Inquiry Based Education | Progressive Education at SSFS

Question-Reflection-Action

QRA—our student-centered approach—encourages students to question concepts and ideas, reflect upon inquiry and experience, and put learning into action.

Sandy Spring Friends School is an exceptional school seeking to prepare students for life and further education. At SSFS, knowing why we learn, and how we learn, are just as important as what we learn. Our educational program is grounded in a deep respect for individual students and intellectual rigor. The School's teachers help students internalize a process we call "QRA"—Question, Reflection, Action—which ensures that they think critically, integrate new knowledge, and apply what they learn. We help students develop their individual sense of purpose as they become caring citizens of the world.

Reflection: Academics at SSFS

Read more about SSFS' educational philosophy by reading David's posts on the 7 characteristics.

Seven Characteristics of a SSFS Progressive Education

Close, cooperative relationships between teachers and students are the firmest foundation for effective learning.

A Sandy Spring Friends education is rigorous.

Students are expected to move beyond just memorizing facts to “higher order thinking skills” to analyze, interpret, synthesize, and create. For this reason, multiple-choice tests are uncommon at SSFS. Working within an above-grade-level curriculum, students become skilled at prioritizing and managing academic challenges as they progress from pre-kindergarten to high school graduation.

Students learn best when they are acknowledged and included in the classroom.

Sandy Spring Friends students interact with the natural world as a part of their learning environment.

SSFS seeks to provide students a global perspective.

Classroom learning must be authenticated by real-world experience.

The School’s motto, “Let Your Lives Speak,” represents the Quaker belief that how we live our lives is the most direct indicator of what we believe.

The School’s programs are grounded in an ethical framework of the six Quaker “SPICES:” simplicity, peaceful resolution of conflict, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. These guiding values are infused through all areas of study and community life. Students of all ages participate in silent worship/reflection as they explore and develop their own moral compass.