This past summer, Executive Director, Jenell Sherman, was invited to speak on an episode of Principal Office Hours, a podcast where real school leaders share their stories and strategies in our ever–evolving educational spaces. As more families choose flexible education, educational systems must strive to keep adapting. And while many school leaders are wary about offering programs that differ from more traditional models, Jenell continues to advocate for school choice and develops leaders who are passionate about personalized learning. 

As the leader of three independent study charter schools serving families across 14 California counties, Jenell brings a specialized understanding to the evolving world of homeschool education: a community of learners that isn’t limited by geography; but built through creativity and connection. 

“Homeschooling gives families freedom,” Jenell shared during the episode. “But it also challenges us to think differently about what community looks like.” 

This is what drew C.T., the host of Principal Office Hours to her work. Under Jenell’s leadership, Lake View, Clarksville, and Feather River Charter Schools, united together through the Sequoia Grove Charter Alliance, have developed creative ways to connect students, families, and educators across geographical distances.  

One example is the school’s Virtual Science Fair, a student favorite where learners present projects and meet peers from all over Northern California. Now in its fourth year, the event, led by teacher Kelsie Woody, has become a highlight for students and families alike.“Students end up meeting others from different areas,” she said proudly, “It creates relationships that normally wouldn’t happen.” 

Jenell leads with what she calls an “open-hand work model”-- an approach rooted in trust and empowerment. “We focus on finding staff who are both gifted and passionate,” she said thoughtfully. “That’s what strengthens our community.”

Because of Jenell’s leadership style, Sequoia Grove schools and programs have continued to expand. Programs like Virtual Academies, Adventure Academy, Clubs, Field Trips, and the brand new Sequoia Studio were all created by passionate educators who had a vision and were encouraged to bring it to life. 

What makes her leadership so compelling is how she balances mandated structure and academic freedom, two values that often define homeschool education. Jenell emphasized the challenge of aligning state standards with each student’s unique learning journey;  “Education as a whole needs to grow,” she explained. “Children learn on different timelines.” 

That belief fuels her drive to design programs with options that meet every student exactly where they are, like test prep sessions that support academic goals while preserving flexibility. 

“Homeschool forces you to pivot constantly,” Jenell said. “Our role as educators is to uplift the partnership between parents and education.” 

Principal Office Hours offers an inside look at what it means to lead in a space defined by adaptability, empathy, and purpose. A space where leadership isn’t about control, but about cultivating connection. 

Listen to the full episode to learn about Jenell’s vision which continues to shape what’s possible in charter and homeschool education—not just for today’s learners, but for the future of education itself.