Sandy Spring Friends School in Ashton-Sandy Spring

Posted: January 26, 2026

The teachers are the beating heart of the Upper School and they are amazing! They are dedicated and gifted professionals and almost every one goes above and beyond to make learning engaging, to seek out extra enrichment activities, and to support students when they struggle. I see the care they put into their daily lessons and the emphasis on getting students not just to memorize the "how" and the "what" but to truly understand "why this matters." They are all here because they want to be.

I also see my child gaining confidence through interacting with their teachers, learning the give-and-take of seminar discussions, learning how to respectfully advocate for themselves or ask for clarification or even the occasional extension. These skills help prepare them to engage with college professors and future bosses. I am confident my child is getting an individualized and top-notch education and I know they are well-prepared for college.

Posted: January 26, 2026

Posted: January 18, 2026

We joined the SSFS middle school 2 years ago and we could not be more happy. Our child has always been academically gifted, but struggled in public school to feel like he belonged socially. With the incredible emotional and academic support of the entire SSFS school, our son is now happier than ever. He continues to soar academically, but now hes challenged to grow in ways he never experienced in public school. He and his teachers have a strong mutual respect, he has amassed a large group of wonderful friends, he participates in numerous activities like trivia and chess club, and he is genuinely excited to attend school every day. We cannot imagine a more loving and academically stimulating environment to grow our child into a responsible young man. We are also confident that SSFS will pre-position our child for great success in college.

Posted: January 18, 2026

Posted: January 16, 2026

From the moment I set foot on the SSFS campus for a tour, I knew this was the school for our child. The "vibe" was like nothing I had experienced on any other school tour. The campus is stunning and allows the students to play and relax in nature daily. The teachers and staff are second to none - caring, supportive, communicative, and invested in the students' academic and socioemotional well-being. The academic program is rigorous, but supports the children as whole people, with their individual strengths and weaknesses, and the material is presented in creative ways that engage children. Our child has made great friends and truly loves going to school every day. The Quaker education he is receiving at SSFS is helping him become a creative, caring, empathetic person who is ready to "let [his life] speak."

Posted: January 16, 2026

Posted: November 18, 2025

We are a new family to SSFS and could not be more thrilled with our experience. My daughter (who is now a 10th grader) was very apprehensive about changing schools. I am elated to share that my daughter and our entire family has had the most wonderful experience ever since moving over to SSFS. The school is absolutely phenomenal and offers the most top notch academic and social support I've ever seen as a parent. My daughter is thriving and comes home from school overflowing with joy every day. She receives amazing academic support; her teachers and all the administrators are absolutely wonderful to work with and it is apparent how much this community loves being together. I was also worried about my daughter making friends at a new high school, but she was quickly wrapped up in this warm and loving community and surrounded by peers and school staff who worked tirelessly to make her feel welcome. My daughter is thriving in so many ways - she is being challenged academically, she is fully adapted to the social environment, she has joined sports teams and many activities and has been invited and encouraged to join the community in many other ways. I can't say enough great things about SSFS. As a parent, nothing makes me happier than to see my daughter happy at the end of each school day. I only wish I had found SSFS sooner. The school is truly a gem and one of the best choices I have ever made for our family.

Posted: November 18, 2025

Posted: November 2, 2025

I am a parent of two SSFS alums and one current student. Our two grads are in college and grad school.The SSFS school and community have helped nuture our kids academics, gifts, curiosity, leadership, and most importantly a sense of ownership of their academic experience. As young people, they learned a level of self-advocacy and confidence that I didn't garner until I was an adult.
The faculty has changed over the last 9 years since we first joined. But I have consistently witnessed dedicated teachers that sow into each of their students. The Quaker spirit of valuing each person on the campus from the students to administrators to staff that maintain the beautiful grounds is a constant presence.
Even with the changes that have taken place over our time at the school (especially recently), our family has no regrets in the decision to send our kids there. The moments of uncertainty have only emboldened the current community/alums to ensure that SSFS is here for generations to come.

