Sequoyah School

535 South Pasadena Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

36 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 19, 2024

Sequoyah has been such in incredible place for both of our sons. The teacher support and learning through action has been so transformative. Both my boys have been engaged and passionate about their own learning.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2024

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.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2023

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.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2023

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.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2023

Sequoyah High School raises critical thinkers, well rounded scholars, and engaged, empathic and responsible citizens. With more "information" at our fingertips today, we need youth to learn how to discern what they see/hear, and make sound judgment on the merits. Sequoyah has amazing faculty who treat student as scholars - my son began asking me for original sources 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.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2022

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!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2022

Sequoyah promotes a love of learning in students. We've been amazed that each of our kids can thrive and be excited about school even though they have such different personalities, interests, and academic strengths. The school helps kids be the best version of themselves - personally and academically. Their focus on diversity, including socioeconomic diversity, is genuine, and their commitment to teaching kids how to make positive change is wonderful. Hearing our children talk excitedly about poetry and music (4th grade), Daoism vs Confucianism (8th grade), and statistics (high school) is a reminder of why we chose this school, with its stellar faculty and supportive community.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2021

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.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2020

Our daughter joined Sequoyah HS in 9th grade, moving from a school that was considered both progressive and academic. Moving her was a difficult decision; we loved the community at her other school and based on 'reputation', we were possibly moving from a well-established program to an experiment. Our goal was for her to spend her high school years in an academic community that: embraced and encouraged all the facets of who she is and will be; offered true academic rigor and depth; challenged her to engage with the world around her in meaningful ways; and, offered high caliber arts instruction. In a word: balance. We have all of that Sequoyah. Our daughter (a science and math nerd who also loves to play music, basketball, tennis and archery) found her place in the world at Sequoyah. She feels free to make mistakes and push limits socially and academically. The curriculum and faculty keep her both curious and challenged, and appropriately stressed. Every time she completes her Talking Leaves, she grows leaps and bounds as a person and academic. She has such a high degree of respect for her faculty (their expertise and pedigrees are WOW!) that we now worry about how she will relate to her college instructors. Her expectations as to who teaches her and how have been reset by Sequoyah.When Covid-19 hit, the high school switched gears immediately and seamlessly. While we all hate Zoom school and it will never replace in-person school, Sequoyah has made the entire experience as painless as possible. Our friends at other high schools are quite envious. The administration keeps us informed, they are adaptable to pain-points (like too much screen time), and they tend to both the academic and social-emotional needs of the kids. My daughter engages with her peers and teachers daily, and actually looks forward to her classes on Zoom. The faculty has kept the bar high and ensures students have frequent 1:1 access to them via virtual meetings and office hours. We couldn't ask for more in relation to school during a pandemic.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2020

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.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2020

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.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2020

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 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 am on campus to volunteer, or for a quick drop off/pick up, is an opportunity to exchange ideas in an open way, reflect and to learn. I am so excited about the way these kids get to experience learning and I am grateful to be part of this school and community.
Submitted by student on December 06, 2019

The teachers here are very qualified and supportive of the students. If you're into nature the camping trips are amazing and very immersive.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2019

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.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2019

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.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2019

Sequoyah provides an amazing HS curriculum and culture of learning. My son is having a hard time not reading ahead because he's enjoying the Humanities reading so much. 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. 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 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. This always bothered me. LOVE SEQUOYAH!
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2018

Sequoyah is a great school. From the moment our son set foot on campus we knew Sequoyah was the school for him. Teachers that really see each student, a truly diverse community, a beautiful campus and a progressive educational philosophy committed to creating lifelong learners. It all worked for us, we couldn’t be happier with our time here.
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2018

Loved it. When I was a student at Sequoyah, if I did something horrific at home that required severe consequences, the punishment was that I couldn't go to school the next day. Fast forward to 2018, and the common ground about school is that the kids love it and ditching is never an option.
Submitted by other on January 07, 2017

Sequoyah is a great school! We have been part of this community for three years. We were accepted at multiple private schools in Pasadena and our children have attended summer camps at several of them. I can safely say that I have a solid understanding of many of the best schools in this area and Sequoyah is doing something special and important beyond what the other schools deliver. We believe that education is a balance of priorities - academics, social responsibility, emotional development, creativity, and respect for the environment. Sequoyah strives to educate all of its students in all of these areas. This is a tall order and because clear-cut markers of success found in traditional programs, a gold start on a paper or an A on a test, are not present it can be harder for parents to understand if their child is progressing. But progress is abundantly clear in their junior high school students and graduates. Flat out these kids are incredibly happy and it shows. They are self-confident, engaged, life-long independent learners that know how to ask the right questions and dive deep into understanding. We feel lucky to be part of the Sequoyah community.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2017

We’ve been parents at Sequoyah School for nine years and it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience. The small student-teacher ratio allows for individualized attention and the school really does nurture its kids to become lifelong learners. Each year my son has formed close bonds with his teachers who have stepped in for extra support when we needed them.. The school emphasizes collaboration and active participation when it comes to learning. Thumbs up all the way from us.