Preschool FAQs

Our Preschool program serves children ages 3–5.

We offer several schedule options to support families’ needs:

• Full Extended Day: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Full Day: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Half Day: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Yes. We offer flexible scheduling options, including:

• Half-day, full-day, and extended-day schedules
• 3-day (Tue.-Thu.) and 5-day programs (limited spaces for 3-day program)
• 10-month and 12-month tuition plans

Preschool 3: Children must be 3 years old by September 1
Preschool 4: Children must be 4 years old by September 1
Kindergarten: Children must be 5 years old by September 1

Tuition varies based on your selected schedule and program options: 

• 10- or 12-Month plan
• Half-Day, Full-Day, or Extended Day options
• 3-Day or 5-Day option

Please see our Preschool Tuition page for details.

Yes! We serve a morning snack, a hot lunch, and an extended-day afternoon snack. The cost of lunch and snacks is included in the tuition.

Financial aid begins in Kindergarten and is not currently available for Preschool at Sandy Spring.

Our lead teachers hold four-year college degrees and Early Childhood Education certification. Our teachers are also current on Continuing Education requirements for Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. 

Yes. All SSFS faculty and staff are required to maintain CPR and AED certification.

We are currently offering an 8:1 student/teacher ratio, which is below the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirement of 10:1. 

Yes. Our preschool program is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care, ensuring we meet all state requirements for health, safety, and quality care.

Our on-campus Health Center is staffed by two full-time Registered Nurses (RNs) who support students throughout the school day. The nurses care for students with a range of needs, including allergies and other health conditions, administering medications as directed, and responding to any illness or symptoms that arise during the day. They also maintain all health records and work closely with families, teachers, and medical providers to ensure each child is well supported.

Our preschool teachers partner closely with the Health Center to follow individualized care plans and allergy protocols, so that children can learn and play in a safe, caring environment.

Yes. Children enrolled in the preschool program must be potty-trained.

Children should bring:

• A backpack
• A reusable water bottle
• Rain boots and a raincoat to keep at school
• An extra set of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, and socks) in a labeled Ziploc bag

All other classroom materials are provided by the school.

We keep parents informed and engaged through Seesaw, regular classroom updates, photos, informal conversations, and parent-teacher conferences twice each year. In addition, families receive progress reports twice annually that highlight each child's learning, growth, and development.

Prospective families are encouraged to connect with our Family Ambassadors to hear firsthand about their experience at SSFS and life in our community.

No, bus transportation begins in Kindergarten.

Please refer to the Preschool Calendar for scheduled holidays, school breaks, and closure dates.