Posted: October 24, 2025

Sandy Spring Friends School has been an incredible gift for our family. From the moment we first stepped onto campus, we felt embraced by the warmth, kindness, and genuine sense of belonging that make this community so special. There is something deeply personal about the way SSFS welcomes families and values each child as a whole person. It is a place where children are encouraged to grow not only in knowledge but also in empathy, curiosity, and integrity.

The schools strong emphasis on social-emotional learning is evident every day. Students are guided to be kind, thoughtful, and self-aware, learning how to navigate the world with compassion and confidence. The diversity (including neurodiversity) within the community is both meaningful and celebrated, creating an environment where every student feels seen and valued. Individual differences are not only accepted but truly honored, and that sense of inclusion helps each child flourish in their own way.

The teachers at SSFS are exceptional. They take the time to understand each students strengths, challenges, and passions, and they meet children exactly where they are. This individualized attention fosters both academic excellence and personal growth. The small student-to-teacher ratio makes it possible for teachers to build real relationships with their students, which results in deeper learning and genuine trust.

One of the most unique and wonderful aspects of SSFS is its farming program. Students have the opportunity to care for animals, grow crops, and learn about sustainability, responsibility, and compassion for living things. It connects classroom learning with the natural world in such an authentic way and teaches lessons that go far beyond textbooks.

Sandy Spring Friends School is nurturing, inspiring, and grounded in its Quaker values. It helps shape not just smart students, but good peoplechildren who care deeply about others and the world around them. We are so grateful to be part of this extraordinary community.

Posted: October 6, 2025

This school is truly a warm, inviting place where children are accepted for exactly who they are. From the moment we joined the community, we felt welcomed and valued. The environment is one of kindness, respect, and genuine carewhere people look out for one another and lift each other up.

What stands out most to me is how the school teaches children to advocate for themselves and others. My kids are learning not just academics, but how to be thoughtful, compassionate individuals. They are seen, heard, and deeply cared forand as a parent, that means everything.

The learning here is rich and meaningful. Children engage in incredible experiential opportunities at every grade levelcamping, traveling, working on a farm, and connecting with the broader community. These are the kinds of experiences that shape character, build confidence, and create lasting memories.

This school truly teaches kindness, and it shows in every interaction. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this amazing community. I love this place and couldn't imagine a better environment for my children to grow and thrive.

Posted: October 6, 2025

Posted: October 5, 2025

SSFS has been amazing for our child. He has grown both academically and social-emotionally at this school. We are incredibly grateful to have found a place that values each individual and helps everyone shine. Our child is thriving academically, but even more so, he is learning how to be a good human being, to be kind to himself and others, and to understand the world and his impact on it. Being able to drop him off every morning at a school filled with nurturing, deeply committed staff and supportive friends is a privilege we are incredibly grateful for. For our family, SSFS is more than a school. It is a safe space, a second family, and a much needed place in today's world.

Posted: October 5, 2025

Posted: September 28, 2025

Our son has been attending SSFS since he started the 6th grade in 2022. Sending him to SSFS, especially for middle school, was one of the best decisions we could make. SSFS is a college preparatory school with small class sizes, a diverse student population, and where everyone from the students, their families, faculty, staff and administrators are deeply committed to the values of simplicity, equality, honesty, respect, peaceful resolution of conflict, and community involvement. When the school notified families in April of 2025 that they would be closing their doors for good, we were devastated. We were even more heartbroken when we had to start the search to find another school for our son and could not find another school that came close to providing the kind of environment that SSFS provided for our son. Needless to say, we were ecstatic when the school announced that they would be able to stay open for good and that we had witnessed first-hand the kind of love and support SSFS has from people near and far. Under new leadership at all levels of the school and the Board of Trustees, we are watching the school correct its course and continue to flourish. We are excited that our son is now attending upper school at SSFS, and we are excited for others to join us!

Posted: September 28, 2025

Sandy Spring Friends School is a nurturing, academically rigorous community that values and works to the strengths of every child. Our child is in the upper school and has truly thrived in the two years hes been there. This school teaches and lives the values that are so critical in the current climate. Its graduates are free thinkers who are empowered to advocate for themselves and to see the light in others.

