The
Stampede SUMMER
2025-2026
Oct. 17-21 - Upper Campus Peak Week Nov. 11-13 - All School Production of Momma Mia! Nov. 22 - Grandparents/Grand Friends Day 8:30 a.m. at the Lower Campus
A MESSAGE FROM THE
Head of School Dear Prospective Families, As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Head of School at Sierra Canyon. From the beginning, I was drawn to Sierra Canyon as a diverse, independent school committed to helping every student discover their own version of success. It is a place that prepares students academically and personally for life beyond graduation while never losing sight of balance, well-being, and the importance of childhood. I see that commitment every day, in our classrooms, through our arts and athletics programs, and in the meaningful relationships that make our school feel like home. As we look ahead to another exciting year, I am inspired by the opportunities before us and the continued pursuit of excellence that defines Sierra Canyon. Together with our exceptional faculty and staff, we remain dedicated to creating an environment where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to realize their greatest promise. Thank you for considering Sierra Canyon as a partner in your child's educational journey. We are honored to share more about our community and look forward to the possibility of welcoming your family. Wishing you a wonderful summer! Sincerely,
Stephanie Rubin Head of School
Celebrating the Class of 2026 SIERRA CANYON’S 18TH GRADUATING CLASS We are thrilled to celebrate the newest members of our alumni community—the Class of 2026. Throughout their time at Sierra Canyon, these students excelled as scholars, artists, athletes, leaders, and friends, leaving a lasting mark on our school. Reflecting the breadth of their talents and accomplishments, seniors earned admission to more than 220 colleges and universities nationwide, including several Ivy League institutions. With their diverse talents, passions, and contributions, this exceptional group is poised to pursue their dreams and embark on their next chapter. Student Speakers Nicholas P. '26 (Valedictorian) and Brayden C. '26 (Salutatorian) Lifers Jaide A. '26, Mason A. '26, Marcus A. '26, Denise B. '26, Emma B. '26, Amir E. '26, Jori G. '26, Kai G. '26, Aiden G. '26, Dean G. '26, Hendrix H. '26, Quincy J. '26, Owen K. '26, Danny M. '26, Sahhra M. '26, Carl M. '26, Tristan M. '26, Lola N. '26, Alexis O. '26, Kellen O. '26, Sadie O. '26, Jordan S. '26, Neel S. '26, Mia S. '26, Sophia T. '26, Roman W. '26, and Eren Y. '26, Award Winners Jerzy R. '26, Lyric W. '26, Maxi A. '26, Richard W. '26 (Founder's Award); Dean G. '26 (Renaissance Award); Danny M. '26 (Trustees Prize); Aiden G. '26 (Head of School Award); and Zixuan Alina H. '26 (International Excellence Award)
Sierra Canyon bound Class of 2026
for Greatness
3rd in the 2026 Int’l Bridge Building Contest
Pre-Kindergarten STEAM Activity
4th Grade Math Team Success
Student Achievements APRIL-JUNE HIGHLIGHTS 6th Grade National Latin Exam Gold Medalists
Upper Campus Awards Assembly
5th Grade Red Carpet Publishing Party
National Honor Society Induction of 60 members of the Class of 2027
2nd Grade Ocean Day
6th Grade Solar Car Race Winnerss
Kindergarten Watches Butterflies Hatch
5th Grade Spanish Spelling Bee
Middle School Summer Reading Fest
1st Grade Science
8th Grade Tribute Student Speaker
Class of 2026 College Day
3rd Grade Indigenous Peoples Celebration
27 Lifers from the Class of 2026
World Language Induction Ceremony
Middle School Ars Poetica Finalists
Sierra Canyon Arts Festival THE ARTS TAKE CENTER STAGE DURING SPRING SEASON This spring, creativity could be found around every corner of Sierra Canyon. Stages came alive with music, dance, and theater. Hallways transformed into galleries. Original films premiered on the big screen. Across every campus and every discipline, students embraced the opportunity to share their work with confidence. Each performance, exhibition, and production reflected months of preparation and exploration, while giving students the opportunity to realize their full artistic potential. As Sierra Canyon looks ahead to the opening of the Everest Family Center for the Arts, this extraordinary spring season offered a glimpse of what is possible. It reflected a thriving arts community where students are encouraged to cultivate their talents, express themselves authentically, and pursue artistic excellence.
