivate their voices through a dynamic, rigorous curriculum that informs and calls them to action, and through trusted relationships with teachers who see the unique worth in every student. Our Quaker values compel us to work hard at creating a sense of belonging on our campus as we affirm and support the diversity of our students and faculty. And, as good as we are, we also remain open to the quiet moments of reflection that lead to continuing revelation, and new pathways forward.

We hope that you find your way to Sandy Spring Friends School one day soon. When you do, you’ll find that it is a place where “Way opens” and you can truly “Let your life speak.”

New Leadership for a New Chapter at SSFS

Learn more about Acting Head of School Meredith Shankle and Incoming Head of School Brooke Carroll.

Brooke Carroll: Incoming Head of School

Learn More About Brooke

Brooke Carroll will begin her headship in January 2027.
DOWNLOAD: One-page summary with Brooke's bio, degrees, and career highlights
READ: A recent Alumni Spotlight interview with Brooke, originally posted June 2025
VIEW: A video welcome message from Brooke

Brooke Carroll, Ph.D., brings nearly 30 years of experience in school leadership, educational psychology, governance, and leadership development to her role as Head of Sandy Spring Friends School. She is a member of the Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting and a lifelong Quaker. An SSFS alumna (Class of ‘83), Brooke describes her education at SSFS as “transformational.”

After earning her B.A. in Psychology from Bates College in Maine, her Ph.D in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and helping to start a residential charter school in Massachusetts, Brooke returned to SSFS to serve as Director of Residential Life from 2001 to 2007. During her time in that role she developed residential programming and curriculum, supported boarding and international students, taught psychology and adolescent issues, and helped foster a strong sense of community while living in the dorm and raising her two small children.

Brooke went on to serve for nine years as Head of School at Seneca Academy, an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School, where she led all aspects of school operations, including academic programming, faculty development, enrollment, finance, advancement, and strategic planning.

Most recently, as Principal Consultant and Coach at Acies Strategies, Brooke supported independent schools and nonprofit organizations to strengthen leadership, governance, and strategic decision-making. An ICF-certified leadership coach and author of Governing the Small School: Strategies for Boards, Brooke has also served in leadership roles on numerous school and nonprofit boards, including Friends Community School, Siena School, The Kendal Corporation, and the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS).

Brooke’s leadership is grounded in deep listening, collaboration, and a belief in the importance of healthy, inclusive communities where every individual is valued. Brooke is excited to bring the skills and experience she has developed over her career back to SSFS and partner with the board, Assistant Head Meredith Shankle, the faculty and staff, parents, and students to strategically guide the school to mission-aligned health and strength. In Brooke’s words, “The core mission of SSFS is more valuable and needed today than ever. The School is providing opportunities for young people to practice living in community, guided by Quaker values, while taking part in a strong academic program. We need more people in the world who are able to let their lives speak.”

Meredith Shankle, Acting Head of School

Learn more about Meredith

Meredith Shankle will serve as Acting Head of School from July-December 2026.
DOWNLOAD: A one-page summary with Meredith's bio, degrees, and career highlights
READ: A recent Staff Spotlight interview with Meredith, originally posted January 2025

Meredith Shankle has worked at Sandy Spring Friends School since 2014. In every position she has held, Meredith has gone above and beyond to provide invaluable support and expertise to the role. She brings a deep commitment to student-centered education, faculty development, and building strong, inclusive school communities.

In recognition of Meredith’s thoughtful leadership, strategic thinking, and comprehensive understanding of the School’s mission and academic programs across divisions, she was recently appointed Assistant Head of School, in addition to her current role as Head of Upper School. As current Acting Head of School, Meredith will provide continuity and steady leadership during this important period of transition. She looks forward to partnering with Brooke Carroll as Assistant Head of School and Upper School Head when Brooke begins her Head of School tenure in January 2027.

Throughout her tenure at Sandy Spring Friends School, Meredith has played a key role in strengthening academic programs, supporting faculty growth, advancing student support systems, and fostering meaningful partnerships with students, families, and colleagues. As Head of Upper School, she guides the daily operations and strategic vision of the division while supporting students and faculty through a culture grounded in trust, connection, and purpose.

Meredith holds a Master of Education in Independent School Leadership from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College and a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Art History from Boston University. Her background also includes leadership roles in admissions, administration, and early childhood education, providing her with a broad perspective on school operations and the experiences of students and families across age levels. A collaborative and mission-driven leader, Meredith is committed to honoring Sandy Spring Friends School’s Quaker values and ensuring that every student is known, supported, and empowered to thrive.