International Day Students

SSFS is an SEVP-approved school, authorized to issue I-20 forms required for F-1 student visas. An I-20 is issued after a student is admitted and fully enrolled, meaning the student has submitted the enrollment contract and deposit. Deposits are refundable only if a student is unable to obtain a student visa.

For students already studying in the U.S., their current school will transfer the student’s I-20 record through SEVIS at the end of the academic year. Once the transfer is complete, a new I-20 is issued, allowing the student to continue their studies seamlessly at SSFS.

Our Admissions team is available to guide families through the entire process, from English proficiency requirements to homestay guidance to visa support, ensuring that each international student is positioned for academic, social, and personal success.

The Student Support Fee helps ensure that students joining us from abroad feel supported every step of the way. This includes assistance with visa documentation, guidance through U.S. requirements, and ongoing communication with families overseas. It also allows us to provide additional resources and personalized support so students can transition confidently, build connections, and fully engage in school life.  It also includes the annual student medical insurance.

Sandy Spring Friends School does not directly place students in homestay arrangements; however, we are committed to supporting families throughout the process. While the ultimate responsibility for securing a homestay rests with the student’s parents, guardians, or educational agency, our Admissions team is glad to offer guidance and, when possible, help identify potential host families within our trusted school community.

We understand that a thoughtful and supportive home environment is essential to a student’s success. As such, we encourage families to approach the homestay search with care and intention, ensuring a strong match that aligns with the student’s needs and values.

Once a placement is established, Sandy Spring Friends School remains an active and engaged partner. We maintain open, ongoing communication with host families, just as we do with all of our families. We support the student’s well-being, monitor their adjustment, and help ensure a safe, positive, and enriching homestay experience.

At Sandy Spring Friends School, the entire application process for international students can be completed virtually, making it accessible from anywhere in the world. From submitting the application and supporting documents, to English proficiency assessments, and even the student interview, every step can be conducted online. Our Admissions team works closely with families to guide them through each stage, ensuring that students and parents have the support they need while completing the process remotely. Even homestay guidance and visa-related assistance can be provided virtually, allowing students to join our community safely and confidently from anywhere in the world.

See International Day Student Application Process

Admissions Testing 

All instruction and daily life at Sandy Spring Friends School are conducted in English so a strong command of the language is essential for students to fully engage, thrive academically, and feel confident within our community. While we do not offer a formal ESL program, we are committed to enrolling students who are well-prepared to participate meaningfully in our rigorous, discussion-based classrooms and collaborative environment.

As part of the application process, international applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following standardized assessments:

• TOEFL
• Duolingo English Test

In addition to these assessments, we take a holistic approach to evaluating each student’s readiness. Conversational English skills are thoughtfully assessed during the student interview, allowing us to better understand a student’s ability to communicate, participate in class discussions, and connect with peers and teachers.

Whenever possible, we encourage students to visit campus and interview in person. If travel is not feasible, our Admissions Office will arrange a virtual interview to ensure a smooth and accessible process. In some cases, interviews may be conducted in partnership with a trusted third-party organization.
Our goal is to ensure that every student we enroll is positioned for success academically, socially, and within the vibrant life of our school.