SSFS Family Ambassadors

Child's Grade
10th

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
We chose Sandy Spring once again because it has grown over the years in all the best ways, offering Students, teachers and families a vibrant community. My son loves all his teachers and has the opportunity for leadership, creativity, joyful learning and community building in an environment which truly celebrates diversity and self expression. He has expanded his interests into the sciences with the rich, expansive academic experience and is thriving on sports teams, music programs, outdoor education, service learning, club leadership and so much more in just two years at Sandy Spring. 

Child's Grade
11th

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
I can remember the first day I came to the SSFS campus for a tour and I immediately got good vibes, for lack of a better way to describe it. I instantly felt comfortable and loved the campus. When our older daughter chose SSFS I was tremendously excited to be part of this community, and that excitement remains today with our younger daughter about to be a senior in the Fall. The teachers are wonderful; even during the challenges of COVID I could always tell that they were still connected to the kids in important ways. I’d recommend SSFS enthusiastically and without reservation!

Children's Grades
5th and 8th

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
We've lived in the Olney area for 15 years and have long hoped our girls would one day attend SSFS. As a former teacher and independent school administrator, I recognize a world-class program and ethos when I see one. Despite recent challenges, we are fully committed to the school and confident it will have a profound and positive impact on our daughters' lives.

Children's Grades
1st and 3rd

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
We chose SSFS because it offers much more than academics. From the start, we were drawn to the school’s Quaker values, its welcoming community, and the nurturing environment that supports each child as a whole person.

At SSFS, our children are not only learning—they are thriving. They are encouraged to ask questions, express themselves, and grow with confidence, kindness, and purpose. 

Being part of this community has been a true gift to our family. It has deepened our sense of connection, given our children a joyful education, and surrounded us with supportive friendships and shared values that extend far beyond the classroom. We’re so grateful to be part of a school that reflects our values and nurtures our whole family.

Children's Grades
Kindergarten and 4th

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
I chose SSFS for my eldest because the beautiful campus spoke to me. It really was just a simple but powerful feeling! We continue to choose SSFS, year after year, because of the nurturing, intelligent, dedicated, creative, kind, and energetic faculty and staff that see each child and care about who they are! It’s the sophisticated arts program that complements the academics. It’s the normalization of diversity, providing a safe community where everyone can experience due regard and belonging. It’s the alumni, young and old, who continue on with character and purpose. It really is so many things, but most of all, it’s because my children know real joy in this very special community.

Child's Grade
10th

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
As both an alumna and a parent, I can attest to the supportive community and solid education that SSFS provides. My experience as a student was transformative, and it is having that same impact on my son, 30 years later. We chose SSFS because of the values lived daily by the students, faculty, and staff; because it nurtures the individual through engagement in a caring community; and for the strong academic and arts programs. Sandy Spring is providing our son with the skills, qualities, and confidence to be a positive force and a changemaker in this increasingly divisive world.

Children's Grades
5th and 7th

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
We chose SSFS because we wanted a school that saw them as individuals, cultivated a love of learning, and taught them how to be good people.

Child's Grade
Preschool

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
Our family chose SSFS because it embodies everything we envisioned for our son’s childhood. From the start, we were drawn to the nurturing environment and the intentionally smaller class sizes that allow each child to be truly seen, known, and supported. What stood out most was the community— a place where differences are embraced, every voice matters, and children are recognized and celebrated for who they are.

A major draw for our family was the SHINE program, which places a beautiful emphasis on social-emotional learning. We deeply value the way it aims to equip the children with the tools to understand themselves, connect with others, and navigate the world with empathy and confidence.

With 140 acres of woods, fields, and open skies, the campus invites the mirth and whimsy of a child’s imagination to run wild. This isn’t just a school—it’s a place where childhood is honored, curiosity is encouraged, and the wonder of learning comes alive every day.

Child's Grade
1st Grade

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
We chose Sandy Spring Friends School because of the strong sense of community it fosters. I grew up overseas as a military child, where daily life revolved around school and its activities—it was the heart of our family life. My wife, an alumna of SSFS, still stays close with her best friend from Upper School, a bond that speaks volumes about the lasting relationships formed here.

Now, our son is experiencing that same connection. At SSFS, he’s found more than just friends—he’s built meaningful relationships with teachers and staff who feel like family. They truly see him for who he is and encourage him to thrive as his authentic self. The campus and its people feel like home—safe, supportive, and welcoming.

Child's Grade
6th

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
From the moment I set foot on campus for a tour, I knew this was the school for our son. The "vibe" was like nothing I had experienced on any other school tour. The campus is stunning and allows the students to play and relax in nature daily. The teachers and staff are second to none – caring, supportive, communicative, and invested in the students' academic and socio-emotional well-being. The academic program is rigorous, but supports the children as whole people, with their individual strengths and weaknesses. The community makes us feel connected. Our son has made great friends in his first year here and truly loves going to school. It's amazing to see your child, who transitioned into 6th grade from a different school, excited to go to school every morning (a first). The Quaker education he is receiving is helping our son to become a creative, caring, empathetic person. His favorite classes in 6th grade were Science and History, he loved the Dungeons and Dragons club, and (surprisingly) enjoyed the weekly Meeting for Worship and sitting in silence with his community.

Child's Grade
7th

Why Our Family Chose SSFS
From the moment we stepped onto the beautiful, peaceful campus, we felt a sense of belonging.  Although the beauty of the campus immediately stood out, it was the feeling of warmth and authenticity that truly moved us. We knew it was going to be a place our son could truly grow and thrive. Our feelings were confirmed by our son's delight after I picked him up from the school following his Shadow Day visit. My son is not me; I always say he’s not a “man” of many words, but he was so full of excitement and enthusiasm about the school and the young person he shadowed that we talked all the way home.

At SSFS, friendship and community are not just encouraged, they're woven into the fabric of everyday life. The Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship (S.P.I.C.E.S.) are more than guiding principles; they are lived experiences that shape the way students learn, connect, and grow. What has meant the most to us is how the school meets our son exactly where he is. He is encouraged to be fully himself, curious, thoughtful, and unique and he is supported in ways that honor his individual strengths and needs. SSFS doesn't ask students to fit into a mold; it creates space for them to discover who they are and who they want to become. The school meets him where he is academically, socially, emotionally and supports him as he grows into the person he is meant to be. As a parent, there is nothing more reassuring than knowing your child is seen, valued, and truly known. That is what SSFS gives to our family every day. Not only is our son receiving a strong education, but he is also building friendships rooted in kindness. He is developing a deep sense of self and is part of a community that truly values and nurtures our child with care. Choosing SSFS for our son was one of the best decisions we have made.