Sequoyah School

Our family was fortunate enough to discover Sequoyah (K-8) during our son's middle school search- and he (and we) were instantly enchanted. Whereas most schools only focus on the proverbial 'three R's' (reading - writing - arithmetic)- at Sequoyah, they equally embrace and cultivate the "four C's"... Curiosity, Creativity, Compassion and Community. Ask any student, parent or teacher and you'll hear the same answer, "There's no place like Sequoyah" and it's true. Because Sequoyah is more than just a school... Sequoyah is a state of mind- A sense of belonging- A feeling of inclusivity- We're a diverse community-- An extended family. The teachers and staff, the coaches, the families, the kids... Everyone.It's such an incredible gift to be present for and take part in our children's time here. And now, with two kids at Sequoyah (one in middle school, one in high school), we've lost count of how many times we've said 'We wish we had a school like this when we were growing up'- We're forever grateful. Because these really are the years where kids get to just 'be a kid'. And there's no place to just be a kid- like Sequoyah.

I would like to give it 10 stars not five. The environment they create there is unlike any other school and we've visited all of them. Our 5 y.o. son can't wait to go every day and is learning like a sponge. More importantly, they really focus on teaching kids how to care for and about each other and to embrace all of our differences. I honestly tear up at almost all the functions I go to, it's just a unique beautiful experience to witness and when I think about it, I feel truly blessed.

This is our first year at Sequoyah (we have a kindergartener) and truly feel like we won the lottery. During our school search it became very apparent that Sequoyah would be the best fit for our child. The amount of thought and care that goes into their progressive curriculum and whole-child approach has continued to wow us. In daily conversations with fellow parents, we just marvel at how much growth has already happened. Each day our child comes home excited -- exploding with this new love for math and unable to sleep because he's learned to read (which feels like happened overnight!). We love how the learning is so beautifully disguised in all the fun he's having and how the entire school community infuses this deep sense of pride, acceptance and belonging in him. I see if in so many ways, today it was the high five from one of the big kids at drop off and my son's grin is just priceless. We feel very fortunate and thrilled to be a part of this special place.

Sequoyah High School raises critical thinkers, well-rounded scholars, and engaged, empathic, and responsible citizens. With more "information" at our fingertips today, we need our youth to learn how to discern what they see/hear and make sound judgments on their merits. Sequoyah has amazing faculty who treat students as scholars - my son began asking me for sources at the beginning of 10th grade when I tried to give him advice. He was part of the student government, STEM Institute, and debate team, played team sports, and sang in a school play - things he probably wouldn't have done in a larger school where you are more likely to stay in your lane. We were also very impressed with his peers - students organized and led local demonstrations, and traveled to DC to participate in a national demonstration, all on their own. Most importantly, the Social Innovation Program (SIP) helps all students explore how they can be engaged to improve their community.

We have children in the lower school (K-8) and in the high school, and we feel so fortunate that they are experiencing a stimulating education in a caring and diverse community. Sequoyah's teachers are committed to the school and its values, and they do a wonderful job of knowing your child - how they think, what motivates them, where/how they need encouragement, etc. My wife and I wish we could have gone to a school like this!

I'm a parent of two kids at Sequoyah, 1st and 3rd graders, and have been overwhelmingly happy with the entire experience so far. They talk the talk AND walk the walk when it comes to living and breathing progressive education. The mixed-age classes and overall teaching philosophy have resonated with my wife and me. But most importantly, my kids come home every day saying how much they love school! It's a wonderful community. We couldn't be happier!

First off, Sequoyah is a caring school. with a diverse and inclusive community! But to correct a few factual errors: 1. The teacher/student ratio is 12:1, not 7:1. Next, if your child falls above or below average, the "expansive program" limits what educators can or will do. There is NO differentiation here. Third, the "community" based events and trips, are not dual-working parent-friendly. Sequoyah is in a transition to a new Head Of School so who knows what the next leader will do to improve things.

We love Sequoyah's high school. Everyone at the school has been amazing. My son feels supported, heard, encouraged, etc. It has only been a few weeks of school, but he is already more mature, learning made great friends, and he is excited to go to school every day.

