Upper School Curriculum

At Sandy Spring Friends Upper School, we encourage our students to challenge their hearts, minds, and bodies and take academic risks in an atmosphere of support and belonging.Our robust and vibrant educational program promotes open and honest communication between all community members, cultivates intellectual curiosity, and challenges students to think deeply, explore broadly, and grow in confidence. Recognizing that experience shapes character, students are provided opportunities for leadership, artistic expression, athletic competition, and experiential learning—through programs like Intersession and Senior Passion Projects—and meaningful exploration of their passions. The program is not just preparation for college—it prepares students to Let Their Lives Speak, empowering them to be positive changemakers in the world.

Upper School Curriculum

Download a printable version of the Upper School Curriculum Guide for an overview of our program and educational philosophy.

Download Now

Upper School

Print-Friendly
School Profile

Visit

Inquire

Apply

Meredith Shankle
Acting Head of School, Head of Upper School
send email

A smiling man in a red plaid shirt is framed by a blurred wooden background.

Jim Gagne
Assistant Head of Upper School
send email

English

Overview

Overview

English

Our English department employs writing, literature, and discussions to empower students to analyze and reflect upon the human experience.

Our comprehensive curriculum, designed to promote graduates who can produce both expository and creative prose, is sequential and exposes students to a wide variety of literature from different cultures, eras, and circumstances.

History

Overview

Overview

History

Our History Department guides students to a deeper understanding of the present through critical investigation of the past, while creating reflective global citizens.

Focusing on global competence, our students analyze past and current events by investigating the political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, and artistic developments of each era and region studied.

Mathematics

Overview

Overview

Mathematics

The math department develops mathematically literate, confident problem-solvers who are fluent, flexible thinkers with an appreciation for the beauty and challenge of mathematics.

Our mathematics program meets students where they are and provides them with engaging, challenging, and relevant experiences. Through problem-based, project-based, and group work settings, we give students a variety of experiences so that they are ready for any path they choose in college and beyond.

Science

Overview

Overview

Science

The Science Department prepares scholars to investigate their world by developing scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills through inquiry-based science immersion.

Classes emphasize problem-solving, lab and fieldwork—taking advantage of the diverse ecosystems of the streams, fields, ponds, forest, and gardens on our 140-acre campus—and authentic research, while integrating effective use of technology, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Global Languages

Overview

Overview

Global Languages

Our Global Languages Department develops cross-culturally competent and empathetic global citizens, empowered to communicate interpretively, interpersonally, and presentationally.

Through active participation in domestic and international service Intersession excursions, authentic theatrical reproductions, oral presentations, meaningful exchanges in the target language, and the opportunity to earn the Global Seal of Biliteracy, our Upper School Global Languages curriculum embraces the School's motto, Let Your Lives Speak.

Arts

Overview

Overview

Arts

Our Art Department’s student-centered program nurtures skill development as a pathway to artistic risk-taking, creativity, passion, and confidence.

Our program offers rich opportunities for both general exploration and advanced learning in a wide variety of arts disciplines. Course curricula are designed to stimulate creativity, facilitate mastery of skills and techniques, expand communication and collaborative skills, and build confidence.

Physical Education

Overview

Overview

Physical Education

Physical Education and athletics are integral parts of the Upper School curriculum. Both experienced competitors and new athletes alike are challenged while fulfilling our sport and Physical Education requirement.

At SSFS, we believe sports are educational and create balance for an individual. With the athletic experience, student-athletes develop skills that complement the classroom experience. The habits established through athletic competition—resilience, stamina, and perseverance—can last a lifetime.

Other Upper School Curriculum Highlights

A rich transitional experience for ninth-grade students, linking the middle school years with the more intensive demands of the upper school program
A College Counseling department committed to ensuring that every student and family receives tailored support to identify colleges that are an excellent fit and maximize the strength of their candidacy
Community service opportunities, which help our students learn to be contributing members of both their community and the world
A variety of experiential learning opportunities, which provide meaningful, extended, and memorable experiences that connect to the curriculum and build community
Opportunities for leadership, whether by serving as a member of TORCH (Upper School student representative committee), managing a club, and more
Learning support services to students, faculty, and families to assist students in acquiring the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for success

Requirements for Graduation

Requirements for Graduation

To be eligible for graduation from Sandy Spring Friends School, students must complete a minimum of 21 academic credits, plus the additional non-credit requirements found below:

Subject	Required Number of Credits
English	4 credits (English must be taken each semester)
History	3 credits (including US History or AP US History)
Math	3 credits (4 recommended, with a minimum completion of at least Algebra II)
Science	3 credits (to include 1 credit of Biological lab science and 1 credit of Physical lab science)
Global Language	3 credits (to include 3 years of the same language taken while in high school)
Arts	3 credits
Student Choice	2 credits

To graduate from Sandy Spring Friends School, students must also complete the following non-credit requirements:

Requirement	Description
Physical Education	Participation in six physical activities: Grades 9–10: Two physical activities each year Grades 11–12: One physical activity each year
Quaker Education	Participation in Advisory Programming
Intersession	Participation in an Intersession experience each year
Community Service	100 hours of community service performed while in high school. This requirement is prorated for students who enroll after 9th grade.

Courses taken during Middle School can satisfy prerequisites, but are not recognized for graduation credit.

Community Service Requirement

The purpose of the community service program at Sandy Spring Friends School is to respond to the needs of others and to thereby enrich the School community and the lives of its members.

The graduation requirement is 100 hours.

Intersession Requirement

Intersession is a one- to two-week period in the spring when the School’s normal routine is interrupted so that all students and faculty can participate in on- or off-campus educational projects or experiences. All Upper School students are required to participate each year. 9th Grade students typically participate in a single, collective Intersession experience. 10th -12 Grade students participate in one of a variety of Intersession experiences. In the fall, students are given the opportunity to indicate various Intersessions in which they would prefer to participate, given their personal interests and circumstances. Cost for Intersession is not included in tuition and ranges depending on the type and destination of the trip. Trip costs are controlled based on a percentage of annual tuition. Families eligible for financial aid for tuition may be eligible for financial aid for Intersession.

Explore Our Upper School

Ninth grade program

Intersession

Visit Our Campus

Tier Nav

Breadcrumb

In This Section

Upper School Curriculum

Upper School Curriculum

Upper School

English

Overview

English

History

Overview

History

Mathematics

Overview

Mathematics

Science

Overview

Science

Global Languages

Overview

Global Languages

Arts

Overview

Arts

Physical Education

Overview

Physical Education

Other Upper School Curriculum Highlights

Requirements for Graduation

Community Service Requirement

Intersession Requirement

Explore Our Upper School