Preschool at Sandy Spring Friends School
Nurturing the innate curiosity of young minds through play and exploration.
Research shows that play is a powerful tool for learning. That's why play-based learning is woven into the preschool program at Sandy Spring Friends School near Olney, MD.
In our program, play is purposeful and joyful. Children engage in hands-on experiences both indoors and outdoors, discovering new ideas, practicing new skills, and having fun along the way. By learning through play, children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically in a natural and meaningful way.
Our exceptional, caring teachers create a welcoming environment for our littlest ones so they feel safe exploring the world around them while embarking on a lifetime of joyful learning.
"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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Pam Gilmer
Lower School Administrative Assistant
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Our Community Speaks: The Preschool Experience
"As parents, we’ve seen firsthand how the SSFS preschool environment nurtured and supported our child’s learning and development in the most meaningful ways. The warm, engaging classrooms sparked curiosity, while the caring teachers created a space where children felt safe, valued, and excited to learn."
"I’ve been here since Pre-K4, so I know you can be who you want to be at this school—you’re part of the community no matter what."
"We chose Sandy Spring Friends because we wanted our son to feel safe—to be happy. We had no idea we were choosing the person he would become."
"I didn't just have a hunch, I saw evidence through emails, conferences, and anecdotes along the way that the teachers knew my kids—really knew them—in all their little quirks and uniqueness. I cannot think of a more compassionate place—it's like the Pre-K teachers are the kind of parents we wish we could be, at our best!"
A Play-Based, Inquiry-Driven Approach
Whether outdoors on our natural playground or in the classroom, our preschool offers numerous opportunities for play throughout the day. Play is the child’s emotional, physical, social, and cognitive work. As our preschoolers play, they develop motor skills while exercising and build social skills while playing and exploring with friends. Cognitively, play allows for the development of language and creative thinking that promotes problem-solving.
School-Ready Through Life Skills
Through our play-based learning model, our preschool program emphasizes academic, social, and emotional growth that prepares our preschoolers for Kindergarten and beyond. Our teachers are committed to helping each child feel a sense of belonging in the classroom as they foster a passion for lifelong learning, help students develop compassion for others, and allow each child to find their voice and "Let Their Lives Speak."
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.
