seeking information on current (post closure crisis) school environment at sandy springs friends school

[Anonymous]

Hi all, title says most of it. Our family is moving to the area and need to find a school with rolling admissions. Background on us - kids come from private prep schools in Pennsylvania that are small and nurturing and have excellent academics with manageable homework (minimal for the middle schooler and about 1.5-2 hours depending on the night, for the High Schooler (this varies depending on how hard or easy the work is for him). We liked the progressive environment. The school was small enough for excellent student support and strong academics without punishing schedules or homework loads. That was great. Seems to be a number of schools in DC that offer similar but we are late in the year for admissions, and most of the larger private schools are also just, well, shockingly expensive! we are trying to see if we can make some changes to afford it, but paying 60k per year times two for tuition is somewhere between deeply inadvisable and financially impossible for us, as we see it.

DC1 is 16 and going into 11th. 16 YO with some social anxiety and mild ADD who does great in the current environment (straight A's, including in rigorous classes) with structure and support, without meds. We would love to find a school that helps with that. DC1 is 12 and will be going into 7th. Younger kid is straight A student and makes friends easily - she'll probably thrive about anywhere, but we do like the smaller, progressive prep school environment.

Sandy Springs looks lovely, but we heard that it almost closed and reading the stories is somewhat alarming. Can a current parent or parent of recent grad weigh in? What's the vibe of the school? How much homework? What is your kid "like?" how is the parent culture? What are the students "like?" (by this I mean, they're generally kind, the atmosphere is inclusive, or there are lots of cliques and it would be hard for a socially awkward new kid to navigate the culture). DC1 is personable and participates a lot in class, but he does have social anxiety that is generally well-managed but we know this will be a challenge for him to navigate. (we'll be getting him some counseling to help with the adjustment).

Open to hearing about other schools. we'll be in DC; in the NE part of the city.

[Anonymous]

If you have an 11th grader, then you’re only dealing with 1.5 years of 2 tuitions.

SSFS has a lot of management problems. I’d look at GDS if you want progressive and are in the District.

Call the schools and see if they have spots.

[Anonymous]

If you are moving to DC proper, Sandy Springs is way out and a huge commute; I live nearby. I would probably post again and ask for more affordable private schools with an easier commute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have an 11th grader, then you’re only dealing with 1.5 years of 2 tuitions.

SSFS has a lot of management problems. I’d look at GDS if you want progressive and are in the District.

Call the schools and see if they have spots.

Did you not read the post? She said 60k was too expensive.

[Anonymous]

Friends community school in College Park would probably be a little nearer but it does finish at 8th grade. It's a lot less tuition wise than SSFS. Not the same calibre but we know some happy families there. High school is trickier for lower tuition. The only mildly affordable ones are catholic so not sure if that would work with 'progressive' though I am sure some are fairly progressive.

[Anonymous]

Field is probably too expensive, but is Burke? It’s in the low 50s. I’m not a fan of Waldorf schools, but Washington Waldorf is cheaper than SSFS. May be a good option. I wouldn’t touch SSFS with a ten foot pole. And I say that as a Quaker who was considering it for my kids in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Field is probably too expensive, but is Burke? It’s in the low 50s. I’m not a fan of Waldorf schools, but Washington Waldorf is cheaper than SSFS. May be a good option. I wouldn’t touch SSFS with a ten foot pole. And I say that as a Quaker who was considering it for my kids in the future.

+1. It sounds like Edmund Burke is literally what you're describing ("smaller, progressive prep school environment"). It's also right next to a metro stop and a much easier commute from NE DC than some others.

Most DC private schools don't "officially" do rolling admissions, but even the super competitive ones will have some version of a second/late round in the spring. Folks move in and out of DC and sometimes you need to randomly fill some spaces in late spring. Look at websites, call the admissions folks.

