Sandy Spring Friends School:
What Happened | What's Next
The story of SSFS and how the community came together to ensure that their beloved school would remain open for generations to come is a heartwarming testament both to the power of shared commitment, and the love of the community for this very special place.
What Happened?
In April 2025, in response to a confluence of events and financial pressures that threatened the long-term viability of the School, the Board of Trustees sent an email with the news that the School would close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The announcement sent shockwaves through the community and galvanized alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and supporters of the School to come together with clarity, courage, and strength to save the School. Within two days, our community pledged over $9 million in support, and the School began its path back to long-term sustainability and stability.
The moment was a reminder of how important a school like SSFS is at this time, and how much was at stake. Thanks to the time, talent, and treasure of so many supporters, the School is continuing to provide an unmatched educational experience for students in Preschool-Grade 12 that celebrates and brings out the best in each child, and is centered on Quaker values such as simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.
Below is a link to an article detailing the amazing work done by the community to save the school. In the same spirit as the effort itself, the article was written and edited collaboratively by many people, including Heather Jackson-Pena '00 (SSFS alum, co-founder of the Friends of SSFS Coalition, and current Board member); Savannah Renehan (Dir. of Advancement); and Tom Gibian (former Head of School and current Board clerk), with review and additional input from our current Head of School Sean Hamer, Dir. of MarCom Margaret Rosser, and other members of the Coalition leadership.
Way Opens: How the SSFS Community Saved Sandy Spring Friends School
Open. Strong. Together.
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9 Days: Saving a Quaker School
A documentary film by Ellie Walton
Documentary filmmaker Ellie Walton was at SSFS during the events of Spring 2025. As described on the film's YouTube page, "When Sandy Spring Friends School in Maryland suddenly faced closure, students, teachers, parents, and alumni came together across generations to save the place that shaped their lives. In just nine extraordinary days of collective action—guided by Quaker values of community, care, and stewardship—they pulled their school back from the brink. Told over these nine days, this film is a story of grief, courage, and what it truly means to show up for one another."
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COMMUNICATION FROM BOARD AND HEAD OF SCHOOL
SSFS In The News
MoCoShow featured Sandy Spring Friends School in a news article posted March 12, 2026, highlighting recent School and student accomplishments, renewed community support, and a focus on long-term stability with new school leadership. The article also featured the beautiful aerial photo taken by SSFS alum Zac Miller '04. The many successes of the school year featured in this article come directly from the support of our community: Thank you!
Interviews with members of the Class of 2026 by Ellie Walton, SSFS parent and documentary filmmaker:
SSFS students, faculty, and staff share what makes SSFS special to them:
Our Community Speaks: SSFS Strong
“What an incredible honor and thrill it is to acknowledge that we are a school that was going to close but was saved by the very people who were educated here and knew best what an amazing place it is, and now will continue to be. It's like all the parts of the School came together to Let Their Lives Speak and save it."
"Our kids are thriving at SSFS like never before. The faculty and staff have done a tremendous job supporting our two children as students and well-rounded individuals. The experience of the school nearly closing was harrowing, yet I feel more connected to this community than ever before and I'm confident the school and the SSFS community will emerge from this period stronger than ever."
"I want to do the work that’s needed to rebuild and strengthen this school. This is what I’m here for!"
"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."
"SSFS is a place like no other. I am staying, and intend to stay as long as humanly possible. I have been here for 26 years, and this community is my family and my home. Both of my children were “lifers,” and this community helped me raise them. I truly believe that we can rebuild and grow to become an even stronger school, and I intend to be a part of that rebuilding."
"We’re ’Beests at heart, and we’re staying at home."
"SSFS is helping us raise good human beings, not just good students. The world needs more of the light and love that is SSFS, not less, and we are full of hope that the community will come through this stronger. At SSFS, my kids will be supported and cared for through the inevitable challenges of the teenage years. I believe going through this current challenge will give them some resilience and gratitude—and an opportunity to be part of what I hope is a renewal of the school’s vibrance."
"When I found out the school was closing, I was really sad about all the memories I’ve made here—the friends and the teachers I love would go away—but I was really excited when I found out it was staying open, so I can go all the way through 12th Grade. You don’t know how much this means to all of us that the school is staying open."
"Those of us who stayed are working together—with the board, with the administration, and with the rest of the school community—on shared goals and a shared vision, and with deep commitment. I can’t wait to see where it leads and to be part of the renaissance of this place that has been such an important part of my life, and my son’s. I’m really excited about it."
"SSFS is HOME."
"My daughter arrived as a nervous 6th grader and has turned into a confident force to be reckoned with. She loves her school, her friends, and her teachers. Because of SSFS, she’s pushed herself outside of her comfort zone in ways we never could have dreamed. We love this school, and even though we’ve been here for less than a year, we’re very invested in its future success."
"SSFS really is special. We want to do everything in our power to keep the mission alive. This will include continuing to ask hard questions and demand transparency and effective leadership, but we’re doing this from the inside."
"I was really shattered when I thought I would have to find another school. I was overjoyed when I learned it would stay open, and I’m really glad I get to stay on this campus as long as I want."
"I started at SSFS in Kindergarten, and it has felt like a second home to me. I’m looking forward to seeing how the school continues to incorporate its Quaker values and its unique trust between students, faculty, and administration."
"I’ve been here since 1st Grade, and this place is like a second home to me. I really love it here. I want to say a trillion thank yous to the people who kept the school open."
What's Next? New Leadership, Renewed Commitment
This is a moment of renewal and rejuvenation at Sandy Spring Friends School. With new leadership, unprecedented community engagement, and a firm commitment to our founding Quaker values, we are ready to build a bold tomorrow, together.
School Leadership
SSFS enjoys strong, positive leadership from our new Head of School, Dr. Sean Hamer. "Dr. Sean" as he is known in the community, has broad experience in education and a firm commitment to our founding Quaker values. We also have strong, steady leadership from our division heads and Administrative Council team.
The School's new board membership includes experts in the fields of finance, admissions marketing, and education. The School's board is clerked by Tom Gibian, former Head of School at SSFS from 2010-2020.
Fundraising and Financial Heath
SSFS has implemented many practices to ensure improved financial discipline around budgeting. With unprecedented community engagement and fundraising, and plans for major gifts to strengthen the School's endowment, we are on a positive path to keep the school on solid financial grounds. SSFS has also been the recipient of several grants and gifts to assist with infrastructure and building/grounds needs.
Commitment to Transparency and Communication
As we rebuild trust internally and externally, frequent communication and transparency are key. In-person meeting opportunities, as well as monthly emailed communications to the broader SSFS community, are in place and will be instrumental keeping all constituencies informed about the state of the school and ensuring that the transformative education we have offered since 1961 continues for generations of students.
In April 2025, the SSFS community organized a special driveway moment, greeting families coming into school with words of love and encouragement:
