Sandy springs friends school?

Anonymous
Thank you! I wish you all the best as you make your decisions for your child/children. It is a very weighted and important decision, I know. You might like to visit youtube and type: "SSFS 2017 Auction: Celebrating SPICES." It shows all ages of students at SSFS speaking about their school, including a graduate who says "When I tell my friends at college about high school, they don't believe it...they don't believe it is real...they don't believe that anyone could go to a school that is that fun and inclusive and interesting and diverse...and, (she laughs), I just had such a good time, and no one believes it!" So you're not the only one who has a hard time believing that school can be such a wonderful experience!!! (I understand.)

Also, to the person who wondered if it is hard to get into the school, I don't think it is, but I don't know. That would be a question for Tony McCudden, (tony.mccudden@ssfs.org), the director of enrollment, and all around great guy. Our daughter had good grades coming into the school, so I'm just not sure. I have a pretty good feeling about it though. Because the school emphasizes inclusiveness, it would seem to be that way when it comes to getting into it. It's worth a meeting with Tony to get your answers. I think you will find him to be a very low pressure and helpful type of individual with a huge heart for kids and for the school.

Good luck everyone!!!
Anonymous
Don't know if you'll see this post or not. We've been away from phones and computers for several days while my husband has a few days off of work.

Thank you! I wish you all the best as you make your decisions for your child/children. It is a very weighted and important decision, I know. You might like to visit youtube and type: "SSFS 2017 Auction: Celebrating SPICES." It shows all ages of students at SSFS speaking about their school, including a graduate who says "When I tell my friends at college about high school, they don't believe it...they don't believe it is real...they don't believe that anyone could go to a school that is that fun and inclusive and interesting and diverse...and, (she laughs), I just had such a good time, and no one believes it!" So you're not the only one who has a hard time believing that school can be such a wonderful experience!!! (I understand.)

Also, to the person who wondered if it is hard to get into the school, I don't think it is, but I don't know. That would be a question for Tony McCudden, (tony.mccudden@ssfs.org), the director of enrollment, and all around great guy. It seemed to me to be a simple process, but I have no other experience with which to compare. It's worth a meeting with Tony to get your answers. We found him to be a very low pressure and helpful type of individual with a huge heart for kids and for the school. Hope that helps!


Anonymous
Sorry for the double post. I thought the first one didn't post so tried to remember what I wrote originally and then reposted! Arggh!
Anonymous
Where do most kids live who attend SSFS for HS? Do most come from other private schools or public schools?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Where do most kids live who attend SSFS for HS? Do most come from other private schools or public schools?


My DCs entered SSFS HS after attending another private school. When they entered, a little under half of the 9th grade was new to the school. Which to me, was great. All of my DCs friends entered 9th grade from SSFS or other privates.
All of my DCs friends lived within a 1/2 hour drive from school which was great compared to our other schools.
As far as getting in, I know not everyone gets in and that the school's shadow visit and interview with the AD is very important.
Anonymous
We are interested in SSFS for high school but my child is currently in public school. Will he be at a disadvantage in admissions?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:We are interested in SSFS for high school but my child is currently in public school. Will he be at a disadvantage in admissions?


No, not at all.
Anonymous
It's great to hear such positive things. I'm thinking about SSFS for pre-K for DD next fall.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Thoughts and opinions on the school? We live in silver spring and it seems like a more affordable, alternative option to schools in the city.


up to $32K a year is affordable?
Anonymous
More affordable than $45000 that is for sure
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thoughts and opinions on the school? We live in silver spring and it seems like a more affordable, alternative option to schools in the city.


up to $32K a year is affordable?


The PP said "more affordable" it's all relative. The tuition is certainly less than a lot of top schools closer to the city.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thoughts and opinions on the school? We live in silver spring and it seems like a more affordable, alternative option to schools in the city.


up to $32K a year is affordable?


The PP said "more affordable" it's all relative. The tuition is certainly less than a lot of top schools closer to the city.


Certainly might be overstating a bit. I pay only 3000 more for my elementary DC at GDS, for instance. PK/K is about 34k.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thoughts and opinions on the school? We live in silver spring and it seems like a more affordable, alternative option to schools in the city.


up to $32K a year is affordable?


The PP said "more affordable" it's all relative. The tuition is certainly less than a lot of top schools closer to the city.


Certainly might be overstating a bit. I pay only 3000 more for my elementary DC at GDS, for instance. PK/K is about 34k.


Just checked and K is 22K at Sandy Spring, Pre-K is less than 20K. 10+ K is no chump change.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:More affordable than $45000 that is for sure


If you can afford $30K, you can manage with $40K. I personally don't see the difference when you're paying those ridiculous rates in tuition. And teachers who work there may earn competitive wages across area privates, but there's no way they're earning close to what they can in the public system.

So they're either very dedicated, or they don't need the money - or perhaps both!
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:More affordable than $45000 that is for sure


If you can afford $30K, you can manage with $40K. I personally don't see the difference when you're paying those ridiculous rates in tuition. And teachers who work there may earn competitive wages across area privates, but there's no way they're earning close to what they can in the public system.

So they're either very dedicated, or they don't need the money - or perhaps both!


Our kids are in public now but we are thinking of private high school for one of them. The difference between 30 and 40k is meaningful for us. I don't know if we can swing 30k but I know we can't afford 40. It's significant.
post reply Forum Index » Private & Independent Schools
Message Quick Reply
Go to: