Welcome!
Thank You for Starting the Journey With Us.
Finding the right school for you and your family is an important process, one that is both equally exciting and challenging as you investigate, reflect on what you've learned, and take action on your conclusions. At Sandy Spring Friends School, we encourage this inquiry-based method of learning—in fact, it's ingrained in our School's educational philosophy.
Who We Are
Across our three divisions, we help students internalize a process we call "QRA"—Question, Reflection, Action—which ensures that they think critically, have opportunities to reflect on and integrate new knowledge, and apply what they learn. Our challenging academic curriculum, enriched arts program, inclusive athletics, and service opportunities promote intellectual excellence, collaboration, and strength of character. Recognizing the unique worth of each person, our faculty and staff strive to challenge each student to reach their potential and develop individual talents.
Sandy Spring Friends School students are engaged in the learning process; enjoy the integration of academics, arts, and athletics; and seek to become constructive, caring and effective citizens of the world. We hope you will join our thriving community of scholars, performers, athletes, artists, thinkers, and doers.
Meet the Admission Team
Our Admission team is here to help you navigate the private school admission process as you discover all that Sandy Spring Friends School has to offer! We encourage you to ask many questions throughout the inquiry and application process. Connect with us by email or by phone at 301-774-7455 x701.
Shamika Murray
Director of Enrollment Management
send email
Megan Guernsey
Director of Lower School Admission (age 3-grade 5)
send email
Megan Conway
Admission Associate
send email
Dawn Griffith
Director of Financial Aid & Upper School Admission (grades 10-12)
send email
Aimee Farley
Director of Middle & Upper School Admission (grades 6-9)
send email
Hear from Our Community
"Our older daughter started in Kindergarten; she tended to be on the shy side. We decided to give Sandy Spring Friend’s Lower School a try, and it was one of the best parenting decisions we’ve ever made. Now that she’s in the Upper School, she’s turned 180 degrees in her maturation—how she interacts with us and her peers. She’s come out of her shell and she’s comfortable in her skin…she’s truly blossomed."
"There’s more to discover in the world than the classes you take in high school. I appreciate SSFS encouraging the mindset that if you're really passionate about something, you should go after it, and providing me with the opportunity. I don’t know if I’d have been as involved in college if I hadn’t done the Senior Passion Project at SSFS."
“Small class sizes and tons of attention from teachers starting in the Lower School had a big impact on our son. Now that he’s in the Upper School, he’s very kind and focused on what people around him are feeling—he’s emotionally intelligent. I think part of that is the result of Sandy Spring Friend’s Quaker philosophy—the emphasis on kindness, respect, equality, and community.”
"I love interacting with and supporting the students…of all my different roles, this is paramount. What I teach in BC Calc is not necessarily what’s going to be remembered—but how I make my students feel is going to carry with them long after they leave. This place is my family. When I’m here, I’m home."
"I really found myself here. Sandy Spring Friends School let me learn to be myself, to speak up for what I need, and to share my concerns. And I’ve learned critical thinking here. I don’t think you could have this kind of experience anywhere else."
“As an early childhood educator, I know that the elementary years are incredibly formative. Certain skills and habits are easier to establish when you’re younger. In the Lower School at SSFS, they intentionally teach kindness and stewardship of people and the environment. You want to make sure you get it right in the early years—here at SSFS, they get it so right.”
Sandy Spring Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school-administered programs. However, special consideration may be given to members of The Religious Society of Friends.