Sequoia’s Digital Arts Academy (DAA) is a small, specialized program open to students in grades 10 through 12. Funded through a State of California grant, with additional support from the school district and industry partners, the DAA maintains small class sizes of about 25 students. This funding also allows the program to offer hands-on technology instruction while providing additional support for students who need it.
Teachers in the Academy benefit from strong institutional support and dedicated collaboration time. This structure allows them to design meaningful projects and closely monitor student progress, ensuring each student is challenged to grow and improve. The collaborative environment promotes high expectations and encourages students to actively engage in their coursework.
“[The DAA is] a program that does the right thing by bringing together different types of educational experiences,” Digital Media teacher and DAA coordinator Victoria Mitchell said.
The DAA’s primary goal is to provide a personalized, technology-focused education that prepares students for both college and future careers. Through clear career pathways, individual support and a positive learning environment, the DAA helps students build the skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond high school.
One of the program’s greatest strengths is its strong sense of community. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to form closer relationships with students and better understand their individual needs, helping students feel supported and confident.
”[The academy creates] a comfortable space where students seem to feel like it’s their home at school,” Mitchell said.
Another key skill students develop in the DAA is curiosity, which encourages growth regardless of the path they choose.
“Curiosity is the spirit of learning,” Mitchell said.
More than just a set of classes, the DAA fosters a close-knit community, meaningful learning experiences and real-world opportunities. Whether students are interested in creative careers, college-level coursework or a stronger sense of connection at Sequoia, the DAA provides an environment where students feel safe, prepared and excited about their future.