Application Process: Preschool-Kindergarten

Please begin the application process by completing an online inquiry form to set up an account in the Admission Portal. Upon submission, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to confirm your Admission Portal account and begin your application. 

Submit an Inquiry

In order to start your online application process, you must first submit an inquiry (see above) to obtain your login and password to the Admission Portal. Once you have received an email with your login/password and application instructions, you may log in and begin the application process.  Logging into the Admission Portal will provide you with the following:

• A checklist of application requirements
• Electronic forms needed for the application process
• Event calendar to schedule interviews and visits
• The ability to track the status of your application

The online application must be submitted on or before the priority deadline of December 15, 2026.

The application fee is $75. Fee waivers are available if the application fee is a hardship for your family and for siblings of currently enrolled student(s). Please contact the Admissions office to obtain an application fee waiver.

Submit one recommendation through the Admission Portal from the applicant’s current teacher/day care service provider, if applicable. Recommendations are requested by the parent/guardian and then submitted through the Admission Portal. All recommendations are confidential and unfortunately cannot be shared with parents. They must be submitted by your applicant’s teacher.

This is a conversation with one or both parents/guardians and the Admissions Director. This will be conducted virtually and is scheduled through the Admission Portal.

Preschool-Kindergarten applicants are required to attend a 1.5-hour playgroup session. The Brigance Early Childhood Screen III will also be administered during this time. Playgroups are hosted on campus by our Lower School faculty and offered on pre-selected days. Families can register through the Admission Portal. 

Financial Aid at SSFS begins in Kindergarten

Our financial aid program and our various payment options strive to help make attending Sandy Spring Friends School a reality for as many families as possible. We offer a need-based financial aid program for grades K-12 and accept applications through a separate platform: Clarity. Families seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply for financial assistance at the same time they are completing the admissions process.

FINANCIAL AID INFO

Please log in to your Admission Portal regularly to ensure that your forms have been received and your application file is complete. Families whose applications are completed by the priority application deadline (December 15) will be notified about acceptance on February 26, 2027 (K-12 applicants only). Applicants whose files are not complete by the priority deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.