Sandy Spring Friends School

 

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A Gnu Culture of Generosity

Welcome to Sandy Spring Friends School, where we cultivate not only academic excellence but also a spirit of community and service. At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to provide an enriching educational experience that fosters growth, understanding, and compassion. However, to sustain and enhance this mission, we rely on the generosity and support of our entire school community.

As Sandy Spring Friends School looks to the future, we must work to build a Gnu (pronounced new) Culture of Generosity today. The SSFS Gnu Culture of Generosity invites every member of our community to participate in equally meaningful ways to steward the future of our school and our students. 

Every parent, alumni parent, alumni, grandfriend, faculty, and staff member are asked to philanthropically support the school in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their individual circumstances.

Your annual donation to the Springers Fund, our schools annual fund, plays a crucial role in supporting need-based financial aid, curricular innovation, equity, justice, and belonging (EJB) programming, technology, athletics, faculty professional development, campus maintenance, and much more, ensuring that our Springers share an educational experience that sets them up for success today and in their future endeavors.  

We thank you in advance for your support and dedication to our school community.

Make a gift to support our students.

Savannah Renehan

Savannah Renehan
Director of Institutional Advancement
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301-774-7455 x107

Adrienne Chisolm

Adrienne Chisolm
Assistant Director of Advancement
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301-774-7455 x157

Aaron Winslow

Aaron Winslow
Advancement Services Associate
301-774-7455 x165
send email

Our Community Speaks

Michel Ruiz-Fuentes '20

“SSFS changed the trajectory of my life. When I arrived at college, I was completely ready, even though I wasn’t necessarily ready to leave high school. That’s because of the tight-knit community and the lifelong friends I made. I feel really blessed to have been a Sandy Spring Friends School student.”

Michel Ruiz-Fuentes, Class of 2020

Cody Xu '25

“Here, you can find what your passion is and do it! On this one campus, you can do weaving, ceramics, astronomy, use the 3D printer, and more. You will find your passion at SSFS.”

Cody Xu, Class of 2025

Linda Garrettson '85, P'16

“When I was a student, I was smart and got top grades, but I wasn’t valued for that. I was seen as a whole person. It happened on Intersession trips, on the sports field, in student leadership, in the classroom, and during lunch with faculty members. SSFS made me feel like a full, whole person.”

Linda Garrettson '85, P '16, Lower School Faculty

Clara Shapiro '23

“Someone at my recent choir audition [at Northwestern University] said to me, “You carry yourself so comfortably. Where did you learn to communicate with adults like that?” I answered: “SSFS.”

Clara Shapiro, Class of 2023

William Henderson '22

“Because SSFS really encourages going outside of your comfort zone—I took weaving, acting, and engineering—I was exposed to so many different things in high school and learned how to draw interdisciplinary connections. So, I feel comfortable going outside of my main disciplines at William & Mary. Also, I felt prepared academically and emotionally, understanding that not knowing something isn’t the end of the world.”

William Henderson, Class of 2022

Christine Olsen '84

“I grew up a great deal at Sandy Spring.  I met teachers that pushed me and encouraged skills that I had always felt I was no good at. I took classes that broadened my view of the world and introduced me to new interests—interests that ended up defining my career.”

Christine Olsen, Class of 1984

Springers Fund

Photo of Lower and Upper School Students Walking To Meeting House On Community Day

The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of philanthropy at SSFS. 

Annual Auction

Community members support SSFS through the annual action, posed photo of SSFS community members

Open to the public, the SSFS Parents Association annual auction for financial aid is one of our most significant fundraising events of the year. 

Ways To Give

Photo of Athletic Fields

Your gift—no matter the size—sends a powerful message about your belief in our School, our community, and our future.  

Parents' Association

Dads support SSFS at the FriendsFest Dad's Diner

Our Parents Association provides unique and vital opportunities for connection, support, and the celebration of our phenomenal students.

Our Alumni

At SSFS, we offer meaningful and exciting opportunities for connection that foster the Springer spirit within our alumni community.