Field vs SSFS

[Anonymous]

We had this choice several years ago and chose SSFS. DS loves it!

[Anonymous]

What are the cell phone policies at each? We meant to ask!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just posted in the thread above about when we had to make the same decision. I will say that the middle school head, David Blake, is ah-mazing. He really gets middle schoolers and I haven’t heard of another school where people rave about the middle school this way. I mean - let’s face it - most of us consider those the lost years from our own lives.

Agreed, but David Blake is leaving after this year.

[Anonymous]

Does Sandy Spring still have openings for MS? Know application season just ended but special situation.

[Anonymous]

I’d call and ask. Only real way to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The schools are similar and different at the same time. The student body is somewhat similar in terms of the kind of kids that thrive. Field is very much a “NW DC” private school in the sense that the families are largely wealthy, do things that wealthy families do (drive expensive cars, go on expensive trips, wear expensive clothes, play at country clubs) while SSFS is a bit more upper middle class. I know that sounds crass but I think others would agree.

If you dig the concept of being at a school that feels a bit like a fresh hotel surrounded by high-earning professionals that are part of the DC scene, go with Field. If you find that repulsive, go with SSFS. If you are somewhere in between, let your kid decide. The vibes are sufficiently different that a shadow day at each should be helpful.

Agree with this. I'm surprised that so many people said they applied to both and find them so similar.... The campus vibes definitely felt very different to me. At SSFS you'd be able to peek into classrooms and see teachers wearing basketball shorts and Crocs in the classroom. Not the case at Field based on what I saw during my visit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted in the thread above about when we had to make the same decision. I will say that the middle school head, David Blake, is ah-mazing. He really gets middle schoolers and I haven’t heard of another school where people rave about the middle school this way. I mean - let’s face it - most of us consider those the lost years from our own lives.

Agreed, but David Blake is leaving after this year.

Do they know who the new MS head of school will be yet? Seriously looking at SSFS for fall 2026.

[Anonymous]

There are 5 finalists who are being interviewed on campus and meeting finalists these next 2 weeks. My guess is the new one will be announced April and be in place a full year before you would come.

I like David Blake a lot but have the say that the heavy lifting is done by the Assistant Head of Middle School who will say the same. Which is nice continuity IMO.

[Anonymous]

Assistant Head of MS is leaving too. May take a different position within SSFS but will not be in this current role.

SSFS is hurting for admission. There are definitely spots still available.

Anonymous wrote:There are 5 finalists who are being interviewed on campus and meeting finalists these next 2 weeks. My guess is the new one will be announced April and be in place a full year before you would come.

I like David Blake a lot but have the say that the heavy lifting is done by the Assistant Head of Middle School who will say the same. Which is nice continuity IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assistant Head of MS is leaving too. May take a different position within SSFS but will not be in this current role.

SSFS is hurting for admission. There are definitely spots still available.

Anonymous wrote:There are 5 finalists who are being interviewed on campus and meeting finalists these next 2 weeks. My guess is the new one will be announced April and be in place a full year before you would come.

I like David Blake a lot but have the say that the heavy lifting is done by the Assistant Head of Middle School who will say the same. Which is nice continuity IMO.

Are there spots available bec people are bailing SSFS due to turmoil in administration? Are teachers leaving?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Assistant Head of MS is leaving too. May take a different position within SSFS but will not be in this current role.

SSFS is hurting for admission. There are definitely spots still available.

Anonymous wrote:There are 5 finalists who are being interviewed on campus and meeting finalists these next 2 weeks. My guess is the new one will be announced April and be in place a full year before you would come.

I like David Blake a lot but have the say that the heavy lifting is done by the Assistant Head of Middle School who will say the same. Which is nice continuity IMO.

Are there spots available bec people are bailing SSFS due to turmoil in administration? Are teachers leaving?

First, don't believe the posters on here who post rumors. Reach out to SSFS directly to ask about spots available and any other questions you have.
Second, the administrative purge that began over the summer with the HOS has been a good thing and that includes DB leaving as head of MS. Despite the "turmoil", my kids had their best year yet at SSFS and I believe even brighter years are ahead.

Finally, you can divide the SSFS MS and US families into two loosely defined groups - those of us that want to be there because we are either Quaker, Quaker adjacent, and/or deliberately chose an independent school that is economically diverse and not a pressure cooker of elitist adult-imposed expectations. And then there are the families that are here because SSFS was their backup plan after not getting into the big 3 or big 5 or what have you. In my experience, most of these families end up realizing that SSFS is a hidden gem and they never look back. Unfortunately, a handful seem to continually harbor resentment that their kid isn't at what they perceive to be a more elite school and they spend the rest of their time at SSFS seemingly miserable and on a never ending cycle of complaining.

SSFS *IS* a hidden gem. Check out it in person and talk in real time to families. All the very best to you as you make these decisions!

[Anonymous]

Having previously worked at SSFS I can confidently say I would NEVER send my children there. Ever. No matter who is at the helm. The students being the number 1 reason why. The behavior is abhorrent. I’ve never taught students so disrespectful in all my years. Add in an administration that was disconnected and incompetent and you have a recipe for disaster. I spent more time managing behaviors than teaching. Worst years of my life. So glad it’s behind me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SSFS is somewhat more diverse and more traditional (i.e. they have AP classes while Field does not). I don't think Field's academics are any stronger.

Field has better college results given their size.

This is usually very true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Having previously worked at SSFS I can confidently say I would NEVER send my children there. Ever. No matter who is at the helm. The students being the number 1 reason why. The behavior is abhorrent. I’ve never taught students so disrespectful in all my years. Add in an administration that was disconnected and incompetent and you have a recipe for disaster. I spent more time managing behaviors than teaching. Worst years of my life. So glad it’s behind me.

When did you work there? In the last 5 years? 10 years?

[Anonymous]

Less than the last five years