Sequoyah School has been an indelible safe space for learning and growing for both of my daughters (two years apart). It's practically impossible to list the pros of what this school has provided by way of positive experience, fruitful knowledge, and open/creative thinking. In so many ways it has prepared both of my children with the tools they need not just for a positive college experience, but for themselves in life, knowing who they each are and how to be the most truthful individuals they can be. read more

I have three kids at Sequoyah, and they have all been at the school since kindergarten (this is our sixth year at the school). I cannot speak highly enough about this school. It's a place where teachers and administrators fiercely guard the experience of childhood and being a kid, while also challenging kids academically. Our kids deeply love school (they're disappointed when there's a three-day weekend!) - they are engaged in and excited about what they're learning. I've been so impressed with the level of the academics for all the kids - the teachers at Sequoyah expect a high level of achievement from the kids, proportionate to what they know each kid is capable of. Even more importantly, every teacher we've had has truly *seen* each of our kids for who they are - they see what motivates each kid, what their social experience is, and how much they should push versus encourage. The school community is, quite simply, what keeps our family in LA. The families at Sequoyah are diverse, kind, warm, and interesting - exactly the sorts of people I'm thrilled my kids get to grow up around, and I get to have as my friends. Sequoyah is the sort of special place that I truly think is making our corner of the world a better place. read more

I am the parent of two Sequoyah students and am deeply grateful to be part of this learning community. Sequoyah's Habits of Mind align closely with our family's core values and reinforce our approach to parenting. Teachers balance high academic standards with thoughtful, individualized learning paths that ensure every student meets or exceeds grade-level competencies. The outdoor education program is among the strongest in the nation, weaving together environmental stewardship, team dynamics, and critical thinking through experiential learning in nature. Clubs and extracurricular opportunities have allowed both of my children to discover new interests and develop new skills. As an academic physician, I care deeply about lifelong learning, student accountability, autonomy, and creative problem-solving; values Sequoyah actively cultivates. I am confident the school is preparing my children to pursue STEM careers with curiosity, resilience, and a strong foundation. I have full confidence in the administrators and their ability to integrate feedback from students, parents, faculty, and staff to continuously strengthen the community. read more

As a parent of two children who have attended Sequoyah since kindergarten, I've seen the incredible impact of its progressive education. Our children have developed confidence, independence, and a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our son, once hesitant to speak up, has become a confident communicator and self-advocate through the school's emphasis on connection and expression. Our daughter, who once struggled with math, discovered her confidence and love for the subject through Sequoyah's flexible, supportive approach and dedicated teachers. Sequoyah doesn't just teach students what to learn, it teaches them how to love learning. The school's inclusive and diverse community further enriches that experience, creating a place where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated. read more

I'm a lifelong educator and a member of Sequoyah's Board of Trustees. I've worked at four other Los Angeles independent schools and what stands out about Sequoyah is the deeply held commitment to progressive education. The school really walks the walk, from K-12, educating students in a way that builds confidence, competence, empathy, and a sense of responsibility in the world. The high school students are encouraged to dive deeply into subjects that excite them and to learn all they can under the mentorship of a caring adult. Students graduate with the skills to be change makers who care about their environment and the people around them. I would send my kids here if I had it to do all over again. read more

Coming from a homeschooling background, I wondered if my daughter could find a space where her curiosity, independence, and love for learning would thrive. Sequoyah has been that space and more. The school's thoughtful, hands-on approach and inclusive community have empowered her to truly advocate for her own learning--whether that's engaging in deep, meaningful conversations with teachers, exploring her interests beyond the classroom, or co-creating her educational path. Sequoyah has shaped her into a confident, thoughtful problem-solver who embraces challenges and sees the world with open eyes and an open heart. We're so grateful for a school that honors individuality while preparing students to make their mark in the real world. read more

