Sandy Spring Friends Upper School
Academically rigorous, socially aware – our Upper School students gain the tools needed to be exemplars in college and beyond.
The Sandy Spring Upper School develops confident, responsible, thoughtful people who understand the wider world and seek to make a difference in it. We supply our graduates with the intellectual and interpersonal skills that help them thrive in a rapidly changing, increasingly global community. Led by an extraordinary faculty, we are a dynamic, interactive community committed to expanding students’ academic, artistic, athletic, social, and spiritual education.
"By promoting a culture of mutual respect and trust between teachers & students, we challenge our students to take intellectual risks and move beyond their perceived boundaries to explore a wide spectrum of interests and activities."
Rebecca Missonis
Head of Upper School
Rebecca Missonis
Head of Upper School
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Meredith Shankle
Interim Assistant Head of Upper School
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Challenge, Exploration, Growth
Through academically rigorous courses, including APs in each discipline, we challenge every learner to achieve at the highest levels. Additionally, our strong arts and athletics programs nurture important habits of mind—risk-taking, problem-solving, cooperation, and perseverance; combined with leadership opportunities - including student government and peer counseling - our students are able to gain the skills needed to be successful in college and beyond.
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Global Perspective
As global citizens, our Upper School students value global connectedness, strive to be good stewards to the earth, and give back through service.
Students become immersed in the world and gain cross-cultural understanding through our Intersession and Summer Service trips. With a robust Residential Life program, represented by over 60 countries across the globe, students are able to continue their exchange of ideas and build their global perspective right on our campus.
Learn how we help our students gain a global perspective:
Quaker Values
Underlying all that we do in the Upper School is a commitment to the Quaker values of simplicity, equality, honesty, respect, peaceful resolution of conflict, and community involvement. Students practice reflection, engage in cooperative decision-making, and demonstrate meaningful community membership in Meeting for Worship.
Learn more about Quaker or "Friends" Education:
