Transition Counseling is an essential factor in the success of Holden’s graduates. The program provides resources and support to students for planning and transitioning to college, vocational programs and/or employment. Through this program, all graduates of Holden leave with a plan and a roadmap to achieve their life goals. For some students this may mean securing a spot in a job-training program or internship, while for others it may be registering at a community college or being accepted to a four-year university.

Holden High School’s Transition Counseling Program provides an array of resources and services, including:

• Special classes on researching and applying to colleges and for professional jobs, as well as the emotional and budgetary issues of transition
• Open-office hours to help with current job-searches and relevant internships
• Meetings with families about academic progress, vocational plans and future goal-setting
• Community event nights focused on life after Holden, college application and financial aid processes
• Visits from representatives of colleges most suitable for Holden graduates

How it works
During their freshman and sophomore years, students are encouraged to identify their interests and passions, and then to create a plan to learn more about them. Over the years, students make decisions about outside coursework and choose their required community college classes based on their plans (e.g., four-year university or training program). Students receive direction to finding internships and jobs that reflect their goals and or curiosity.

The Four-year College Track
Planning for attendance at a four-year school begins during the junior year. Although we do not administer the PSAT, SAT or the ACT, students are encouraged to do outside preparation either by attending a course or studying on their own or at school. Students meet with a transition counselor individually and with their families to map out the road to college admissions. Because Holden does not offer foreign language or lab science classes at this time, students must fulfill those college admission requirements at another institution, although they will receive credit for them at Holden.

Students and their families hold primary responsibility for assuring that college admission requirements are fulfilled, standardized tests are taken and applications are completed and submitted. This demands a substantial degree of planning on the part of Holden families; the staff will work to be as supportive as possible to facilitate the process.