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. read more

Sequoyah is the most fantastic school. The teachers are phenomenal and teach critical thinking based on collaboration and reading and writing. Sequoyah perfectly balances academics and social emotional learning. The focus on field studies allowing for young people to go unplugged to nature and to learn about our environment, teamwork and self reliance is second to none. The talking leaves are fascinating and educational like each child produces a TED talk every semester, the social innovation program encourages youth to think outside of themselves and to figure out a way to help their community and greater community, and every student participates in weekly studies as volunteers to improve their school. The greatest aspect of Sequoyah is not just the beauty surrounded by coastal redwoods but the beauty inside, the culture of kindness that is uniquely Sequoyah. My recent Sequoyah graduate and my current Sequoyah student are two very different people who are loving learning and being better people because Sequoyah's culture encourages them to do so. We have no negatives to report. We highly recommend Sequoyah High School, in a world of complications Sequoyah is a beacon on hope. read more

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 the merits. Sequoyah has amazing faculty who treat student as scholars - my son began asking me for original sources when I gave him advice since the beginning of 10th grade. He was part of the student council, 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) help all students explore how they can be engaged to improve their community. read more

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. read more

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. read more

As a Pakistani/Caribbean family, we attended a mixed-race family meet-up held at Sequoyah where we spoke with one of the few Muslim families enrolled, who expressed hope for more representation. We were initially informed during our interview with a senior staff member that there were no Muslim families which was later corrected as of course there are Muslim families within the school community which we already expected. This discrepancy understandably raised concerns and questions regarding the authenticity & value placed on diversity. The lack of representation of Muslim, brown, & black children and families within their school was very disheartening. The absence of diversity raises significant questions about the performative nature of their inclusivity stance. We believe in the power of diversity to enrich the educational experience for all students. This experience highlights the importance of seeking educational environments that genuinely embrace diversity, equity & inclusion. read 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, accomadating 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 on 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 kindergardener 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. read more

Sequoyah's High School gave my daughter one of the best freshman experiences we could've asked for (pandemic notwithstanding). She thrived in the school's small class settings filled with a diverse array of students and supportive teachers. And the fact that she remained fully engaged despite the quick pivot to online learning is a testament to the staff's agility, determination, passion and patience. read more

We have been a part of the Sequoyah community for ten years, starting our journey with our Kindergarten student who is now in high school at Sequoyah. It is a wonderful warm community, so many traditions happen throughout the school year that fosters this from the All School Meetings to the Hot Lunches, which the students help prepare and serve. The field studies programs truly delivers. Throughout their camping years, they learn resilience but also how to work as a group and rely on each other. It is a profound experience for all of the students, even the ones who don't love camping! In terms of diversity, which is vital to our family, we have been well served by Sequoyah. It is essential that institutions respond and grow alongside their families and we found this to be true at Sequoyah. When challenges arose, we found the faculty and administration open to hearing voices and differing perspectives. Recently, the school re-affirmed diversity as one of their founding principals and this commitment is partially reflected in the percentage of families on their index which is higher than similar independent schools. They have recently announced several initiatives which will ensure the school continues on the path of being a social justice minded space while holding themselves accountable to their community. All independent schools must strive to do better with diversity, I am heartened that Sequoyah is taking steps to do just that. I am grateful that at Sequoyah my student was nurtured according to their own talents, thoughts and abilities. They were on their own timeline to grow and flourish, and their character/social emotional development was as essential as their schoolwork. The students understand how to form successful relationships, how to work on challenging ones and they develop empathy for others. They also learn how to think critically through their work and in extension their life. That's the work of children, perceiving their world and finding solutions. Sequoyah truly allows this to happen. As we're at the high school, we can affirm that it is stellar! Many of the courses are based on the Socratic method and encourage debate and critical thinking. Our student was drawn to the engagement of the teachers and has not been disappointed. The passionate faculty takes large topics and lets the students explore their meaning and pertinence. We've seen our student engaged and thrilled over challenging texts. The work is rigorous and goes deeply into topics. For our student, this is what he was looking for so he's been incredibly happy with his experience. The Social Innovation Program (SIP) has also been incredible, the students engage with real world issues within their communities and learn how to ask thoughtful questions, balance two sides of an issue and propose lasting change. This program is unique to Sequoyah and has been a highlight for my student! This school has helped us grow as parents and as a family and we are grateful we found it. Looking forward to the next chapter for our family at Sequoyah! read more

I'm a parent of two kids at Sequoyah, 1st and 3rd graders, and have been overwhelmingly happy with the entire experience so far. The mixed age classes and overall teaching philosophy have really resonated with my wife and I. 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! read more

