SSFS?

[Anonymous]

Any word on how Sandy Spring did in recruiting new students for US? I’m hoping it will be an option (we live close by) when my DC is applying next year.

[Anonymous]

That simply isn’t true. Yes, the school is smaller but the idea that it’s not viable completely misunderstands last years crisis. Last year, the school owed a (7 figure?) balloon payment on a loan, plus three buildings had major HVAC failures ahead of projected need.

The major influx of cash from donors addressed those issues. Balloon payment paid. HVAC work paid for, along with some other capital improvements. New governance and leadership is in place. The crisis is over.

The school can run, and is running, on a smaller budget with lower enrollment. And that will grow over time.

OP, to answer your question, those numbers aren’t out yet. I assume because acceptances just went out Friday so it’s way too soon. But we do know that re-enrollment went very well and that the school has been buzzing with shadows for months now. From a parent perspective, things seem really good and I’m very hopeful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That simply isn’t true. Yes, the school is smaller but the idea that it’s not viable completely misunderstands last years crisis. Last year, the school owed a (7 figure?) balloon payment on a loan, plus three buildings had major HVAC failures ahead of projected need.

The major influx of cash from donors addressed those issues. Balloon payment paid. HVAC work paid for, along with some other capital improvements. New governance and leadership is in place. The crisis is over.

The school can run, and is running, on a smaller budget with lower enrollment. And that will grow over time.

OP, to answer your question, those numbers aren’t out yet. I assume because acceptances just went out Friday so it’s way too soon. But we do know that re-enrollment went very well and that the school has been buzzing with shadows for months now. From a parent perspective, things seem really good and I’m very hopeful.

Can you tell us what cuts the school has made to operate on lower enrollment?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:while ALL independent schools are struggling with enrollment

What other independent schools are struggling with enrollment? I'm in DC and just do not see it.

[Anonymous]

We have an 8th grader at another private school and we’ve seen and connected with a few SSFS families at tours, open houses, and admitted student events and we know of at least 3 who aren’t coming back next year. If you’re looking for 9th grade next year I would contact enrollment before enrolling to ask about how many 8th graders are coming back.

[Anonymous]

I just don't really understand how the current enrollment can support such a large facility. Especially after the donated funding runs out. Yes the debt was paid off, but what about the ongoing costs?

[Anonymous]

I agree with pp. I would think at some point SSFS would consider renting out one of their buildings. The dorm is no longer in use I presume? Was there a specified reason they couldn’t? I seem to recall one. Green Acres rented to Diener for a few years. The campus is far too large for the enrollment it has

[Anonymous]

This is why I wish religious schools still published their 990s. They provide so much useful information but unfortunately few religious schools that don’t need to provide them actually do. Transparency is great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with pp. I would think at some point SSFS would consider renting out one of their buildings. The dorm is no longer in use I presume? Was there a specified reason they couldn’t? I seem to recall one. Green Acres rented to Diener for a few years. The campus is far too large for the enrollment it has

Probably because with so many schools experiencing flat enrollment or worse, there's not much market for dorm space.

[Anonymous]

But couldn’t those dorms be converted to offices or classrooms?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But couldn’t those dorms be converted to offices or classrooms?

They could, but why? The smaller enrollment has reduced the need for classrooms. Less kids, less staff, less offices needed.

The question isn't "what could possibly be done with buildings?" The question is how does SSFS afford to maintain and operate all these buildings that it no longer actually needs.

[Anonymous]

What happened to the Chinese international students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What happened to the Chinese international students?

Covid and Trump significantly impacted the enrollment of dorm students at most private schools including SSFS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What happened to the Chinese international students?

Covid and Trump significantly impacted the enrollment of dorm students at most private schools including SSFS.

Covid maybe but you can’t blame this particular issue on Trump. Dorm closed before the election.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What happened to the Chinese international students?

Covid and Trump significantly impacted the enrollment of dorm students at most private schools including SSFS.

Covid maybe but you can’t blame this particular issue on Trump. Dorm closed before the election.

You can blame everything on Trump. The school had problems before trump but regenerating an international presence is impossible with trumpism impacting student visas.