Portrait of a Graduate
Sierra Canyon’s program builds genuine confidence, vibrant intelligence, and compassionate character.
Let us introduce you to some of our graduates, some of whom we call Lifers, students who have traveled the complete Sierra Canyon arc, Pre-K or K through grade 12. They’re living proof that learning forward works.
DANIEL,
UC Santa Barbara
Basketball/Hoops with Heart (non-profit)/Drumline/ Photography/Rainbow Pack/Student Ambassador
Favorite SC memory: The Peak Week trip I took to Iceland. I loved seeing all the unique landscapes and experiencing the culture of the country.
Advice for new students: At Sierra Canyon, it’s “cool” to be smart, so enjoy learning and absorb everything you learn. Also, read a lot of books!
FAITH, USC
Track and Field/Speech and Debate/Linguistics
Team/Astrophysics Club/Gay Straight Alliance/ French and Spanish Honor Society/Founder of ASL Club
Favorite SC memory: Before the One Night
Only show, I was on the stage and began playing Bohemian Rhapsody on the piano. The other students behind the stage must have heard me because, one by one they ran over and picked up their instruments until the whole band was playing with me. It was truly an incredible moment.
Teacher I’ll never forget: One of my favorite teachers is Dr. E. Although I only had her as an official teacher for one year, I would often go back to her class to ask her questions about astrophysics. She was always there to make me laugh and answer my questions.
JUBILEE, Barnard College
Lifer
Mock Trial/FREE Club/Speech and Debate/ The Rambler
Teacher I’ll never forget: Mrs. Reardon-Childs, my 6th grade English teacher, was an incredible role model. I still look up to her, and she really prepared me for the academic rigor of the Upper Campus.
Advice for new students: Treasure every moment at this amazing school. It will help you grow, mature, and make lifelong friends!
ZOIE, Yale University
Lifer
Black Student Union/National Honors Society/ Spanish Honors Society/Volleyball
Favorite SC memory: Being the first 4th grader to win the school Spelling Bee and winning it again in 5th grade!
Advice for new students: Grades don’t define you, and you are your own biggest competition. Also, reach outside of your comfort zone and take advantage of the many resources and clubs Sierra Canyon has to offer, so you not only help the Sierra Canyon community but the outside community as well.
FRANKIE, Stanford University
Politics Club/Voices for Change/French Club/Tennis
Life lesson learned at Sierra Canyon: I learned where I fit in among a group of very high-achieving and intelligent people. Instead of competing with others, it is important to uplift and admire the people that are doing great things around you while still recognizing your own talents and potential for success.
Advice for new students: Take advantage of the opportunities and resources you are given at SC to be a changemaker on campus.
JAKE, Oberlin College
Lifer
Lacrosse/Politics Club
Favorite SC memory: The Great Fair! I loved the Fair and would stay for the whole day, eating candy and running around riding rollercoasters with my friends.
Life lesson learned at Sierra Canyon: I learned that building strong relationships with students, faculty, and everyone in general is the best thing you can do for your future. Life is about building relationships and keeping them.
Lifer
Meet more Sierra Canyon Graduates...
AVONLEY, Columbia University
Lifer
Peer Tutoring/Student Body President/French Club/ Junior Classical League
Favorite SC memory: The gold rush in fourth grade because it was enjoyable to learn while having fun. We had Western costumes, got to pan for gold, and saw what life was like during the gold rush.
Life lesson learned at Sierra Canyon: Sierra taught me how to be a better leader, friend, and member of the community. It has also taught me to take every opportunity I can to better myself, whether that be talking to a teacher about an assignment or doing the extra credit.
D’SHAWN, Princeton University
Track and Field/Football/Chess Club
Teacher I’ll never forget: My favorite Upper Campus teacher is Mr. B because he is very understanding. He is willing to work with all his students, and he makes class a fun environment.
Advice for new students: Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable and venture out. Sierra Canyon offers too many diverse opportunities for you to be stuck in your bubble.
BRENNA, Rhode Island School of Design
Lifer
Dance/Volleyball/French Club/Theater
Favorite SC memory: The Addams Family musical production was an amazing experience to be a part of. I loved being able to dance and help design the makeup looks for it to go with the costumes.
Life lesson learned at Sierra Canyon: I learned how to make the most of what a community has to offer and how to also give back to the community. There are so many opportunities for you to explore at Sierra from clubs to classes, and once you start exploring what you like, even more opportunities arise. In sixth grade, I decided that I wanted to help kids gain access to creative outlets. I created my non-profit K.I.K. Art Kits to help kids have access to art.
GARY, Cornell University
Debate/Math Team/Politics Club/ Trailblazer Debate Podcast
Favorite SC memory: I love Peak Week. I chose to go on the college tour and loved getting to explore the East Coast and visiting a wide variety of schools with my classmates and counselors.
Life lesson learned at Sierra Canyon: Be productive in and outside of the classroom.
Advice for new students: Try everything and drop the stuff you don’t like.
LINDSAY, UCLA
Lifer
Volleyball/Soccer/Softball/Performing Arts
Favorite SC memory: The Lower Campus Solar Car Races. I enjoyed this project because I got to work with friends while learning at the same time.
Advice for new students: SC is a small school with big opportunities. Take advantage of everything there is to offer.
JAKE, University of Wisconsin
Track and Field/Tennis/Golf/Photography/ Speech and Debate
Life lesson learned at Sierra Canyon: Hard work beats skill.
Advice for new students: Pursue what you are passionate about, be kind, and nothing is impossible.
BRITTANY, MIT
Lifer
Soccer/Mock Trial/Student Government/ National Honor Society
Teacher I’ll never forget: Mr. Schrode taught me how to think deeply and articulate my thoughts clearly. He challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone.
Advice for new students: Always try your best. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to do that at Sierra Canyon.
Learning forward ensures children gain unstoppable momentum to learn and explore, propelling them toward a lifetime of success. The Sierra Canyon journey helps your child make the most of our exceptional philosophy.
Why not start your child’s Sierra Canyon journey today?
For more information visit sierracanyonschool.org or call 818-882-8121.
