Sandy Spring Friends Lower School
Nurturing the innate curiosity of young minds through exploration.
At Sandy Spring Friends School, we believe in empowering our students to become the best version of themselves. We strive to create a collaborative learning environment that encourages creativity, active listening, and positive interactions. Our focus on social-emotional skills, self-advocacy, and a love of learning helps our students develop into confident, capable individuals. By exploring their interests, experimenting with new ideas, and applying their knowledge in hands-on activities, our students are well-prepared for success in the future.
Every day, we create an environment in which children can follow their curiosity into experimentation and engagement, applying their energy to full participation in collaborative learning, hands-on activities, and opportunities for academic enrichment.
"From my first student teaching job through my time as a head of school, I’ve always found the lightbulb moment when a child makes a connection and ‘gets it’ to be truly magical. Young children have great ideas, and here at SSFS, we listen to them, include their voices, and give them a sense of ownership in decisions, fostering their leadership capabilities and a deep sense of belonging."
Kay Mason
Head of Lower School
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Joel Gunzburg
Assistant Head of Lower School
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Pam Gilmer
Lower School Administrative Assistant
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Our Community Speaks: The Lower School Experience
"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."
"At this school, I’ve learned to keep on going, even if it's hard. It’s fun here."
"Our son is thriving here. Because of this school—the teachers, students, and campus—he loves learning. Beyond academics, SSFS is helping him grow into a kind human being and a thoughtful, caring individual. This school has become our family, our safe space, and a second home."
“As an early childhood educator, I know that the elementary years are incredibly formative. Certain skills and habits are easier to establish when you’re younger. In the Lower School at SSFS, they intentionally teach kindness and stewardship of people and the environment. You want to make sure you get it right in the early years—here at SSFS, they get it so right.”
"I have done a lot of training to shift how I teach literacy from the way I learned in college to the research-based, phonics-focused approach that is so much better for children. I’m a research nerd, and the data [on teaching literacy skills through phonics] is so encouraging."
"I came to Sandy Spring Friends in Kindergarten, and it’s helped me come out of my shell and learn what I like. I’m really into theater, and if I hadn’t come here, I don’t think I would have discovered that. It was the fact that Sandy Spring has theater opportunities for six-year-olds that I figured this out."
"At SSFS my kids are seen—and celebrated—for exactly who they are. The faculty and staff at SSFS do an incredible job of nurturing the fire at the center of each child in their care."
"My teachers are AMAZING. And I love the lunch here, but not as much as my friends. It just brings me joy to see their faces."
"I have taught in many other private schools during my career, both in the DMV and New England, and I can honestly say that not one of them compares to the community and education SSFS has to offer. We sent our three sons through this school, and I credit this place for helping instill in my boys compassion, kindness, and a sense of purpose in this world. There is no other school like SSFS."
Global Citizenship
Our dedication to celebrating diversity, nurturing awareness, and inspiring compassion among our students sustains our community of global citizens. Through our emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution, community service, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, our Lower School students become involved and invested in making a positive impact on the world community.
Learn how we help our children become global citizens:
Intentional Community
Lower School students are encouraged to be responsible and responsive listeners and fully present members of a community. Through active listening and interactive modeling, they demonstrate their understanding and readiness to learn. By allowing every person to have a voice and a chance to shine, they recognize that each of their fellow students should be respected for their ideas, experiences, and expertise.
Learn about the programs and activities that strengthen our community ties:
Quaker Values
In keeping with our Quaker belief that there is "that of God in everyone," we honor the unique gifts within each child. We focus on every student’s academic, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. By emphasizing the individual strengths of our students, we nurture their sense of self-worth and give them the confidence to take risks within a safe and supportive environment.
Learn more about Quaker or "Friends" Education:
More About Sandy Spring Friends Lower School
Sandy Spring Friends Lower School—a private elementary school—is located close to a number of communities including Silver Spring, Olney, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Columbia, and Laurel. We are conveniently located off the ICC (Exit 13). Our Lower (Elementary) School begins in Preschool (Age 3) and continues to 5th grade.