Academics at Sandy Spring Friends School
Sandy Spring Friends School is an exceptional school seeking to prepare students for life and further education.
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 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.
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.
![Kindergartner building with blocks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1552577994/sandyspring/p3q0zrwyimlihycz0d3x/STEMSpotlight2019-Kindergarten.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1552577994/sandyspring/p3q0zrwyimlihycz0d3x/STEMSpotlight2019-Kindergarten.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1552577994/sandyspring/p3q0zrwyimlihycz0d3x/STEMSpotlight2019-Kindergarten.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1552577994/sandyspring/p3q0zrwyimlihycz0d3x/STEMSpotlight2019-Kindergarten.jpg","width":1007}])
The SSFS Kindergarten class embarked on a study of "ramps and pathways," which introduced engineering and design concepts to one of the most popular play spaces in the classroom— the block area!
![Barbie Bungee: Will She Survive?]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1547650506/sandyspring/ndsuifsvkll35eq7dykf/IMG_2437.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1547650506/sandyspring/ndsuifsvkll35eq7dykf/IMG_2437.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1547650506/sandyspring/ndsuifsvkll35eq7dykf/IMG_2437.jpg","width":717}])
Each year, our Algebra I students put their math and engineering skills to the test to create an exclusive bungee jumping company that has one VIP client—a Barbie.
![A Journey On The Math Trail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1542144497/sandyspring/belnisjtwviblbngeonu/MMR_9087.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1542144497/sandyspring/belnisjtwviblbngeonu/MMR_9087.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1542144497/sandyspring/belnisjtwviblbngeonu/MMR_9087.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1542144497/sandyspring/belnisjtwviblbngeonu/MMR_9087.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1542144497/sandyspring/belnisjtwviblbngeonu/MMR_9087.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1542144497/sandyspring/belnisjtwviblbngeonu/MMR_9087.jpg","width":2200}])
In the fall, 5th graders were asked to engage in a Math Trail around campus. By taking 5th graders outside—taking them away from pencils and workbooks—our teachers helped students see math as it applies to everyday life and gain a new appreciation for it.
![During Community Day 2018, students participated in an aerial photo with a designed layout.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1542140195/sandyspring/plqeeiavdsvp7ldg6fbv/AerialShot2018-2019.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1542140195/sandyspring/plqeeiavdsvp7ldg6fbv/AerialShot2018-2019.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1542140195/sandyspring/plqeeiavdsvp7ldg6fbv/AerialShot2018-2019.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1542140195/sandyspring/plqeeiavdsvp7ldg6fbv/AerialShot2018-2019.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1542140195/sandyspring/plqeeiavdsvp7ldg6fbv/AerialShot2018-2019.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1542140195/sandyspring/plqeeiavdsvp7ldg6fbv/AerialShot2018-2019.jpg","width":2200}])
Each fall, Middle School Integrated Geometry students must collaborate, measure, and strategically use technology to create a diagram for the annual all-school Community Day photo.
![Graph From 7th Grade Experiment]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1541702709/sandyspring/ah2vplzyqvrhe35mtse1/GRPH.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1541702709/sandyspring/ah2vplzyqvrhe35mtse1/GRPH.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1541702709/sandyspring/ah2vplzyqvrhe35mtse1/GRPH.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1541702709/sandyspring/ah2vplzyqvrhe35mtse1/GRPH.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1541702709/sandyspring/ah2vplzyqvrhe35mtse1/GRPH.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1541702709/sandyspring/ah2vplzyqvrhe35mtse1/GRPH.jpg","width":2200}])
After reading research about the benefits of taking notes by hand, our seventh-grade science students decided to challenge the research and conduct an experiment in their classroom to support or refute these conclusions.
![Upper School Intro To Engineering Students test out their Trebuchets]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1541701976/sandyspring/jttyl9tyl5ckbfwmpjou/Trebuchet.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1541701976/sandyspring/jttyl9tyl5ckbfwmpjou/Trebuchet.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1541701976/sandyspring/jttyl9tyl5ckbfwmpjou/Trebuchet.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1541701976/sandyspring/jttyl9tyl5ckbfwmpjou/Trebuchet.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1541701976/sandyspring/jttyl9tyl5ckbfwmpjou/Trebuchet.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1541701976/sandyspring/jttyl9tyl5ckbfwmpjou/Trebuchet.jpg","width":2200}])
Introduction To Engineering students explored mechanisms that convert gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy by designing and building trebuchets to launch tennis balls within a range of 20 meters. Read about their process
![Lower School Cardboard Challenge: Design Meets Engineering!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1572612135/sandyspring/fbcf1vw1ickszmbsxndt/Cardboard.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1572612135/sandyspring/fbcf1vw1ickszmbsxndt/Cardboard.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1572612135/sandyspring/fbcf1vw1ickszmbsxndt/Cardboard.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1572612135/sandyspring/fbcf1vw1ickszmbsxndt/Cardboard.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1572612135/sandyspring/fbcf1vw1ickszmbsxndt/Cardboard.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1572612135/sandyspring/fbcf1vw1ickszmbsxndt/Cardboard.jpg","width":2200}])
Did you ever find an empty box and imagine what else it could be? In Lower School, we have explored this idea as an expression of our understanding of the engineering design process (ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve) in conjunction with introduced science concepts.
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 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.
Close, cooperative relationships between teachers and students are the firmest foundation for effective learning.
A Sandy Spring Friends education is rigorous.
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.
Reflection: Academics at SSFS
Read more about SSFS' educational philosophy by reading David's posts on the 7 characteristics.