Posted: September 28, 2025

We have been at SSFS for 4 years. This is truly a special place. The instruction has always been excellent, and the teachers have been uniformly supportive in the growth of my children. This school is a place where everyone is welcomed and loved for the light that shines in all of us. It is a place of acceptance, nurturing and care.. The past year has presented its challenges (unlike any other year we have experienced since joining the community), but it has also demonstrated the community's commitment to this very special institution, and I am glad that I am still here. i have no question about my child's educational experience. And I know that my child is well cared for in every way necessary. Come check us out!

Posted: September 28, 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025

SSFS is the DMVs best and brightest hidden gem. From pre-primary grades to 12th, teachers and staff support, respect, uplift, and truly strive to see each student as best as they humanly can! I have parented children in all three divisions at SSFS over the years. I am so grateful to have found a welcoming, active, fun, caring community where parents, teachers, staff (including employees in the cafeteria, maintenance, administrative, security, etc.) and school leaders work in partnership to uphold the schools motto: Let Your Lives Speak. I wish every kid could have a Sandy Spring education!

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: May 14, 2025

I'm the parent of a 6th grader. At SSFS, my daughter can go to a quiet space and hear rain sounds and be in the same building as a dog while she plugs away at a class assignment. She can make a plan with her advisor to make up missed work and own the mapping out of that process. She was taught how to write an email in her first week of 6th grade-signature and everything. She walks outside to lunch or classes. Her pockets always have weird nature bits in them when they hit the laundry. She is kind and observant, and those qualities are only getting stronger. She calmly advocates for herself at home using all the good words-stuff I didnt learn to do until my 30s. She is friends with some really awesome kids. Shes seen and known and cared about.
The teachers in the middle school really hold space for the social-emotional ups and downs that are a signature part of early adolescence. In my observation, kids in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade are not made to feel like their teen emotions are inconvenient.

For what it's worth, I also have an 8th grader in public school. The two kids' experiences are pretty different.
The sense of community at SSFS and the feeling that there is always an adult who has my kiddo's back are something special about Sandy Spring. The best way I can describe the feeling I have with SSFS is that it's the same sort of feeling I get when I am not with my kids, but I know one of my good "mom friends" is--like if my 12 year old goes to the pool with her bff who's mom is one of my bff's. That sort of confidence is the same sort of confidence I feel from the teachers of the SSFS middle school. So..needless to say, I don't ever worry about kind of day my kid is having there. She's always in good hands.

Posted: May 14, 2025

SSFS has the best teachers, hands down. When the school hit hard times and it looked like they were going to stop operating, other schools saw an opportunity to attract the newly displaced and highly talented staff. Fortunately, quick action has allowed the school to continue and with any luck every one of the amazing, talented, caring, and engaged staff will stay on. The curriculum is challenging, and this leads to great outcomes for the students, who develop a love of learning through positive interactions with their teachers and friends. Sure, there are occasional hiccups and challenges; thats just a normal part of growing up and learning. Our kids love the school dearly and we plan to continue until we complete 12th grade.

Posted: May 14, 2025

Our student has grown so much over the last year at SSFS- our outside family has even commented on the growth they've seen.

We never considered a private school until last year when our daughter was really struggling in public school. Teachers had written her off as being disruptive. When we found SSFS, it was a breath of fresh air. She is thriving- has great friends, fabulous faculty who partner so well with parents, and a committed staff and administrative team who love her. We are fully committed to returning to the school for years to come and have so much excitement and enthusiasm for the direction the school is going. A new Head of School is joining on a multi-year contract, the new Head of Lower School is incredible, the new Middle School Head of School arrives this summer, and the Head of the Upper School is returning (and is phenomenal).

While the school had financial concerns this last year, thanks to generous donors, the school is on track and now working on an impressive endowment. My honest opinion is that it will set SSFS up for a stronger future than many other peer schools.

Posted: May 14, 2025

Posted: May 13, 2025

SSFS has allowed my child to grow and flourish, intellectually, academically and socially. This warm community has nurtured my child and his classmates and he has emerged as a more confident, more purpose driven, and more wise individual, about himself, his surroundings, his environment and his world. It's a special place!!

