Everett is changing. If you drive down 4th Avenue West, you might pass a building that looks a bit different from the sprawling, traditional campuses of Cascade or Everett High. That’s Sequoia High School. It’s not just another building in the Everett Public Schools system. It's a lifeline.
For a lot of kids in Snohomish County, the standard "bells and lockers" experience is a nightmare. It doesn't work for everyone. Sequoia exists because the district realized—decades ago—at-risk students and those needing a non-traditional path deserve a seat at the table too. It’s an "Alternative High School," but honestly, that label feels a bit dusty. It's really a boutique education center for people who need life to move at a different pace.
What Sequoia High School Everett Actually Is
Let’s be real. There’s often a stigma attached to alternative schools. People think they’re "easy" or just for "troublemakers." That is fundamentally wrong. Sequoia High School Everett is a choice-based program. You don’t just get sent there; you usually apply because the massive environment of a 2,000-student school is crushing your soul or your grades.
The school operates on a smaller scale. Think low student-to-teacher ratios. This isn't just a luxury; it’s the whole point. When a teacher actually knows your name, your favorite band, and the fact that you’re working a late shift at a coffee shop to help your parents with rent, the education changes. It becomes personal.
The school serves grades 9 through 12. It’s part of the broader Everett Public Schools network, which means the diploma you get is real. It’s not a "lesser" degree. It’s a ticket to the same colleges and careers as anyone else, just earned via a different route.
The "Choice" Model: How It Works
So, how do you get in? It’s not a lottery in the traditional sense, but it is competitive because of space. Students usually have to attend an orientation and go through an interview process. Why? Because the school needs to know you want to be there. You have to buy into the culture of mutual respect.
Small Classes, Big Impact
At Sequoia, the atmosphere is more like a workplace or a small community college than a typical high school. There are fewer distractions. No massive pep rallies that feel overwhelming. No navigating hallways that feel like a mosh pit.
It’s quiet.
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Teachers here, like those recognized by the district for their specialized approach to credit retrieval and social-emotional learning, act more like mentors. They use a quarter-based system or "blocks" that allow students to focus intensely on a few subjects at a time rather than juggling six or seven classes at once. This is a game-changer for anyone with ADHD or high anxiety.
Why the Location Matters
The campus is situated at 3516 Rucker Ave. It’s central. It’s accessible. Being in the heart of Everett means students are close to the Everett Public Library, local transit, and potential job sites.
Everett is a blue-collar town with a growing tech and aerospace footprint. Sequoia leans into this. They don't just teach algebra in a vacuum. They try to connect it to the world. The school has historically been involved in various community outreach programs, ensuring that students feel like citizens of Everett, not just names on a roster.
Addressing the "At-Risk" Label
We need to talk about the term "at-risk."
In the educational world, this usually means a student is at risk of not graduating. Maybe they've missed too many days. Maybe they have a child of their own. Maybe they are dealing with housing instability.
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Sequoia High School Everett doesn't see these as failures. They see them as variables.
The school provides resources that traditional schools struggle to manage. They have a more flexible schedule. They offer a "Teen Parent" program that has been a cornerstone of the school’s identity for years. Providing childcare and a supportive environment for young mothers and fathers isn't just "nice"—it’s the difference between a life of poverty and a high school diploma.
The Graduation Gap
Research from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) consistently shows that alternative schools face a statistical uphill battle with graduation rates. But looking at raw percentages is misleading. If a student comes to Sequoia with zero credits as a junior and leaves with a diploma two years later, that is a 100% success rate, even if they graduated "late" by state standards.
Sequoia’s success is measured in individual wins. It’s about the kid who hadn't passed a math class in three years finally "getting" geometry because the teacher had the time to sit down and draw it out on a piece of scrap paper.
Life After Sequoia
What happens after you walk across that stage?
A lot of people think alternative school students just disappear into the workforce. Some do, and that's great. But many head straight to Everett Community College (EvCC) or Washington State University (WSU) Everett.
The school emphasizes "High School and Beyond" planning. Because the school is small, the counselors can actually spend time with students on FAFSA applications. They can help them figure out if they want to go into the Boeing apprenticeship program or if they want to study graphic design.
Common Misconceptions (The Honest Truth)
Let’s clear some things up.
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- Is it "thug school"? No. That’s a dated, biased stereotype. It’s a school for people who learn differently or have life circumstances that require flexibility.
- Are the academics easier? No. The standards (Common Core and state requirements) are exactly the same. The delivery is what changes. You still have to pass the state tests.
- Can you play sports? Usually, students at Sequoia can still participate in athletics at their "home" school (like Everett High or Cascade) depending on WIAA regulations and district policies. You get the small school vibe but the big school Friday night lights if you want them.
The Cultural Heart of the Campus
The "Sequoia Wolfpack" identity is real. There is a sense of "us against the world" that you don't find at larger institutions. When you’ve been counted out by the "system," and you find a place that counts you in, you become fiercely loyal to it.
The staff turnover at Sequoia tends to be lower than average for alternative schools. Why? Because the teachers who are there want to be there. They aren't looking for a cushy job; they’re looking to make a massive dent in a student's life trajectory.
A Note on Safety and Support
Safety at Sequoia isn't just about locks and cameras. It’s about relationships. When every teacher knows every student, it’s very hard for someone to "slip through the cracks." If a student is having a bad day, it’s noticed immediately. Intervention happens in minutes, not weeks.
How to Support or Enroll
If you’re a parent in Everett and your kid is miserable, stop forcing the square peg into the round hole. It’s okay to admit the traditional path isn't working.
- Check the Everett Public Schools website. Look for the Sequoia section under "Schools."
- Attend an Information Night. They usually hold these throughout the year.
- Talk to your current school counselor. They can help facilitate the transfer process.
- Visit the campus. Walk the halls. See the energy for yourself. It’s not what you expect.
Sequoia High School Everett isn't a "last resort." For many, it's the first time they've ever felt like they actually belonged in a classroom. That’s not just an alternative education—that’s a vital public service.
Actionable Next Steps for Success
If you are a student or parent considering Sequoia, don't wait until the end of a failing semester to make a move.
- Audit your current credits. Request a transcript from your current school to see exactly where you stand. Sequoia specializes in "credit retrieval," but knowing your gap is the first step.
- Interview the school. When you go for your orientation, ask about their specific support for your interests—whether that's vocational training, arts, or specific STEM subjects.
- Commit to the attendance policy. Small schools rely on your presence. The flexibility at Sequoia comes with the expectation that you show up and engage.
- Connect with the Career Center early. Don't wait until senior year. Use the smaller setting to get a head start on your post-graduation plan by building a relationship with the vocational counselors in your first month.