Sequoia High School stands as a landmark institution in the heart of Redwood City, California. Established in 1895, it holds the distinction of being the oldest high school in San Mateo County. Over the decades, it has evolved from a small preparatory school for Stanford University into a diverse, comprehensive public high school known for its rigorous academic standards and unique architectural heritage. As a cornerstone of the Sequoia Union High School District, the campus serves a large student body, blending tradition with a forward-looking curriculum tailored to the demands of the modern era.

A Campus Rooted in California History

The physical presence of Sequoia High School is inseparable from its history. Occupying 35 acres that once belonged to the estate of Horace Hawes, the campus reflects a Spanish Colonial Revival style that is rare for public educational facilities. The architecture, characterized by its stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and the iconic Argo Bell Tower, earned the school a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

Walking through the campus feels more like visiting a private university than a standard public high school. The grounds feature a variety of historical flora, including giant sequoias, monkey-puzzle trees, and cork oaks. One of the most tranquil spots on campus is the Japanese Tea Garden, originally constructed by students in 1929. This garden, which includes a recently renovated gazebo and a koi pond, serves as a testament to the school’s long-standing commitment to creating a stimulating and caring environment. The architectural integrity of buildings like Carrington Hall—the school’s primary performing arts venue named after a former music teacher—remains a point of pride for the Redwood City community.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence

One of the defining features of Sequoia High School is its status as an IB World School. It was one of the first schools in the San Francisco Bay Area to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a rigorous pre-university course of study that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students. Unlike many programs that remain exclusive, Sequoia has been recognized for its efforts to make the IB curriculum accessible to a diverse range of students.

In 2014, the school was selected for a national study on bridging the equity gap, highlighting its success in supporting students from various backgrounds as they tackle the most challenging classes. The IB program at Sequoia emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of points of view. Students who pursue the full IB diploma engage in an extended essay, a Theory of Knowledge course, and various Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) projects. This holistic approach is designed to produce well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the rigors of higher education and global citizenship.

Specialized Career Academies

Beyond the traditional and IB curricula, Sequoia High School operates several "schools-within-a-school" known as career academies. These programs provide students with a smaller learning community and a focus on specific industry sectors, blending academic instruction with practical, hands-on experience.

Digital Arts Academy (DAA)

As the oldest program of its kind in California, the Digital Arts Academy prepares students for careers in the technology and media sectors. Given the school’s proximity to Silicon Valley, the DAA benefits from local industry connections, offering mentorships and projects that mirror real-world professional environments. Students in the DAA focus on graphic design, video production, and digital imaging, gaining technical skills while completing their core graduation requirements.

Health Careers Academy (HCA)

The Health Careers Academy is designed for students interested in the medical profession. This three-year program provides a foundation in health sciences, including medical terminology and biotechnology. The HCA emphasizes community service and provides students with opportunities to interact with healthcare professionals, helping them visualize a path toward careers in nursing, medicine, or health administration.

Student Agency and Cultural Evolution

The culture at Sequoia High School is characterized by student involvement and a willingness to address contemporary social issues. A significant example of this occurred in the late 2010s regarding the school’s mascot and team name. For nearly a century, the school’s athletic teams were known as the Cherokees. However, following extensive research and advocacy by students, faculty, and community members, the school underwent a formal transition.

In 2019, the Board of Trustees voted to change the team name to the Ravens. This decision was the result of a student-led initiative that argued the former name perpetuated stereotypes and was not in alignment with a modern understanding of cultural respect. The transition to the Ravens was marked by new murals and an updated school foreword that paid homage to the school’s history while embracing a more inclusive future. This process is often cited as a model for how schools can navigate complex cultural shifts through dialogue and student-led leadership.

Arts, Athletics, and Extracurricular Life

Education at Sequoia extends far beyond the classroom. The visual and performing arts programs are vital to the school’s mission of creating "complete human beings." With facilities like the renovated Carrington Hall and the newer music wing, students have access to professional-grade spaces for drama, choir, and instrumental music.

In athletics, the Sequoia Ravens compete in a wide variety of interscholastic sports. The school’s facilities include three gyms, a dance studio, a swimming pool, and updated athletic fields. The rivalry with nearby Woodside High School remains a highlight of the academic year, fostering a sense of community and school spirit.

Clubs and organizations also play a major role in student life. From student government and the campus newspaper, The Raven Report, to niche interest groups and service clubs, there are numerous avenues for students to develop leadership skills and explore personal interests. The school also provides robust support systems like the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which helps students—particularly those who are first-generation college-bound—navigate the complexities of college applications and academic preparation.

Safety and Wellness Support

The well-being of the student body is supported by comprehensive safety plans and wellness resources. The campus houses a Teen Resource Center (TRC) with licensed therapists, providing a space for individual and group counseling. This focus on mental health is a critical component of Sequoia’s "stimulating and caring community" mission. Peer-mediation programs and drug prevention initiatives further contribute to a campus environment where students are encouraged to make wise decisions and treat one another with respect.

Identifying Other Sequoia High Schools

While the Redwood City institution is the most prominent, it is important to note that the name "Sequoia High School" is used by other notable educational programs across the United States. For individuals searching for these specific locations, the models often differ significantly:

  • Everett, Washington: In the Everett Public Schools district, Sequoia High School serves as an alternative high school. It is a smaller environment, typically hosting 150 to 200 students. This school focuses on a personalized, "family-like" atmosphere with a flexible schedule divided into eight terms. It is an ideal choice for students who thrive in smaller settings or need a non-traditional path to graduation.
  • Freedom, California: Operated by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, this Sequoia High School is also an alternative education site. It emphasizes career technical education and individual learning plans, focusing on kindness, equity, and preparing learners for success after high school through a future-oriented curriculum.

The Role of the Sequoia High School Education Foundation

A significant factor in the continued success of the Redwood City campus is the Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF). This non-profit organization raises funds to support programs that fall outside the standard district budget. These funds are used for academic enrichment, professional development for staff, and student support services. The foundation’s work ensures that the school can maintain its high standards of excellence and provide equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Navigating the Future of Education

As Sequoia High School moves deeper into the 21st century, it continues to balance its rich history with the needs of a changing world. The school remains a "model school," as once described by the U.S. Secretary of Education, due to its commitment to student success and its ability to foster an environment where intellectual risks are encouraged. Whether through its rigorous IB diploma program, its specialized career academies, or its vibrant extracurricular scene, Sequoia provides a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for the challenges of college and career life in an increasingly globalized society.

For those within the Sequoia Union High School District, the school represents more than just a place of learning; it is a community hub that honors the past while actively shaping the future of its students. The "Unaliyi" spirit—a Cherokee word meaning "place of friends" that has been retained through the school’s history—continues to define the interpersonal connections that make the campus a unique and supportive environment for all who walk its historic halls.