Posted: May 13, 2025

When my now 9th grader was in 6th grade, we were looking for a change from his current school and we toured SSFS. While we couldn't put our finger on it, there was just something special about the school. It was different from any other place we looked, in the best ways. It was academically strong and would challenge my child in that way, but there are many schools like that. SSFS stood apart because of the sense of belonging, the way students are encouraged to grow and try new things, and the way they are celebrated for putting their best effort into those new tasks. There were also the opportunities to be excellent in and opportunities to grow into areas of excellence, and the opportunity to simply enjoy a new passion. The students were respected members of the community and were met at their level. There is a beautiful recognition that they are still children and still learning, and allowed to make (safe) mistakes, with the goal of learning from those errors. We also love that the school appreciated the need for, and then fully supports, a facility dog on the middle school (named Hawkeye). Hawkeye was a key part of helping my kid transition into the school, and then provides comfort when talking with the counselor, and is just great to see walking around campus! We love SSFS!

Posted: May 13, 2025

My kids are thriving at SSFS. It's a place where the teachers truly "get" their students, making deep connections that go well beyond just making sure they're understanding the academics. It's the best place for my kids to learn to be good humans :-) We chose SSFS because we wanted a place where everyone is welcomed, accepted, and encouraged. We deeply appreciate the strong focus on social/emotional aspects.

We were devastated when we learned the school was planning to close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. And then thrilled to learn that our amazing community came together to save our beloved school. I'm thankful we can continue to be a part of this fantastic community!

Posted: May 13, 2025

As an alumni ('93) that did not learn the mainstream way, my mother struggled to find a school that was a good fit for me as a student. After struggling at a couple of other schools that put the burden of translating any disconnect between the learner and the teacher, on the parents, I landed at SSFS. Not only were the teachers engaged, creative, and patient in their efforts to reach and teach every student, their sustained support helped build me up as a person. Almost 30 years later, when looking for a school that could help my youngest get back on track after "virtual learning" during COVID, SSFS was there for us. The teachers had the same dedication as their predecessors did, but also had so much more support with learning specialists and counselors. In the four years my son has been there, we have seen him grow into a confident, engaging, self-advocate that can manage his school work effectively. We are so looking forward to how SSFS will help him develop over him remaining 3 years in high school.

Posted: May 13, 2025

Posted: September 22, 2024

Our child is doing well at SSFS Upper School, enjoying the engaging curriculum and supportive teachers. The staff is passionate and dedicated, fostering a comfortable social environment. With a focus on understanding concepts within context, our child has access to interesting AP courses and a well-balanced schedule, thanks to the attentive advisors. After 10 years in this community, we wholeheartedly encourage anyone looking for an inclusive school to visit SSFS.

Posted: September 22, 2024

Posted: September 8, 2024

My child is a senior at SSFS and I would not recommend this school at all. First, the administration doesn't care about the concerns of students or parents. Administrators will nod sympathetically as you speak, tell you they will get back to you, then send an email essentially closing the door in your face. No discussion, no explanation. Everything from bullying to misappropriation of funds gets whitewashed. Second, the school lacks academic rigor. This may be acceptable for students who struggle academically, but high achievers will not get any support at SSFS. As long as students meet the very low academic standards set by teachers, very few teachers provide any individuation for high achievers. When students matriculate, they are given a basic math test to determine what math class to enroll in. But all the other classes are standard for everyone and regardless of how advanced a student is, they will need to dumb down to the school's low standards. And there are very few classes to choose from compared to most private schools. Third, the school gives lip service to its Quaker identity but does not embody Quaker values. Fourth, while the school describes its disciplinary system as based on Quaker values, it is characterized by favoritism, inconsistency, and ineffectiveness. The school ignores bullying when the student perpetrators are favored by the Deans - thus enabling bullying on campus. Fifth, some teachers think it is okay to spread rumors about students - even rumors that are entirely untrue. Sixth, teachers (like parents) are alienated by administrative policies. There is an extremely high attrition rate among students and faculty alike. Moreover, in four years, there have been four different Heads of Upper School. These heads are leaving because they obviously know something that the administration is not disclosing to its families. And last July the Head of School was abruptly fired. The school has serious problems and there is no indication it is improving.

