Another current parent here. Our family is very happy at SSFS.

Current 8th grade is 40+ kids and the general sense is that many (most?) kids are staying.

The current 9th grade is actively adding kids, including a few this month. Also hearing that some departed families are preparing to return for 10th grade.

The new HOS and new board chair are extremely transparent. They are sending monthly updates to the community, often including financial info. There was a state of the school in October and another next week. The monthly updates and state of the school recordings are posted on the website for those looking for details.

The school is in pretty good shape, all things considered. Fundraising is going well (beyond the angel donors). Staff are happier than they have been for a while. Yes, it’s smaller. But stable and happy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Alumni and current 9th grade Mom here. My student is very happy and hoping for increased enrollment (more friends!). The teachers/admin are fantastic and very engaged in each student’s journey at SSFS.

In terms of finances, my understanding is they have guarantees from angel donors, alumni, etc. that has SSFS secured for the next 4 years, and that’s with no additional fundraising.

It really is a wonderful school. My college freshman (last year’s SSFS grad) repeatedly tells us how well he was prepared going into college. He feels confident in speaking to his teachers, writing, presenting, and just “putting himself out there.”

And - having taught public HS English I can say 100% I prefer SSFS over the public school curriculum.

Our sons were classmates! My son also feels very well prepared and is grateful for his SSFS education. He hears from his friends still at SSFS that things are going well and they are glad they stayed.

Where did your son switch to? Is he/are you happy with the change?

Anonymous wrote:Alumni and current 9th grade Mom here. My student is very happy and hoping for increased enrollment (more friends!). The teachers/admin are fantastic and very engaged in each student’s journey at SSFS.

In terms of finances, my understanding is they have guarantees from angel donors, alumni, etc. that has SSFS secured for the next 4 years, and that’s with no additional fundraising.

It really is a wonderful school. My college freshman (last year’s SSFS grad) repeatedly tells us how well he was prepared going into college. He feels confident in speaking to his teachers, writing, presenting, and just “putting himself out there.”

And - having taught public HS English I can say 100% I prefer SSFS over the public school curriculum.

Our sons were classmates! My son also feels very well prepared and is grateful for his SSFS education. He hears from his friends still at SSFS that things are going well and they are glad they stayed.

Anyone know how interested families could review the 4 year financials?

Alumni and current 9th grade Mom here. My student is very happy and hoping for increased enrollment (more friends!). The teachers/admin are fantastic and very engaged in each student’s journey at SSFS.

In terms of finances, my understanding is they have guarantees from angel donors, alumni, etc. that has SSFS secured for the next 4 years, and that’s with no additional fundraising.

It really is a wonderful school. My college freshman (last year’s SSFS grad) repeatedly tells us how well he was prepared going into college. He feels confident in speaking to his teachers, writing, presenting, and just “putting himself out there.”

And - having taught public HS English I can say 100% I prefer SSFS over the public school curriculum.

No dog in the fight, but I am cheering for SSFS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't really get how they can afford their campus with a much smaller enrollment.

Angel donors

But how long can that go on?

The hope is that they will build up regular donations and enrollment before the angel donor money runs out.

They seem to be making progress, but I’m sure you could ask for a copy of the annual report.

if you like it, apply. To continue, they need applicants.

Upper school is going well for my child. He's a senior and was happy to stay with most of his peers (a few left, but the senior class was probably the least affected by the issues last year). He's in to his top choice college and is looking forward to intersession.

In terms of finances, as a regular parent I don't have any special insight. Everything seems good, fundraising is up, the whole community seems to be engaged and committed to ensuring the future of the school. The new leadership overall seems to have brought positive change. I think the future looks good, but if you're interested in the school and have specific questions, I would say contact the school directly and ask.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't really get how they can afford their campus with a much smaller enrollment.

Angel donors

But how long can that go on?

Anonymous wrote:I don't really get how they can afford their campus with a much smaller enrollment.

Angel donors

I don't really get how they can afford their campus with a much smaller enrollment.

How big is the current 8th grade? Are people staying from tbat grade into 9th?

We left for 9th grade somewhere else, and the present 9th grade is just 15 kids. But I have heard that people are happy. It’s just a much smaller school
Now.

How is SSFS doing these days? How is it’s financial health?