Sequoyah School is an independent day school in Pasadena, California, where students thrive in a diverse community, are appreciated for their individuality, and are supported by a progressive approach to learning.
Hands-On, Minds-On...
Real Learning
Sequoyah’s curriculum emphasizes deep understanding of concepts and mastery of skills. Children are introduced to reading, writing, and math through experiential learning, and are given time to explore their interests through research and play. In our elementary and junior high programs, students learn to collaborate in small, mixed-age classes with teachers who pay close attention to each child’s developmental readiness to learn. Our high school students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on project-based learning.
Sequoyah students are expected to take an active role in their learning – even our youngest students set goals and periodically reflect on their process and progress.
Our Mission
A Sequoyah School education challenges the mind, nurtures the heart and celebrates human dignity.
What is
progressive
education?
In progressive classrooms, teachers cultivate respect for a diversity of opinions and cultural backgrounds. They encourage students to voice their own ideas and to work with each other to solve problems, rather than always depending upon the teacher’s instruction to find the correct answer. Read more…
We are a community of learners.
At Sequoyah, we believe that learning goes on at all times and in all places, among students and teachers, along with family and friends. We strive to understand our similarities and differences, treat each other with respect, and practice our school’s Habits of Mind.
Ours is a safe, supportive community where children can become secure, self-reliant individuals, conscious of the needs and privileges of those around them.
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion.
In 1958, Sequoyah School’s founders envisioned a progressive school for a better world. Central to that vision was a dedication to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational environment. Today, Sequoyah School continues this journey within the planning, operation, and curriculum of the school.
This active and ongoing effort is essential to the pursuit and celebration of human dignity. It allows our students to become self-reflective, engaged citizens able to participate in the authentic exchange of ideas and dialogue across differences.
We believe that diversity – among students and families; faculty and staff; and administration and leadership – enriches the learning environment at Sequoyah School. A diverse representation of identity, thought, and experience prepares our students to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the larger world.
Learn about our DEI work at the institutional, program, curricular, and community levels from Kindergarten through 12th Grade.
Sequoyah School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or family structure in the administration of its admissions.
Our Habits of Mind
Perspective
To seek, honor and reflect on multiple viewpoints in order to broaden understanding and solve problems
Inquiry
To become curious, motivated, self-reflective learners who generate questions to deepen understanding
Creativity
To approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to take imaginative risks while generating ideas and refining solutions
Collaboration
To know when and how to lead, follow, and work together as an active listener and meaningful contributor
Communication
To engage in constructive dialogue, to value literature and language, and to express oneself effectively through a variety of modalities
Application
To integrate and apply acquired knowledge in and out of the classroom
Stewardship
To take care of people, take care of things, take care of the environment, and seek to make the community a better place for all
Ownership
To do one’s best work