One Night Only: Dance Concert
Concert in the Canyon: Music Festival
Lower School Music and Spanish Concert
Lower School Addams Family Production
Lower School Art Show
Sierra Canyon Film Festival
Blaze-a-Palooza at the Great Fair
Picnic in the Park: Lower School Strings and Choir Concert
Lower School Dance Recital
Upper Campus Art Exhibit
TRAILBLAZER PRIDE CONTINUED SUCCESS: SPRING ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS
Sierra Canyon Athletics once again demonstrated why it is recognized as one of the nation's premier athletic programs. Throughout the year, Trailblazers captured league and CIF-SS championships, shattered school records, and competed on state and national stages. Adding to the celebration, the Class of 2026 made school history as 33 student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level— the most ever by a Sierra Canyon graduating class. Since the release of our Spring Publication, eleven outstanding senior student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent. Congratulations to Brayden Charness (New York University, Baseball), Jori Glover (Hampton University, Track and Field), Luke Haas (University of the Pacific, Swimming), Hendrix Hart (University of Tennessee, Track and Field), Teddy Levin (Brandeis University, Baseball), Payton Montgomery (University of the Pacific, Girls Basketball), Kalyani Olive (Mercyhurst University, Girls Volleyball), Ziggy Rex (Ithaca College, Girls Volleyball), Jerzy Robinson (University of South Carolina, Girls Basketball), Armando Solorio (Westmont College, Baseball), Sam Stoller (Pomona College, Baseball), and Lyric Wilson (Howard University, Girls Tennis). The dedication and competitive spirit of every student-athlete, coach, and team continue to strengthen the proud tradition of Sierra Canyon Athletics.
MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School Track and Field enjoyed a successful spring season highlighted by multiple recordbreaking performances. Emilie D. '30 set a new Middle School record in the long jump (16'9.5") while capturing the league championship. Solomon S. '30 established a new school record in the shot put (43'6") to earn second place, and Nylah P. '30 broke the Middle School record in the 400 meters with a time of 63.81 seconds.
VARSITY BOYS SWIMMING The Trailblazers made history in the pool with multiple school records and a state championship appearance. Luke H. '26 set new school records in the Boys' 200 Individual Medley (IM) and 100 Breaststroke before advancing to the CIF State Championship in the 200 IM. Luke also teamed with Anthony K. '26, Nirvaan P. '27, and Goktug B. '28 to establish new school records in both the 200 Medley Relay and 400 Freestyle Relay.
VARSITY COED TRACK AND FIELD SC Track and Field competed at the highest levels of league, CIF-SS, and State competition. Hendrix H. '26 qualified for the CIF State Championship in the 200 meters, while Jori G. '26 captured a Mission League title in the high jump and advanced to CIF Masters in the shot put and discus. Jonathan P. '29 continued his recordbreaking season by setting new school records in the 110 and 300 hurdles and winning the CIF-SS Division 4 Championship in the 110 hurdles. Darren H. '27 and Zöe T. '29 also advanced to the CIF-SS Division 4 Finals.
EQUESTRIAN Sierra Canyon's Equestrian Team delivered an impressive performance at the Interscholastic Equestrian League Championships, finishing sixth overall among 50 competing schools. Helena D. '28 and Brooklyn S. '30 earned the High Point Team Average Per Rider trophy, while Helena placed third overall in the Varsity Division and Brooklyn finished fifth in the Novice Division.
On the Horizon NEW INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE SIERRA CANYON EXPERIENCE IN 2026–2027 Since its founding, Sierra Canyon has grown through a spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a "go for it" credo. Whether launching new programs, expanding facilities, or creating opportunities, the School has continually evolved to meet the needs of its community while remaining true to its mission. As we look toward the future, that momentum continues. Several exciting initiatives are already taking shape, creating new pathways for students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and pursue excellence. Together, these investments reflect Sierra Canyon's ongoing commitment to providing extraordinary opportunities for current and future Trailblazers. With so much on the horizon, the future of Sierra Canyon has never been brighter.
SIERRA CANYON ARTS ACADEMY Sierra Canyon is proud to introduce the Arts Academy, a dynamic new initiative designed to elevate arts education and expand opportunities for artistic excellence. Beginning in 2026–2027, Upper Campus students will have access to after-school coursework, specialized training, and mentorship from accomplished industry professionals. Designed to complement Sierra Canyon's strong academic program, the Arts Academy will provide aspiring artists, performers, and creators with opportunities to deepen their craft while pursuing conservatory-style experiences. The program represents an exciting step forward as the School prepares for the opening of the Everest Family Center for the Arts.