We chose Sequoyah School because we see it as place where childhood is a valued. Sequoyah is an imaginative and creative learning environment with an emphasis on learning through; process, experience, and reflection. Mistakes are understood as opportunities for reflection and growth. It's a school where effort and growth are worthy of acknowledgment more than simple results. At Sequoyah our children are part of a diverse, accepting community of learners were they are encouraged to actively engage, consider many perspectives, and solve problems creatively together as a community in order to achieve their goals. Sequoyah school really lives its stated mission; to "challenge the mind, nurture the heart and celebrate human dignity". Sequoyah School has been a great fit for our family. As members of the community for just a few short months we have learned much from watching our son's transition, growth and progress. He loves going to school, he cares for his peers and teachers and his self-esteem is high. As a family we have felt welcomed by the Sequoyah community. As a parent I feel every time that I come on campus to volunteer or to pick-up/drop-off, is an opportunity for me to exchange ideas in an open way, reflect and to learn. I am so excited about the way these kids get to learn and how they apply what they have learned both in and outside of school. I am glad to support and be a part of this community. read more

Sequoyah provides an amazing HS curriculum and culture of learning. My son is so excited by what he's learning. The teachers, admin, parents and kids all contribute to making the community so special. The school really lives the values it espouses. The 8 habits of mind at Sequoyah are Perspective, Inquiry, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Application, Stewardship and Ownership. My kid can easily rattle these off because he experiences each one every day that he steps onto campus. The culture is one that is all about fostering community and learning. One thing that really is special about Sequoyah is it's Social Innovation Program. I don't know of any other programs like this at any other high schools in LA (maybe they exist but I haven't heard of them). All high schools have volunteer projects but they tend to be very individually focused and about getting their volunteer hours fulfilled. Frankly, I think many many kids are doing volunteer hours JUST to check a box so that they look good for college. But they often don't really get engaged in their communities. However, Sequoyah's Social Innovation Programs has kids study real-world issues. I haven't seen or heard anything like this where kids really delve into real-life issues and try to figure out how to make a difference in their communities. My son learned so much about street vending which became legal last year. He learned about the laws and how they impacted vendors but also about companies and gangs that preyed upon street vendors. Their team did a lot of research, interviews and put together some resources to help street vendors understand their rights and help educate the general public. The work really demonstrated to me how Sequoyah is helping shape the kids into being active, empathetic members of any community to which they belong (school, city and beyond). Another thing I love about Sequoyah is what an effort the school makes to be socioeconomically diverse and to provide an equitable experience for all the kids. Not too many private schools in LA do this from what I understand. At Sequoyah ALL the kids, no matter what their socioeconomic backgrounds, go on the school camping trips and the 10th grade trip to Costa Rica together. At other schools, including my daughter's private HS in Pasadena, there were kids who could pay to go on trips that cost $5k and other kids who volunteered (cost $0) during their experiential weeks. It really bothered me and other parents. Sequoyah spends a lot of time thinking about equity and actually putting that into practice. LOVE SEQUOYAH! I feel that my son and all the kids there are learning what they need to to be good students and citizens of the world. read more

Sequoyah is a private K-8 school. The mission statement says "A Sequoyah education challenges the mind, nurtures the heart and celebrates human dignity." No one investigating this school should base it on Yelp reviews, but since I've watched my two nephews went there and I'm a donor to the school, I feel I can offer my opinion. Both of my nephews are now in public schools, so it's interesting to see the contrast to the education they received at Sequoyah. Unlike public schools, students call teachers by their first name and there's a whole "I'm OK, you're OK" feel to the school. There's not a lot of emphasis on test taking, but there is a lot of emphasis on asking good questions and thinking critically. I'm seeing my younger nephew struggle with the whole testing "thing" that is so prevalent in public schools and had to laugh at the older nephew's complaint that "Grades are just unfair!" Yes, Sequoyah doesn't give grades per se, at least, not the "A-F" variety. While I have some misgivings about how "touchy feely" Sequoyah is, I think my nephews have learned about the process of learning and its value, avoiding the parroting and regurgitation of facts that many public school students are forced into by a system overwhelmed by testing and too many demands with limited funds. This last comments isn't meant as a criticism of teachers in the public schools, many who labor under tremendous obstacles and despite them, inspire and teach students. Perhaps it's more a lament that we don't have more schools like Sequoyah where learning challenges the mind, nurtures the heart and human dignity and diversity is celebrated. read more

