by Ryan Greene ’26

Sherwood’s neighbor Sandy Spring Friends School (SFSS), a Quaker school serving preschool through 12th grade, will remain open following a brief period of uncertainty regarding its future. On April 23, the school’s board announced that due to an increase of community funding, they have secured to keep the school operation through at least the 2027-2028 academic year.

The announcement came after concerns about the SFSS’s financial situation, which led to the board announcing in mid-April that the school would close at the end of the school year after being in existence for more than six decades. The community’s quick response, including fundraising of more than 14 million dollars, played a crucial role in reversing the decision. “We are deeply heartened by the generous and passionate responses from across the SSFS community, which reflect the deep love and care for the school…and the lasting impact the school has had for many,” said the Board of Trustees.

Christine Lewis, the interim Head of School, emphasized the importance of community engagement and its Quaker values. “Our collective efforts have only secured the schools immediate future but have also strengthened our commitment to providing a transformative education grounded in Quaker values,” Lewis stated. The school’s reopening has been met with only positive encouragement from both students and parents alike. Plans are underway to continue the school year moving forward with a focus on community involvement.