The impressive credentials of Sequoyah's faculty caught our attention when researching high schools. Now, with two kids attending the high school, we know that these brilliant teachers not only inspire intellectual curiosity in their respective fields but also inspire our kids to connect and apply their coursework to other subjects, social issues, and their community. Our kids are being empowered for life beyond high school through Sequoyah's unique programs. The SIP program is developing the skills my kids need to address and help solve real-world problems. We are blown away by the depth of knowledge with which our kids can speak about issues such as clean energy or gender equity. Likewise, we are amazed at the thesis-level work our kids produce through Talking Leaves. Our kids are happy in Sequoyah's non-stressful environment and they are being well prepared for college and adult life, we can't ask for more.

Sequoyah is everything you dream of as a parent. The value towards diversity, nurturing the heart and human dignity is something you don't find in schools today. The community itself is amazing. Parents, staff and children are beyond welcoming, accommodating and friendly. It really is like a big family. As a progressive school they value diverse backgrounds and accept all walks of life. Curriculum and events are all geared towards becoming upstanders and making the world a better place. One of the things I love about this school the most is the Communication within itself and towards us as parents. Nothing ever gets lost or forgotten. As a parent, you are kept up to date in all school operations. Lead teachers write out a thorough progress report every quarter along with the specialist teachers. You are always aware of your child's progress/any areas they need extra assistance on. If something is required from the parents, they give you and offer any tools you might need. There's a person for every one of your needs and concerns. Someone is always available. The workshops they offer have helped my husband and I learn so much and apply our knowledge. I was curious how much my learning my kinder gardener was going to experience with all the extra playtime, gardening, etc. Within 60 days my child was reading addresses, adding/subtracting, learning Spanish, and evolving rapidly at a social, emotional level. They really do learn through play. Never received one complain from my child all year long. Sequoyah not only values but nurtures the social emotional aspect of the child. Sequoyah values NATURE. One of the most attractive traits of Sequoyah is their Field Studies. The hiking and camping trips are some of the best coordinated trips I've seen. Every grade has specific age appropriate trips. There is no hidden agenda here, they really just help children develop empathy, love and acceptance towards their peers and community. The high school students seem so well rounded and already great community leaders. If you are considering progressive private schooling for your child/children Sequoyah should be on top of your list. Check them out. Take a tour I promise you'll fall in love. The campus is beautiful and so is the community Sequoyah has to offer.

Our family chose Sequoyah because we felt it was the best choice for our daughter. We wanted her to be in a school that would not only challenge her to be an independent, creative, and free-thinking individual, but a school that integrated diversity, community, being a citizen of the world and fostered social, emotional development. These are not easy tasks to accomplish, but in the first year we have been there, our daughter has demonstrated insight into world topics, empathy toward others, recognizing her feelings and those of others. We have observed this in the older students as well when we are on campus. They appear inquisitive, helping, and stand for justice. We love knowing that our daughter has older students as role models. Diversity was another important issue that we wanted for our daughter. Compared to other private schools we toured, Sequoyah seemed to have the most representation across race, class, and culture. It was important for us to see it and not just be a point of discussion, but to see and experience the representation. As a progressive school, the academic schedule does not follow a traditional approach; however, her ABC's and 123's are being paired with sustaining the environment, social justice and teaching emotional responsibility.

I have a daughter and son with very different personalities and learning styles, and both have thrived at Sequoyah over the past six + years. The school encourages students to be independent, creative, responsible, and curious. It's been wonderful watching my kids and their peers become self-assured learners who actively engage in issues and activities that matter to them. A few things about Sequoyah that stand out for our family are (1) its thoughtful field studies/camping program, and (2) its genuine commitment to progressive education and socio-economic diversity. In field studies, kindergartners prepare for their first school camping trip by taking practice hikes and studying the plants and animals they will encounter. Then they spend three days exploring the Anza Borrego desert, learning how to set up camp, and sleeping under the stars. By the time Sequoyah students are in Junior High, they have learned how to plan for the food and equipment needed on much longer camping trips, how to cook for their entire group, and how to navigate unfamiliar territory in forests, deserts, and on islands. Through this program, students gain confidence, learn the importance of preparation and teamwork, and become knowledgeable and respectful custodians of their natural environment. Sequoyah's long-standing commitment to socio-economic diversity was a primary reason we chose to send our children to the school. Sequoyah was founded in 1958, when Pasadena schools were segregated and emphasized standardized learning and conformity. The school's founders envisioned something different a place where children would stretch themselves to their fullest capacities through a "leading out process, not a pouring in." And the initial Statement of Values explicitly called for children and adults of diverse backgrounds. The school continues to make considerable efforts to build and sustain a diverse community of learners, families, staff, and educators.