Posted: September 8, 2024

Posted: April 8, 2023

During the pandemic my child started in Pre-K 3. The school made the decision to clear the campus of students K-12 for virtual learning but let the little ones stay on campus. They engaged the parents and asked us what we thought. We opted for our prk3 and 4 to stay. I loved the engagement with the teachers, the updates and accessibility. My child had a great pre school experience. He is finishing kindergarten there and has had a fantastic beginning. We are moving on for family reasons but I highly recommend at the least pre school through kindergarten there. They truly care about the kids in the lower school and Kids After Hours was a fantastic experience!

Posted: April 8, 2023

Posted: February 22, 2023

Sandy Spring Friends School has provided an outstanding environment for both my children to learn and grow. I have been extremely impressed by the school's approach to learning -- creating an encouraging and supportive academic environment, where the teachers truly care about the students and make every effort to help them succeed. SSFS focuses on academics while also fostering a caring environment that puts meaningful attention and resources toward ensuring that every student can thrive.

Posted: September 30, 2021

My experience as a parent began as very optimistic about the beautiful campus, experienced teachers and Quaker values. As my child began to show some learning differences my child and I experienced harshness and alienation from some teachers and the parent community. Some of the teachers exceeded expectations others did not come close to meeting expectations. Quaker values exist on paper and talked about at the school but are not practiced. My child did learn excellent citizenship but was purged due to the learning differences. Though I was very active with the school, we have not heard from anyone after we left. Quaker values? I think not.

Posted: September 30, 2021

Posted: February 1, 2021

We were nervous about moving our daughters from California to Maryland. As a family with two wary high school students, the stakes were high. There were bumps along the way, as with any transition, but ultimately both girls found their way, due in large part to the school. Access to teachers who care and other students who were interested in them and who welcomed them really helped. I like that the girls came home wanting to share stories and ideas after school. I could tell the learning (in and out of the classroom) captured their attention. For me, as a parent, the engaged parent community also helped. Normally by high school, its harder for parents to engage in a new school but Sandy Spring Friends takes the concept of community seriously. When the new Headmaster talks with the girls, they are interested in what he has to say. They tell me he asks good questions and is reassuring as a leader during these chaotic times.

Posted: February 1, 2021

Posted: December 9, 2019

I would give this school a 10/10 because of the way they go above and beyond

Posted: December 9, 2019

The homework given is challenging enough for students to grasp what is being taught

Posted: December 9, 2019

The teachers go above and beyond to ensure the students success

Posted: December 9, 2019

Yes, definitely with integrity and compassion. I have not seen kids who cared so much for each other.

Posted: December 9, 2019

They instill confidence in the students to allow them to feel comfortable stepping up into a position to lead themselves as well as others

Posted: December 9, 2019

I would say yes. Ive heard students laud the school for helping them when they had difficulty grasping concepts or learning disabilities.

Posted: December 9, 2019

I have received emails where students are asked to leave for bullying

Posted: December 6, 2019

Highly recommend the preschool. I dont think there is possibly a better program available.

Posted: December 6, 2019

My child is in preschool, so there is no homework

Posted: December 6, 2019

The preschool has been great. the attention teachers give to each student shows.

Posted: December 6, 2019

This school has great values that are taught early on in preschool.

Posted: December 6, 2019

I think the lower school was very well organized.

Posted: December 6, 2019

No experience with this, as my child did not require extra help.

Posted: December 6, 2019

Posted: July 29, 2019

It has been our experience that SSFS teachers demonstrate mastery in their content areas and are able to impart their knowledge to students. Our son's academic and emotional intelligence has thrived this year and his comfort in the classroom is a direct result of a clear love of teaching and dedication to students.

Posted: July 29, 2019

My husband and I are extremely pleased with the values that are being instilled in our son. One of our objectives as parents is to ensure that he becomes a good person who treats others with kindness, compassion and respect. We love that the school sets aside days where students are responsible for cleaning up the community. Its refreshing for students to focus on important things other than themselves. Weve also been pleased with school activities that have provided several opportunities for students to form bonds and lasting relationships. Weve enjoyed listening to his stories of unforgettable experiences. One of the most memorable stories, is a service trip that he attended in Puerto Rico to rebuild a house that was affected by Hurricane Maria. The family that he helped left an impression on him and incentive to do more. This experience not only reinforced the schools values but ours as well.