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. read more

This school looks progressive and inclusive on the outside but, if you care to look deeper, the story is really quite often the opposite. My husband and I are parents of a Sequoyah student and have spoken over the years to many other parents at Sequoyah--most of us have become increasingly unhappy with the state of affairs at this school. Here is a bird's-eye view of some of the issues... Contrary to its down-to-earth public persona, Sequoyah is actually elitist in nature. There are exceptions made by its administrators in accommodating select students' needs while neglecting the needs of others. So much for an egalitarian mission. As far as teaching goes, one of the most common complaints amongst parents is that there is no standard metric for measuring student progress within and across school years. The teaching staff is allowed to evade accountability for shortcomings in their pedagogy, and they are also not held accountable for their reticence in keeping parents informed of the progress of their children in the classroom. Instances of implicit bias on the part of instructors toward some students are discounted out of hand. And for all of the talk of Sequoyah being a safe space for all children, bullying is a common occurrence. Sequoyah has good bones, but over the years it has become precious and defensive when offered constructive criticism by engaged parents. The result is parents like us considering taking our kid out of the school. We shall see--perhaps there is still room for dialogue and meaningful change at Sequoyah. In the meantime, however, you may wish to consider other private school options--unless you come here knowing full well that you may have to fight the good fight with a school that seems to be losing its way. Good luck. read more

Sequoyah has a beautiful campus and offers terrific specialty classes (art, theater, music, gardening, physical education), and during the time that our child was there, we found the teachers working in those areas to be committed, kind and generally dedicated to Sequoyah's advertised emphasis on social-emotional learning. There are also many kind, creative and interesting families in the Sequoyah community, and that is a huge plus. On the other hand, the administration and some of the teachers charged with teaching academics have neither the training nor the interest to work with children who are not easy to teach or who require anything extra, and sadly, too often do not recognize when support is needed or provide much too little, much too late. We were shocked by the number of kids who require private tutoring just to learn basic math and reading skills, and that the administration has little interest in providing a social-emotional education to children who have a genuine need in that regard (notwithstanding what they advertise). The gorgeous playground can also be a pretty terrifying place for kids who struggle socially, as the kids spend a lot of time out there without any structured activities, and frankly, without much teacher supervision. I recall being told during new family orientation about how important it was for kindergarteners to arrive by 8:45 because the first 30 minutes on the playground was a critical time for their teachers to observe the kids, and that the information that the teachers gleaned during that half hour provided important insights regarding how the rest of the day would go. I actually believed this, and for the first week or so, required our child to stay on the playground despite his pleas to let him go look at books in the library and claims that lots of other kids were doing that. Towards the end of the second week, I realized that he was correct - lots of kids were hanging around in the library during "play structure time", and his teachers were definitely not observing what was happening on the playground. (One had assigned duty watching the field where older kids were having PE and, when she was at school, the other was usually doing something in the classroom.) There was sometimes an adult from the afterschool staff watching the playground, but I definitely did not have the impression that she was seeking insights regarding the kids. For our family, this story about how the first half-hour of each day went was quite indicative of our experience with the Sequoyah administrators - lots of talk about what was supposedly happening, but very little action backing up the talk. At some time in the spring of 2015, the Director announced during a parent breakfast that Sequoyah was changing its accrediting organization. He spun some lengthy story about why they were making the change, but we left the breakfast feeling quite certain that there was substantially more to the story that was not being shared. All of this said, a friend who has worked in admissions for one of the desirable private schools in the area did tell me that, although most of the kids coming out of Sequoyah have significantly weaker academics as compared to other applicants, her school does recognize that kids from Sequoyah have a different kind of intelligence and the soft academics will not necessarily prevent an otherwise interesting Sequoyah student from obtaining an offer to attend. Our sense is that if you have a child who is self-motivated and will likely do pretty well academically in any environment, and who does not struggle socially, then the terrific specialty classes, beautiful campus and interesting community may make Sequoyah a great school for your family, but be sure that's your kid before you choose this school. If your child does not fit that mold, he or she may have a pretty rough time at Sequoyah. read more

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. read more