Flex Program in the Upper School
The Flex Program incorporates a coaching model in the Upper School that is adaptable to the age and needs of the student.The Flex Program—a supplemental Upper School program at SSFS—is intended to complement the academic supports given to students by their teachers and advisors. The Flex Program includes:
- Initial individualized screening process
- Trained facilitators
- Small groups (maximum six students) for a high degree of individualized support
- Regular communication between student, home, and advisor
For fees and schedules, please email LRC@ssfs.org
Flex Program Staff Training
All Flex Program facilitators receive coaching training aligned with the International Coaching Federation core competencies. Benefits of using a coaching model are many; students learn life skills and executive function skills that are transferable to a variety of circumstances beyond the academic setting.
Flex Program Skills Development and Benefits
Flex sessions focus on developing these skills while meeting the students’ short-term academic goals, which may include:
- Completing homework
- Making up missed work
- Corresponding with teachers regarding assessments/confusion about assignments
- Organizing materials
- Creating a schedule for work completion, particularly for long-term assignments
- Additional skills based on the goals of the individual student
Flex Afterschool
The Flex Afterschool Program at Sandy Spring Friends School provides support for students in two different time frames in order to accommodate the various extra-curricular schedules of SSFS students and families. Students can attend immediately after school, from 4:00 - 5:45 pm, or after dinner from 7:00 - 8:45 pm. Dinner is included with the program.
Flex After school sessions are currently offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Enrollment for the program aligns with the Athletic Calendar’s Trimester system to coincide with shifts in after school commitments.
Flex Day
Flex Day implements the same model as the afterschool program but provides the support embedded within the rotating class periods of the school day. Strategist-student ratio remains at 1:6 or lower, and the focus is on building metacognitive skills and executive function skills within the context of the Sandy Spring Program. Typically, the student would replace a free period with a Flex class, since Flex time can be committed to planning, organizing, and completing upcoming work. Additionally, Flex Day can provide time for a student to arrange and seek out support from subject-specific teachers as they are available.
Sessions for Flex Day are held every day that a student’s assigned class period meets* (every day except one per cycle). Enrollment for the program aligns with the academic calendar’s quarter system to allow for changes based on student growth and performance.