Posted: July 29, 2019

The teachers have fostered a healthy and rewarding educational experience for our son and have successfully developed a rapport with students (& parents) that exemplifies mutual respect, fairness and caring.

Posted: July 29, 2019

Sandy Spring Friends School offers many features that help to shape our son as a student and life-long learner. The small class sizes enable teachers to make genuine connections with students. Based on conversations during parent/teacher conferences, it is apparent that our sons teachers have a genuine grasp of who he is and his capabilities. Its a small community in which everyone really seems to know one another. We have been pleased with our decision to join the SSFS community.

Posted: April 3, 2019

Not at all. For all of the above reasons, dont waste your time or money if youre looking for an atmosphere that will be deal with bullying. The admins are bought by the most influential parents. Some teachers are good but many are part of the problem/will scapegoat their students to make a problem go away. And as mentioned, the bullying has gotten so bad that it has actually caused classes to fall so behind on their curriculum, the students are not ready to enter the next grade level. Many teachers here are very hardworking, but this only goes so far in an administration that essentially normalizes this kind of behavior from students and their parents.

Posted: April 3, 2019

My experience watching my siblings go through this school was painful. When I was a student there, I had an okayif not goodexperience, but something has changed. Though I recognize the potential bias in being so close to what happened, I hope that some of these examples will help people recognize that this is not a healthy school environment and it needs to be changed for the better. Kids deserve more.

Posted: April 3, 2019

When students in my brothers class were having behavioral problems, they made them re-read a book about bullying that theyd already read instead of actually holding kids accountable and teaching them discipline/kindness. Bullies will happen in school, but when it gets to the point where it overruns your curriculum and homework, and a majority of students are taking summer school or other supplemental classes just to get to a middle school level, something is wrong.

Posted: April 3, 2019

When I went there, I had a good experience; got into a good college with academic scholarship. My siblings, not so much. Again, disciplinary problems were so unchecked that no learning was actually done, teachers accommodated the unruliness rather than addressing it, and most kids were not ready for middle school at the end of the school year, as they were unable to cover more than half the needed entry curriculum.

Posted: April 3, 2019

A group of high school students vandalized the classrooms of female teachers, left tampons with red marker blood on them in the rooms, and wrote sexual harassment directed at them on the board. And the school did nothing to change this culture. This is only one of many examples of how the majority-white, wealthy student bodyparticularly malesare told that they can get away with any kind of behavior.

Posted: April 3, 2019

Something is very wrong here. Perhaps the administration cares more about money than about the kids? They dont hold students accountable for their actions and they seem to bend over backwards for rich/well-established/influential families. Elementary school kids got away with extreme bullying and parents were able to pin it on less established students, scapegoating them and whining to the administration who didnt care enough to actually find out the truth to a situation. Again, bullying will happen pretty much anywhere, but for a school that claims to be innovative, different, and promoting of Quaker valuesand costs THIS MUCH moneyto fail their students so badly both in education and emotionally? Dont waste your money or time.

Posted: April 3, 2019

Posted: November 16, 2015

In response to the previous reviewerof COURSE they don't get paid well! They are here because they LOVE what they do, they are dedicated and passionate educators, unlike many public school teachers who are in it for the tenure, benefits, and retirement packages!

Posted: November 16, 2015

The teachers model and discuss these traits daily, and follow up on any issues that arise

Posted: November 16, 2015

We send our children to SSFS for the strong values-based education. The academics are stellar as well, and they have a rich arts program, as well as the full complement of sports. What underlies all of these programs, however, is the expectation that courtesy, kindness, and service to the greater community are equally important in helping children grow to be excellent human beings. All you have to do is speak with any graduate or Upper Schooler and you will be so impressed with the level of respect and thoughtfulness you see. These older kids are who I want my little guys to turn out to be. I don't honestly care if they go to "Ivy" schools or not (although I think the fact that the Quiz Bowl team at SSFS has consistently won championship games in the last several years speaks pretty well for the rigor of the academics?). My kids are learning to be good people, and I am so thankful they are surrounded by those expectations every day.

