Looking for current input on Sandy Spring Friends School
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Anonymous
| I definitely would not come to the LS this year. There is a reason so many staff and the head of LS is quitting and it’s not “this just happens everywhere” that’s what the head of school wants you to think. Don’t believe that. 40% of the LS families didn’t re enroll and many more are pulling out of contracts. That says it all. Why else does the school even have so many open spots this late? People who say they had a good experience or it’s a nice community is telling about under the previous head of school. It’s been a steady downhill under the current head. Next years LS plan is an experiment meant to cover the fact that finding the 5th head of LS in 5 years is an impossible task. If you want to be part of that experiment by all means enroll. If you value your sanity and money, go anywhere else. |
Anonymous
What is the reason for so much turnover of ls heads? And 40% of families not re-enrolling? I feel like that can’t be true. |
Anonymous
| The problems with staffing, administration, discipline, erratic increases in tuition - there are many factors for families being unhappy. Families are more likely to leave in LS and MS, which is why the attrition rate is highest in those divisions. But also why the school is trying to fill spots this late. Things may settle out in a few years, but next year with the new structure in LS, and interim admin, and so much staff turnover - is not likely to be a year of stability. Too many unknowns. So for a new family I would suggest to wait and see how things pan out before spending that kind of money. |
Anonymous
| LS and US both have a lot of head turnover. But the school in general has a lot of upper admin turnover, related to their unhappiness with working with the new head of school. |
Anonymous
| What the main issues with the new HOS? |
Anonymous
OP I have grown children. And have done private and public in MOCO and boarding places like Andover. I agree there are no good places to find concrete information. Here are my thoughts. 1. Educate each child like they are an only child what is great for one may not be good for others. 2. Private is not inherently better than public most likely no where near as better for HS. Especially in college admissions, math and science. 3. Sandy springs friends school has this much turnover for first grade I would be inclined to go to your home school. 4. MCPS elementary is better than fine, don’t listen to the gas lighters in this board. . 5. Middle school you need to move or find a really good private . SS friends might be that. It has traditionally been a fabulous school. I know tons of families whose children had great experiences. I say this because we only get one shot at education, hence I did not take these decisions lightly. 6. HS same get out of your cluster either private or another better public. Not a religious private though. First grade you are looking for your child to love learning, reading comprehension and math skills. |
Anonymous
I agree |
Anonymous
I disagree. Curriculum goes toe-to-toe with other schools in this price range. I love that SSFS is aiming to "let their lives speak" rather than pushing everyone in the same direction. If you want elitism than SSFS is not your school. If you want a school that puts kids and teens first and allows them the respect and autonomy to think for themselves while also providing a safe space to do so - then SSFS is worth a look! |
Anonymous
| Are people happy with the new leadership at SSFS? Exploring for fall 2026 for MS and HS. |
Anonymous
Leadership isn’t in place yet. |
Anonymous
| Upper school head is. And she’s great! |
Anonymous
I agree-very grateful for the upper school head. |
Anonymous
+1. We are very happy |
Anonymous
Is there a new middle school head? If so any feedback? |