[Anonymous]

Current parent of an SSFS senior. Yes, the school almost closed but the current financial footing is solid, and even if my child wasn't graduating this year, I wouldn't have a problem enrolling them for next year. That said, the distance from DC itself is nothing to sneeze at, so definitely be aware of that.

To answer specific questions, the vibe is pretty laid back in general. Homework for my child has never been excessive, but also he's not really a complainer about work. I'd say my kid is very average, but the school community in general seems welcoming of everyone, and there are/have been plenty of quirky kids. I'd say that for your family, it's worth a look and a visit, but keep in mind traffic in the DC area and how long the commute might be. I also agree that Burke might be worth a look as well.

[Anonymous]

Have friends there and they say it is a lovely school with a stunning and recent renovation. I hope more people consider them so the school can continue to remain operational.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Field is probably too expensive, but is Burke? It’s in the low 50s. I’m not a fan of Waldorf schools, but Washington Waldorf is cheaper than SSFS. May be a good option. I wouldn’t touch SSFS with a ten foot pole. And I say that as a Quaker who was considering it for my kids in the future.

Why? We have heard recent feedback that the school stable, students thriving and a comeback story? Are you at the school currently?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have an 11th grader, then you’re only dealing with 1.5 years of 2 tuitions.

SSFS has a lot of management problems. I’d look at GDS if you want progressive and are in the District.

Call the schools and see if they have spots.

Unless the 11th grader plans to go to college.

[Anonymous]

We have an 11th grader and we have loved the school. Chose to stick around through the scare last year but everything is on great footing. Great leadership, great team, great teachers, great students, great culture. Current seniors are on a roll college wise. My kid likes it almost even better than before. The kids are really bonded and they are looking forward to the rest of this year and senior year! Come check it out!

[Anonymous]

Current SSFS parent. We stayed on for this year but won’t be back. IMHO opinion, with all of the new leadership, they don’t know what they want to be anymore. It used to be a very special place but our family has felt a real disconnect to their Quaker roots. There is a lot of work needed and we just can’t justify the expense anymore. I hope they come through because it was a very special place. That said, the peer group is wonderful and the campus is lovely. I do not have experience with US but have heard families remain happy there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Field is probably too expensive, but is Burke? It’s in the low 50s. I’m not a fan of Waldorf schools, but Washington Waldorf is cheaper than SSFS. May be a good option. I wouldn’t touch SSFS with a ten foot pole. And I say that as a Quaker who was considering it for my kids in the future.

Why? We have heard recent feedback that the school stable, students thriving and a comeback story? Are you at the school currently?

No, I’m not at the school - I was considering it in the future for MS/HS for DC. We live near it and the price point was a major selling point, as well as it being Quaker.

I’ve read of many small colleges closing after having financial problems that gain attention. I suspect SSFS will be closed within 10 years, probably 5 years. Number of attendees is going down. I’m sure the remaining students are more likely to be on FA that isn’t portable. Similar situation to Manhattan Country School in NYC. But we don’t even know the whole financial picture as they don’t release a 990 since it’s not required as a religious institution.

[Anonymous]

We are a current US family (DC1 graduated from SSFS and we just signed our contract to return next year for DC2 even though we contemplated leaving after last year). Both our children have had a great academic, social and athletic experience. The US is our favorite of the 3 divisions and I cannot recommend it enough. Caring thoughtful teachers who know when to nudge you forward or give you extra support to overcome a sticking point. Our oldest came out of there with incredible writing and critical thinking skills and is doing well at the college of their choice and has many close friends from SSFS days. This year has been solid for DC2 - much growth in confidence and intellectual curiosity. We do not love the commute or the price tag but I cannot deny the positive and nurturing learning experience.

You are asking the right questions. I find this forum to be a mixed bag - but that’s the case with all online anonymous forums. A shadow experience might be really helpful for your DC to get a feel for the school day and the kids. Ask to speak to parents in the grades you are entering also and ask pointed questions.

Good luck with your decision (and the move).