Posted: September 2, 2015

I don't like the current administration. In my opinion, the place has always been clicky to the point of being inbred. Too much parent involvement in sports. Yet, the athletic dept does not appear to have any coherent aim. Some teams appear run for the benefit of a few. Other teams purport to be run for the benefit of all. End result, many teams are uncompetitive and appear run to lose.
Academically, the language program is quite good. English is mediocre. Math and science fall somewhere in between. Not what I would call a stepping stone to the Ivy League.
The campus is nice. Unfortunately, capital projects have forced the school to continually raise tuition, while preventing any upgrade to administrators or teachers.
In my experience, you pay quite a bit of money, and they don't seem to care if you see any issues.

Posted: September 2, 2015

To me, many appear to coast and complain. I also believe that some should not be there. The school just seems to want bodies in the classroom. I doubt that they pay much, especially given all the capital projects in need of money.

Posted: September 2, 2015

Too many group projects used to prop up underperformers. No consequence to late asignments. Hand it in three days late and get the same grade as those who bother to do work on time. Not a great lesson for kids to learn.

Posted: September 2, 2015

I believe that the school teaches the students that life is not always fair. That's too bad. Kids can learn that for free.

Posted: August 18, 2015

They are very nice and plus I like the the idea about the iPad an say go to this school it awesome

Posted: August 17, 2015

I love SSFS!! We have a fabulous community of students, parents, faculty and staff!! The campus is awesome.

Posted: May 12, 2015

I didn't want to go to Sandy Spring Friends when my parent first suggested it. I didn't want to leave my other school, but my parents didn't think I was getting a very good education there. I am happy to say that my parents were right to enroll me at Sandy Spring. I learned more than I had dreamed- so much more than I think I would have anywhere else. The knowledge I obtained goes far beyond academics. Although I was able to take AP classes and was always challenged by the curriculum, it's the ancillary benefits of attending SSFS that have made me the person I am. I was able to travel to interesting places, immersing myself in other cultures. I had classes with students from other countries everyday. I was able to participate in sports that I would have been cut from at a larg school. I learned the beauty of silence. The teachers genuinely cared about the person I was becoming, offering advice along with academics. They also appreciated the things that made me unique in a way I hadn't experienced at my old school. If you're looking for a school that provides more than just AP classes and high-pressure testing, but engages students in a variety of activities, look to SSFS!

Posted: February 27, 2015

I don't know what that other student is talking about. Sounds like a pretty unhappy person, I'm really sorry they have had this experience. But all I can say is I've been here for 5 years, started in the lower school, went through middle school, now in upper school. I used to go to a good public school in MoCo, did fine there and had friends, got good grades, etc. But the academics weren't that interesting and when kids were bullied, nobody really did anything. At SSFS, the teachers make all of the subjects really interesting, they totally involve us students in the learning, and they definitely expect us to be kind to each other, I have NEVER seen anyone here be "bullied." Kids are mean sometimes, sure, but the difference here is that the teachers work with us CONSTANTLY (honestly sometimes it's a little annoying how much!) on how to be kind to each other and take care of our community and the world around us. I love it here, it is like my second family.

Posted: December 17, 2014

We have had four children at SSFS in each of the three divisions for the past 5 years. I am a teacher at another area school, and I researched SSFS very thoroughly before sending my kids there. In the past five years, I have watched each if my children grow exponentially as kind and thoughtful friends, engaged and creative thinkers, and committed, caring members of society. I am 100% thrilled with this school and it's consistently excellent teachers, exacting yet creative and developmentally appropriate curriculum, and commitment to service learning and social justice.

Posted: December 8, 2013

Teachers have been there for years and are not current in professional development. The school has a tendency to hire alumni or family of alumni, who teach the way they were taught . Rather than according to standards and practice. There is little oversight and/or guidance for the faculty because there is a shell of administrative support staff. Suddenly this year, the school has linked some of their upper school curricular content directly to the Common Core outcomes, but few of the faculty have the skills to teach the Common Core because they are not required to learn it or keep current in learning theory. I have heard it is because they are trying to get reaccredited. The school has never functioned as a school with an integrated and implemented curriculum at least for the years our kids were there.

