Sequoia High School opened on September 15, 1895, and is the oldest high school in the Bay Area. It originated as a preparatory high school for Stanford University and earned the name "Sequoia" for the majestic redwood trees.  One of the most notable features of the school is the tower, which was modeled after Stanford University's tower.

Housing grades 9-12, Sequoia High is one of the few high schools in the Bay Area to offer International Baccalaureate (IB) classes in addition to Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

The school provides "Personalized Learning Communities," a house program implemented in 2002 that bases placement on areas of interest. The houses include Quartz, Amethyst, Jade, Pre-Academy (Turquoise) and Emerald, each with certain emphases. The high school also offers several unique programs, such as the business/information technology program, which focuses on providing courses for careers in business and information technology. The electronic arts academy is a separate program where students can earn college credit through Canada College.