Sandy Spring Friends School

 

Breadcrumb

Financial Aid

At SSFS, our commitment to a supportive, inclusive learning environment guides the approach of our financial aid program. In keeping with the Quaker principles of equality and diversity, the School seeks a student body that represents varied economic backgrounds and strives to be affordable, culturally competent, and inclusive. Through our need-based financial aid program, we aim to support all families for whom the cost of an SSFS education would be a hardship.

How does financial aid work?

Prospective and current families seeking financial assistance are asked to submit an application through Clarity. Clarity does not provide a source of funding—their role is to provide our Financial Aid Committee with an estimate of a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application, which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts. The Financial Aid Committee uses this estimate as a tool to determine an appropriate grant for each student, while keeping within Sandy Spring Friends School’s overall financial aid budget for the year. The School’s Financial Aid Committee makes the final determination of the need-based financial aid award for each student. 

Who receives financial aid?

Gross Household Income for families receiving Financial Aid.

Gross Household Income for families receiving Financial Aid.

Applying for Financial Aid: a Step-by-Step Guide

Sandy Spring Friends School would not be the same without the contributions of students who receive financial aid. Learn how to apply!

Financial Aid FAQ

Financial Aid Webinars

Families are invited to attend any of the following webinars to learn more about the Clarity application. Webinar recordings will be available. 

Supporting You During Unexpected Times of Need

Here at SSFS, we understand life happens. To help families through unexpected financial challenges, we designate funding specifically to assist current families with changed circumstances. Transition funds are designed to bridge the gap and maintain continuity for our students and families when unexpected events occur. Typically, they are granted for a year to assist families through challenging times. If you find yourself facing a sudden challenge, please be in touch with Dawn Griffith, Director of Financial Aid.

Endowed Scholarships and Partner Organizations

Sandy Spring Friends School is pleased to partner with and benefit from relationships that allow us to advance equity and justice in education.

  • Partner Organizations
  • Endowed Scholarships
    Generous benefactors have provided lasting gifts to Sandy Spring Friends School through our Endowed Scholarships program. These scholarships, often named in memory or honor of loved ones, provide financial assistance to qualified students desiring a Sandy Spring Friends School education.
     
    • The Ben Uzzell ‘20 Scholarship
    • The Clouse Family Fund
    • The Jon Brian Kinney Scholarship
    • The Katie Kinney Scholarship
    • The Lexi Speight Scholarship

Dawn Griffith
Director of Financial Aid
send email

 

$6.4M

Awarded annually in financial aid

Pie chart showing 33% of student body receives financial aid

 

33%

Percentage of Student Body That Receives Financial Aid

 

K-12

Grade levels eligible for grants applying to tuition, bus transportation, aftercare, and Upper School intersession

Don't Miss a Deadline!

Financial aid is a highly deadline-driven process. Please take note of these important dates:

  • Nov. 15: Current Family Application Deadline
  • Jan. 15: New (prospective) Family Application Deadline

Financial Aid applications received after Jan. 15 will be reviewed on a funds-available basis.