Lower School Welcome

 

Nurturing the Innate Curiosity of Young Minds through Exploration.

At Sandy Spring Friends School, we believe students learn best when creative thinking, active listening, and positive interactions are reinforced in the classroom. Through close collaboration between teachers and peers, students develop a deep love of learning. Our students learn to shape questions about concepts and ideas, reflect upon their learning, and put their learning into action - developing initiative and self-advocacy skills in the process.


We seek daily to create an environment in which children can follow their curiosity into experimentation and engagement, applying their energy to full participation in collaborative learning, hands-on activities, and opportunities for academic enrichment.

- Brenda Crawley, Head of the Lower School


Intentional Community

Lower School students are encouraged to be responsible and responsive listeners and fully present members of a community. Through active listening and interactive modeling, they demonstrate their understanding and readiness to learn. By allowing every person to have a voice and a chance to shine, they recognize that each of their fellow students should be respected for their ideas, experiences, and expertise.

Learn about the programs and activities that strengthen our community ties:


Global Citizenship

Our dedication to celebrating diversity, nurturing awareness, and inspiring compassion among our students sustains our community of global citizens. Through our emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution, community service, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, our Lower School students become involved and invested in making a positive impact on the world community.

Learn how we help our children become global citizens:


Quaker Values



In keeping with our Quaker belief of that of God in everyone, we honor the unique gifts within each child. We focus on every student’s academic, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. By emphasizing the individual strengths of our students, we nurture their sense of self-worth and give them the confidence to take risks within a safe and supportive environment.

Learn more about Quaker or "Friends" Education:


Explore our Lower School

We invite you learn about our Lower School by taking a look at our curriculum, meeting our faculty and staff, or coming for a visit to see our classrooms in action!