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NEW ATHLETIC TRAINING CENTER Sierra Canyon is excited to announce plans for a new Athletic Training Center that will further elevate the student-athlete experience. Located near the Lower Campus, the proposed facility will include an eightlane pool, six tennis courts, and a six-lane track with a multipurpose field for football, soccer, lacrosse, and conditioning. By creating additional opportunities for students to train closer to campus, the facility will support both the growth of Sierra Canyon Athletics and the overall well-being of its student-athletes.
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VARSITY GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL Sierra Canyon Athletics is proud to announce the addition of Varsity Girls Flag Football. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation and a featured sport in the 2028 Olympic Games, Girls Flag Football is creating exciting new opportunities for studentathletes at both the high school and collegiate levels. The Trailblazers will begin competition during the 2026–2027 fall season under the leadership of nationally recognized coach Michaeltore Smith, whose experience developing elite athletes and championship-caliber programs will help establish a strong foundation for success. SC will compete in the Mission League and the first game is slated for August. Girls Flag Football Head Coach Michaeltore Smith
A True Trailblazer HONORING 22 YEARS OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP When Jim Skrumbis joined Sierra Canyon in 2004 as its Founding Head of School, he embraced more than a leadership position. He embraced a vision. The School's founders, Howard Wang and Mick Horwitz, had built a thriving K–8 school and day camp while dreaming of expanding Sierra Canyon into a premier Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade institution unlike any other. A place where students could pursue academic excellence, discover their passions, develop strong character, and leave prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world. To bring that vision to life, they needed a leader capable of turning possibility into reality. And over the next 22 years, Jim did exactly that. Jim's leadership was never defined by maintaining the status quo. He believed that schools should continually ask what more they can do for their students, and he approached every challenge with an entrepreneurial spirit. Whether developing a new campus, expanding student opportunities, or investing in world-class facilities, Jim consistently focused not on what Sierra Canyon was, but on what it could become. The results of that vision can be seen across every corner of the School. During his tenure, Sierra Canyon opened its Upper Campus, expanded to 49 acres, developed athletic facilities, and launched the School's first capital campaign, culminating in the construction of the Everest Family Center for the Arts. The School earned national recognition for academic excellence, joined the prestigious Cum Laude Society, and established itself as a destination for students and families seeking an exceptional educational experience. Yet those who know Jim best understand that his proudest accomplishments cannot be measured in buildings, rankings, championships, or accolades. His greatest legacy lives in people. It lives in the students who realize their greatest creative, ethical, intellectual, and physical promise. It lives in the alumni who continue to carry Sierra Canyon's values into colleges, careers, and communities around the world. It lives in the faculty and staff whom Jim empowered to think boldly and innovate freely. And it lives in the countless families who entrusted Sierra Canyon with their children and found a community that became a second home. As Sierra Canyon enters its next chapter, Jim's influence will continue to shape the School's future. Beginning July 1, 2026, he will assume the newly created role of Head of School Emeritus. In this position, he will focus on strategic initiatives, institutional advancement, major gift development, future capital projects, and serving as a trusted advisor to incoming Head of School Stephanie Rubin. The title may be new, but the mission remains the same. For more than two decades, Jim Skrumbis has challenged Sierra Canyon to dream bigger, think further ahead, and never lose sight of what is possible. The community he helped build stands as a testament to his vision. His legacy is not simply what Sierra Canyon has become. It is everything Sierra Canyon is still destined to be.
Oct. 17-21 - Upper Campus Peak Week Nov. 11-13 - All School Production of Momma Mia! Nov. 22 - Grandparents/Grand Friends Day 8:30 a.m. at the Lower Campus
Save the Dates! IMPORTANT ADMISSION UPDATES
AUGUST 1: Applications for the 2027-2028 school year will be available on our website.
VISITING OPTIONS: Private tours of our beautiful campuses will begin this September. We will start scheduling appointments for private tours and interviews in mid-August. Please contact us to arrange a visit that is convenient for you. Upper Campus Preview (Grades 7-12) Saturday, November 7 | 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Lower Campus Preview (Grades Pre-K - 6) Saturday, November 14 | 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Upper Campus Coffee for Lower School Prospective Families Tuesday, December 1 | 9:45 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Trailblazer Thursday: Coffee and Curriculum for Prospective Upper Campus Families Thursday, December 3 | 9:45 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Learn more about our events and private tours at VisitingSC.org.
Meet the Admission Leadership Team! Our Admission Office is dedicated to guiding families through the Sierra Canyon experience, providing insight into our dynamic programs and supportive community.
DINA SKRUMBIS DEBBY SHIVELY Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of our Admission Leadership Lower Campus, Grades Pre-K–6 Upper Campus, Grades 7–12 Team. LSadmission@sierracanyonschool.org USadmission@sierracanyonschool.org