Edit Education & Training Articles

Sandy Spring Friends School, a long-standing independent Quaker institution in Montgomery County, Maryland, announced on Monday that it will permanently close at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. The school’s leadership, including Board of Trustees members and top administrators, shared the difficult news in a letter addressed to families, faculty, students, and the local community.

In the letter, school officials cited an unsustainable financial situation as the driving force behind the decision. Despite various efforts over recent years to stabilize its finances through fundraising, strategic planning, and budget reviews, the leadership concluded that the school lacks the necessary resources to continue operations beyond the current academic year.

Founded in 1961, Sandy Spring Friends School has served generations of students on its expansive 140-acre campus located in an unincorporated area of Montgomery County. The school provides a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory education rooted in Quaker values, offering programs from preschool through 12th grade. Over the years, the institution became known for its rigorous academics, inclusive environment, and commitment to character education.

In their announcement, the school’s leaders expressed deep regret and emphasized the seriousness of the financial challenges they face. They noted that a comprehensive analysis of the school's financial foundation, enrollment trends, and long-term fundraising capabilities made it clear that continuing operations would no longer be viable.

“This decision comes after a long and thorough evaluation of our options and a sincere commitment to explore every possible path to keep the school open,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, our financial obligations cannot be met in the upcoming year, and we must begin the process of an orderly and responsible closure.”

The school community was also informed that transition plans are underway to help current students and staff. Families will receive guidance regarding tuition refunds and deposits for the 2025–2026 school year, along with assistance in identifying alternative educational options for students. The school has pledged to support faculty and staff through compensation updates, benefits continuity, and professional career transition services.

The announcement marks the end of an institution that for more than six decades played a vital role in shaping young minds through a values-driven educational model. Many of its alumni have gone on to contribute to various sectors of society, and its educators have been praised for nurturing students intellectually and spiritually.

Parents, alumni, and staff expressed a mix of grief, frustration, and gratitude in response to the news. For some, the school represented not only an academic home but also a personal refuge where their children flourished under the guidance of passionate and committed educators. For others, the closure highlights broader concerns about the sustainability of private education in the face of economic challenges.

The closure of Sandy Spring Friends School follows a national trend where smaller independent schools have struggled to maintain financial solvency amid declining enrollment and rising operational costs. The increased competition from public charter schools, homeschooling, and tuition costs that outpace median household incomes have placed immense pressure on institutions like Sandy Spring.

Even as the community prepares to say goodbye to its historic campus and close-knit culture, school leaders remain focused on providing clarity and support during the transition. They reiterated their appreciation for the community's loyalty and acknowledged the emotional toll the announcement may take on students, families, and staff alike.

“We are deeply grateful to every family, faculty member, student, and supporter who has walked this journey with us,” the letter stated. “While this chapter is ending, the legacy of Sandy Spring Friends School will live on through the lives of those it touched.”

The next steps will involve working closely with students and parents to ensure educational continuity, and with faculty and staff to provide career support. Details regarding final events, including graduation and farewell gatherings, are expected to be released later this year.

As the 2024-2025 school year proceeds, Sandy Spring Friends School will continue its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development, ensuring that its final year remains meaningful and impactful for the entire community.