Posted: September 19, 2013

Two of our children attended the Lower School at SSFS. We had an inconsistent experience at the school. The pros: the art and music programs, the beautiful campus, the interaction between the divisions (Lower School, Middle School, Upper School), the focus on service to community and the environment and the time spent engaging with nature. The cons: lack of accountability from the teachers, persistent behavior problems in the classes, lack of differentiation in very small classes, weak math and science instruction. The new head of the Lower School has addressed many of these issues and has made changes to the math curriculum and discipline policies, but some of the veteran teachers pay lip service to those changes at best. K and 2nd grade have outstanding faculty and solid teaching and classroom management; other classes are less positive experiences both socially and academically. The parent group is not particularly involved with a small group of parents who contribute a lot of time and energy and a large group who do very little. Classes are small which seems great on the surface but makes it hard for kids to be part of meaningful academic and social groups.

Posted: April 25, 2013

Sandy Spring Friends Middle School. There are many things to love about SSFS, but the middle school has some challenges. The academic quality ranges from outstanding to poor so it can be hit or miss. After years of complaints, nothing has been done about it; the same teachers are kept for whatever reason although many, many parents have complained. ALL of the teachers are good human beings, but some for some, teaching is a challenge! Unfortunately, the head of the middle school prefers appeasing the teachers to addressing concerns of the parents, so the previous feeling of community that was a strong point of the entire school has been diluted. It is a beautiful campus, with many wonderful people who care deeply for the school and its students, but the Middle School program definitely needs some work!

Posted: March 2, 2013

What a Wonderful place for young minds to develop and thrive. My son loves to go to school! All children should be able to experience this.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Norwood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Olney	MD	1.4 mi
2	Iverly	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	6.5 mi
3	Maple Lawn	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fulton	MD	6.9 mi
4	DuMont Oaks	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	7.4 mi
5	Forest Knolls	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	8.1 mi
6	White Flint	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	8.5 mi
7	Hillandale	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	8.5 mi
8	Old Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	8.8 mi
9	Lakelands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Gaithersburg	MD	11.1 mi
10	Takoma Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Takoma Park	MD	11.1 mi
11	The Willoughby	Condominium/Townhouse	Chevy Chase	MD	13.1 mi
12	Water's Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Germantown	MD	13.6 mi
13	Midway Common	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fort Meade	MD	14.5 mi
14	The Greens at Locust Chapel	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ellicott City	MD	15.3 mi
15	Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Elkridge	MD	15.7 mi
16	The Provinces	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Severn	MD	16 mi
17	Lake Village Town Homes	Apartment Complex	Severn	MD	16.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Hammond Hills	Laurel	MD	7.4 mi
2	White Oak	Silver Spring	MD	8.5 mi
3	Laurel	Laurel	MD	10.1 mi
4	Silver Spring	Silver Spring	MD	10.7 mi
5	Kentlands	Gaithersburg	MD	11.7 mi
6	Georgetown	Washington	DC	16.3 mi
7	Arlington	Arlington	VA	17 mi
8	Washington DC	Washington D.C.	DC	17.3 mi

Base	Distance
Walter Reed Medical Center	10.5 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	16.1 mi.
Fort Myer	18.5 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	18.5 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	18.8 mi.
Fort McNair	19.1 mi.
Pentagon	19.1 mi.
Henderson Hall	19.3 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	19.5 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	21.1 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	21.6 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	22.3 mi.
Andrews AFB	24.6 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	24.8 mi.
NRO Chantilly	29.1 mi.
Fort Detrick	29.5 mi.
Fort Belvoir	30.7 mi.
US Naval Academy	31.2 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	31.8 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	39.3 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	47.8 mi.

Sandy Spring Friends School

Ashton-Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Refine Search

National Ad

Sandy Spring Friends School

Ashton-Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Refine Search

National Ad

Email Address *

*We take your personal information very seriously and will never give it to a 3rd party. If you don't enjoy the email series, you can always unsubscribe at anytime.*

We take your personal information very seriously and will never give it to a 3rd party. If you don't enjoy the email series, you can always unsubscribe at anytime.