Founded in 1961, its motto is "Let Your Lives Speak" an old Quaker adage which expresses the school's philosophy of "educating all aspects of a person so that their life—in all of its facets—can reveal the unique strengths within.

"[1] SSFS sits on a pastoral 140-acre campus in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland, approximately midway between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

[2][3] Although some were initially skeptical of the idea, the next day Brook received a $100 check and a group of concerned Friends formed a school committee shortly thereafter.

[5] Sam Legg, who had participated in the Minnesota Starvation Experiment while serving in the Civilian Public Service as a conscientious objector during World War II,[6][7] was appointed the school's first headmaster in 1959.

The dormitory building also held two faculty apartments and classrooms, plus the school's kitchen and dining room, library, laboratory and lockers on the lower level.

[9] The school quickly outgrew the original buildings, and over the next decade additional classrooms, an arts center, faculty housing, an infirmary and a second dormitory with expanded kitchen and dining facilities were constructed.

[citation needed] The Lower School (Pre-K to Grade 5) curriculum includes basic skills in reading, mathematics, science, art, music and languages, as well as conflict resolution and Quakerism.

The Middle School (Grades 6-8) offers a curriculum of English, general mathematics and algebra, social studies, science, foreign language, art, music and sports.

International students are placed in regular classes according to their level of English proficiency, and all receive preparation and practice for the TOEFL and other standardized tests.

[20] To graduate, students must earn 24 credits, including English (4), foreign language (3), history (3), mathematics (3), science (3), electives (3), and fine arts (3).

Full-year courses are offered in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, history, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, statistics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, art (including drawing, painting, ceramics and fiber arts), orchestra, chorus, theater/musical production, modern dance and wood shop.

[20] The historic wooden Ashton Meeting House (built 1881) was moved onto the SSFS campus in 1983,[22] and a new library and gymnasium was constructed in 1987.