I have two children in 6th and 8th grade who've been at Sequoyah since kindergarten. I wanted them to attend a school where they would have the chance to actually have a childhood and develop a love of learning. I'm very happy to say that they've both gotten this from Sequoyah. They don't see education as something that is done to them; they are not passive learners. When they are studying a topic, they look at it from all angles and often apply what they are learning in school to conversations at home and actions in their everyday lives. It's been a joy to watch them become excited and passionate about what they're studying. For them, what they are doing at school has meaning, and their amazing teachers help to make the material relevant-this allows the students to develop a deeper understanding of what they're learning. My children feel seen at school and are being taught to see different perspectives, and they still have time to be children.

Sequoyah is an incredibly welcoming environment. My experience began with an immersive camping trip with the rest of my grade and the one above me. This way, I felt like all my peers were in the same position as me, and I felt more comfortable with getting to know people. I look forward to all of my classes, seeing my friends and participating in sports, fine arts, and theater. Sequoyah school is well structured, and supportive. I know that I can ask my teachers and friends for help or just to talk. This school teaches students about not only good studying techniques, but leadership, community, respect, creativity and ownership. I am confident that Sequoyah has prepared me well for the rest of my life.

i read a review from 2016 from a parent (ethan) that I enthusiastically confirm is true today.. The school is filled with teachers that want to teach and are given the support to do it well. I love the commitment to human dignity that helps mold the culture of the school. The little kids feel supported and noticed by the bigger kids. The older kids feel a responsibility to help the little ones. This translates to respect for their school and all the individuals in it..The students are given so much opportunity to use their creativity to learn. They work hard on their projects and are proud when they show off their work to me at class shares or during a conference with a teacher. They are proud of their school and work hard to keep it special.

Sequoyah is more than just an incredible school. It is a place that teaches what it means to be both self sufficient and an indispensable part of a community. The way this affects the kids (poise, focus, confidence, empathy, resolve, humor, kindness, zeal) is amazing to see. There are so many things that contribute to this at Sequoyah. I haven't read the reviews yet on this site, but I imagine many are well discussed? One of my favorites is the way the kids are regularly intermeshed amongst age levels, in both structured and unstructured ways. Besides the obvious feeling of community this promotes, it gives the kids such a richer learning environment (academically and socio-emotionally) than they would have had otherwise. I like to think that this helps the teenagers (it's K-8) not feel so jaded and withdrawn as tends to happen. I''ll never forget my surprise at seeing the whole junior high class taking part in the huge circle for human rights day, holding the hands of 6 year-olds and singing songs - not a rolled eye in the house. This is because they are authentic in their kindness toward their school community and their world.

This school does progressive education right. It's not the anti-technology, hippie school people might assume it to be. My daughter is now entering the 6th grade here, and although her time is not wasted doing busy work, the curriculum is rigorous, but always appropriately challenging for her. My daughter is a kid who could easily do very well at a school like Poly, however, the reasons she has thrived at Sequoyah have much more to do than her test scores. At Sequoyah she is challenged to think deeper and broader about subjects or ideas. She is challenged to engage her peer groups in discussions where ideas may very well differ from hers. She is taught discipline without harshness. Last night at back to school night, her teacher summed it up for me. He said, "Although at Sequoyah we push creativity, it is important for our students to learn discipline. Every artist still needs discipline to be able to successfully accomplish their goals and continue to grow in their practice." Self Confidence is another very important part of the teaching here. The school has many different methods they use to challenge students to practice and grow as self confident, self sufficient individuals. The administration is incredibly involved in the students well being. I am always pleasantly surprised at how well the director, admissions director and academic director know my daughter's strengths, capabilities, and personality.

Sequoyah is the most nurturing, creative and supportive academic environment while challenging students to achieve their best work. It is a wonderful school for children who are creative, self-starters and motivated but equally for children who are not, as they blossom into self-confident learners who are also empathetic and self-sufficient. The teachers are very warm and caring and work closely with the students and their families on every level. I just wish they had a high school.

I have three kids who are, of course, three very different learners, and Sequoyah works for each of them. The school meets them where they are and engages with their interests. This approach supports their high self-esteem and curiousity, giving them a lifelong love of learning. We feel the utmost respect and support from the engaged teachers and staff at every turn. Our kids love to go to school and are learning well.