Non-traditional learnersthriveat Holden High School!
LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse students feel respected and supported in our community.
Holden provides a tailored education for students struggling with learning, mental health, and executive functioning challenges. Students who have experienced previous academic failure, school refusal, and bullying reignite their love for learning at Holden High.
Our location is BART walkable, allowing for students to commute from all over the Bay Area. Most of our students live in Contra Costa and Alameda County.
Students meet weekly for an hour of support with a Marriage Family Therapist or associate therapist, supervised by Holden’s licensed Clinical Director.
"Holden has helped me feel confident enough to open up and share my ideas and opinions. I plan to enroll in community college to study aviation and graphic design."
"The Transition Counselors at Holden have helped me organize my path to college. It's been very productive. This fall I'll attend Sacramento Community College."
"Holden supports but doesn't coddle. It pushes me to be my best. I have to earn my privileges through things like community service and clean-up crew that prepare me for life outside of school."
"Graduating from Holden is bitter-sweet. I'll miss the close-knit feeling of being in such a small community. I'm excited to start at Prescott College to study Wilderness Leadership."
"My favorite Holden memory was our school field trip to Kennedy Park. After my gap year, I'll attend the College of Alameda and take a mechanics class."
"I didn't do well in traditional schools because my ADHD means I learn differently. Holden gave me lots of support to pursue my passion for engineering and science."
"I am forever grateful. This school not only saved my life, but gave me a safe place to explore, grow, and heal."
"Holden is a real community. Everyone belongs. I love the freedom I have to express myself. I feel respected here."
"Before Holden, I struggled in crowded public school classrooms with teachers who could not support a student with ADHD. I've grown so much at Holden"
"Holden gave me a better understanding of myself and how I affect the world around me. It gave me direction, and guided my creativity"
"I am so grateful to work in a school with a collaborative staff that truly respects and supports each individual student."
"Holden helped me learn to really enjoy life and express my feelings. Holden helped me through a lot of dark times and I'm forever thankful."
“I have matured in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without the community at Holden.”
"Holden is a community. We check in with each other, teach and learn from one another, and help each other succeed. I love working here!"