Sequoya Elementary School

Went here 4 years, 4 principals in as many years...very unhappy teaching staff. Teachers are pressured to score high, although classrooms are PACKED with out-of-boundary kids. Forget personalized attention. Its sink or swim here, parents are highly involved-although that means they also do scores of homework. The parents 'help' in class, I'd prefer certified teachers to do that. The grounds are dusty and dirty. Kinder kids snack outside, b/c the rooms get 'buggy'. It was gross to have them eat out on the dusty sandlot in the heat. Not what you'd expect from a Scottsdale school. The 'cool rooms' were not opened very often, and kids had to play in the heat a lot. Scary when the Nurse is absent. What are good test scores, if nobody cares on-campus and in-class?
--Submitted by a parent

My son will possibly be starting kindergarten at Sequoya this year. Unfortunately my first and only impression of the school so far is in speaking with the secretary (or whomever answers the phone) in an attempt to set up a time to tour the school and find out more about the curriculum. (Both my husband and I were unsuccessful in accomlishing this.) If I had to base my opinion of the school on that experience alone, I would say the school must be horrible. But... we know many parents who love the school and we're still hoping we can connect with a teacher or somebody who can help us determine if this kindergarten will be a good fit for our little guy. Hope I will be able to add a new and positive review in the fall!
--Submitted by a parent

We have a very strong band of parents who are involved in every aspect of their childs education. The teachers are wonderful and nurturing. It's inspiring to see the comradare on campus.
--Submitted by a parent

I literally moved into the school boundaries so my daughter could attend Sequoya. Academia is very important to our family, and living in Arizona where many schools are failing, it was very important to me that I place my children in an excelling school system. My child loves going to school everyday. She has grown socially, and enjoys all of the school hosted activities and events. The test scores do not reflect the younger grade levels academic performance, but I can say first hand, that my child has definitely exceeding my expectations for her this year. Parents are welcome, and the staff is excellent from the teachers, to the administration, to the lunch ladies and bus drivers. We really love this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Sequoya is a wonderful school. We relocated from the east three years ago and visited all three feeder elementary schools in the pipeline before choosing Sequoya. The school has had some instability with administration, but this year hired a dedicated and experienced principal who is committed to our kids and school community. The previous principal, left for personal reasons which did not include a desire to distance himself from Sequoya. It was simply a better fit for him and his family. Parent involvement here is impressive. Children at all levels are being challenged in a caring and adademically focused environment.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Sequoya and we could not be happier with our decision. The teachers and administration are very supportive. Parents are welcome and encouraged to assist in the classes. The parent involvement surpasses what I have seen at private schools that require involvement. The children always have smiles on their faces. The test scores are some of the best in the state.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family is new to Sequoya this year...I have been very impressed with them & disagree with the recent posts. I have a kindergartner & a 2nd grader there, so feel like I have a broader perspective. I have been very pleased with the academic standards, as well as, the overall positive approach that both of their teachers have. Both of my daughters have very different learning styles and personalities, and are really excelling in their respective grades/classes (even with some bumps along the way). At the same time, is it realistic to expect that every teacher that your child encounters throughout their academic careers is going to meet your standards in every way? Of course not. And, it's not like that in the real world either...
--Submitted by a parent

For the short time my children were there I liked the teacher one of my children had, but the other was not very understanding and commited to my childs education. She always compared him and I do not think that is fair, as many children are different and learn on their own level. Yes, there are state standards and most children should be at a certain level for their grade, but my child is unique and very bright in his own ways. She seemed unwilling to hear my ideas and thoughts about what we can do to help my son. I also think that the sand in the Kindergarten playground is not a good idea in this state. Children have allergies and every time I was on that playground I felt like I needed a mask to breathe. My child was sick often with allergies and coughing..
--Submitted by a parent

This school is poorly run and ultimately you are taking a gamble. The staff are very inconsistant and you are putting your childs wellbeing at risk by having them grow up in this environment. Too many changes in leadership, poor communication from most members of staff. It is a misleading first impression as the office staff are delightful but as your insight into the school deepens-nothing but disappointment prevails.....I fully undersatnd why over the summer Dr Reid (the previous principal) chose to leave Sequoya. VERY poor choice of school even for AZ poor eductional standards!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Best school in the phoenix area.
--Submitted by a teacher