Sandy Spring Friends School

 

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LS Leaf Study
US Science Class
4th Grade Classroom
MS Humanities
LS History Presentation
US College Counseling
MS Government Class
US Math Class
4th Grade Greek Temple Presentations
LS Worm Study
MS Math Class
Graduation
MS Science Class
MS Immersion Week - Balsam Bridges
US class outside
MS Robotics

Academics at Sandy Spring Friends School

Sandy Spring Friends School creates a place of belonging for each student, where they are equipped and empowered to Let Their Lives Speak, becoming positive changemakers in the world.

At Sandy Spring Friends School, 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 each student and intellectual rigor. Our 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.

Question Reflection Action Graphic

 

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. 

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Inquiry-Based Education in Action

LS Fractions & Farming
LS Fractions & Farming

4th graders enjoyed delicious hands-on learning as they used their knowledge of fractions to make and slice pizzas, eating them with produce picked from their class's raised garden bed!

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Senior Passion Projects 2024
Senior Passion Project Presentation Recording

Thank you to all who were able to attend the Class of 2024 SSFS Senior Passion Projects webinar held on Wednesday, May 29 (6:30-8:45pm). If you were unable to attend—or want to re-watch these dynamic presentations—the video recording is now available on the 2024 Senior Passion Project web page, just below the Overview and Schedule portions of the web page. You can also see Sam's finalized film project, Frames of Mind!

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DCEVGP 2024
Engineering Students Race Electric Vehicles in DCEVGP

SSFS once again participated in the annual DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix, this year entering two electric cars built by our team of student engineers, with guidance from team sponsors David Hickson and Parshu Gyawali. The 2024 race included very experienced teams, including two teams from a school that recently won the international event in Dubai. Despite this very stiff competition, SSFS placed 6th out of 29 teams (23 schools), an impressive showing given the experience of the top-placing teams (see final standings)! Several alums from last year's team showed up to lend a hand on Saturday: an example of how special our SSFS community is. Parents and community members who have an interest in supporting our team's efforts with technical and/or construction EV expertise, please contact David Hickson.

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Design Thinking and Disabilities: Empowering SSFS Students to Solve Real-World Problems
Design Thinking and Disabilities: Empowering SSFS Students to Solve Real-World Problems

Come along as we take a look back at one of our Middle School’s spring semester classes. Guided by the principles of an innovative problem-solving approach called design thinking, this group of engaged seventh and eighth graders tackled a real-world challenge presented by an SSFS staff member who uses a wheelchair. In the process, they learned about engineering, disabilities, privilege, and much more. This inspiring story showcases the transformative power of an SSFS education to equip students to become empathetic and innovative problem solvers. 

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SSFS Team Places 5th in DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix
SSFS Team Places 5th in DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix

Each year the nonprofit organization Global EEE (Global Education Energy Environment) sponsors a race of student-built electric vehicles. SSFS's Upper School Engineering Club entered a vehicle in the Washington, DC, event, which included 25 teams from MD, VA, and DC schools, including some of the region's best public technical schools and STEM magnet programs. SSFS was the only independent school to enter this year, and they placed fifth out of 25 teams and earned the "Best New Team" award!

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Seven Characteristics of a SSFS Progressive Education

SSFS Curriculum Guides