Let's Brainstorm Schools That Might Still Be Accepting Students

[Anonymous]

From an email shared on our neighborhood listserv today:

Are you already thinking ahead to 2026-27, or considering independent school for your child for the upcoming school year? Explore Friends Community School, a K-8 Quaker progressive school that thoughtfully guides young children through adolescence. Located on 17 acres in College Park, FCS offers small class sizes, a diverse and inclusive community, a commitment to educating the whole child, and a curriculum that emphasizes inquiry-based and hands-on learning.

Interested in 2025-26 entry? FCS continues to accept applications for the upcoming school year in select grades as space is available. Please contact the Admissions Office directly or submit an Inquiry Form for a status update.

The FCS Admissions Office is ready and willing to answer questions, discuss the school’s program, and share more details regarding the application process. The admissions event schedule and application for 2026-27 will be available by early September on the FCS website. In the meantime, please feel free to be in touch with FCS via phone [phone]) or email.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Friends Community in College Park
Nora HS in Silver Spring
Lowell K-8 in DC (just over the MD line)
Sidwell Friends in Bethesda/DC
Norwod K-8 in Potomac

Some Baltimore schools as well? Not sure where they draw from.

There are both Quaker and progressive schools that may be good alternatives.

If you're making a list of schools that are philosophically similar, I would think Sheridan, Burke and Field would belong on the list too.

+1. Depending on commute and where you are in Maryland, Burke and Sheridan are pretty central (Red Line).

[Anonymous]

I would be worried about a school that has lots of openings right now. A few is understandable, but a lot and they could be in a similar boat at SSFS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Friends Community in College Park
Nora HS in Silver Spring
Lowell K-8 in DC (just over the MD line)
Sidwell Friends in Bethesda/DC
Norwod K-8 in Potomac

Some Baltimore schools as well? Not sure where they draw from.

There are both Quaker and progressive schools that may be good alternatives.

If you're making a list of schools that are philosophically similar, I would think Sheridan, Burke and Field would belong on the list too.

+1. Depending on commute and where you are in Maryland, Burke and Sheridan are pretty central (Red Line).

PP. I was, but didn't go much farther into DC. Those are all good additions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would be worried about a school that has lots of openings right now. A few is understandable, but a lot and they could be in a similar boat at SSFS.

Maybe? Depends on why, which we never are privy to.

Did SSFS historically have a ton of openings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Friends Community in College Park
Nora HS in Silver Spring
Lowell K-8 in DC (just over the MD line)
Sidwell Friends in Bethesda/DC
Norwod K-8 in Potomac

Some Baltimore schools as well? Not sure where they draw from.

There are both Quaker and progressive schools that may be good alternatives.

If you're making a list of schools that are philosophically similar, I would think Sheridan, Burke and Field would belong on the list too.

+1. Depending on commute and where you are in Maryland, Burke and Sheridan are pretty central (Red Line).

These schools are small and have competitive application processes. Why would you assume that because of the philosophy, they would be able to place many kids from a shuttering school?

[Anonymous]

Grace Episcopal?

[Anonymous]

Most schools can add a kid or two in high school. Probably a few more in middle school.

Lower school? It’s a crap shoot.

How many kids are there per grade? 30? 45?

It’s going to be a scramble.

You need to start calling every school within a reasonable distance.

[Anonymous]

FWIW my soon to be former Sandy Springer will be going back to MCPS. His preference.

[Anonymous]

Friends school baltimore usually has a few openings, as do boys latin and RPCS, tho the latter two don’t have much in common w ssfs

[Anonymous]

From Stone Ridge ‘s website: We are still accepting applications for Grades 1, 3, 4, and 5 for the 2025-26 school year. To discuss enrollment options, please contact our Admissions Office. [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

I feel as though this is one of those “extenuating circumstances” situations, especially for rising juniors/seniors, where the answer is simply “Reach out to schools you are seriously interested in ASAP”. P

[Anonymous]

Great idea! And to all those SSFS families so sorry to read this news. Best wishes


WES IS STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR IN A FEW GRADES. CONTACT THE ADMISSION OFFICE ([e-mail]) WITH INTEREST.

[Anonymous]

Christ Episcopal School. Very similar atmosphere. But definitely smaller school with only one class per grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Butler Montessori opened up a high school.

Yes I’m sure those six kids would love some new friends.