• 925-254-0199
  • 10 IRWIN WAY, ORINDA, CA 94563

Finally, a school that fits.

Small classes. One-on-one counseling. Parent support.

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THE HOLDEN PROMISE

Every student is deeply valued, seen, and heard.



Holden High School's revolutionary learning environment allows students to co-create their high school journey. Holden specializes in meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of unique teens with learning differences and/or social-emotional challenges.

LIFE SKILLS

ACADEMIC & PERSONAL CONFIDENCE

Holden graduates leave high school with a solid real-world post-high school plan.
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1-ON-1 COUNSELING

COUNSELING

Each week students receive 30 minutes to 1 hour with either a licensed marriage and family therapist, associate marriage and family therapist supervised by our licensed clinical director, or a RES advocate with over 20 years of experience working with teens.
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PARENT SUPPORT

PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

Holden helps strengthen family relationships through support services that empower parents and encourages healthy family relationships.​
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Ari, a Holden student

experience

THE HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL DIFFERENCE

Our comprehensive approach to teaching nurtures students' emotional, social, and academic well-being. Holden is a great fit for students who:

  • Yearn for a flexible learning environment
  • Desire respectful relationships with teacher and peers
  • Pursue learning inside and outside of class
  • Thrive in a close-knit school setting
  • May struggle with mild to moderate learning differences
  • May have experienced social emotional challenges

Testimonials

changing lives since 1969

"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."
Holden sweatshirt
CoreyHolden Graduate
"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."
Jack
JackHolden Graduate
"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."
Ari
AriHolden Student
"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."
Holden sweatshirt
ZaylaHolden Graduate
"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."
sweathshirt
WalterHolden Graduate
"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."
Gabe
GabeHolden Graduate
"I am forever grateful. This school not only saved my life, but gave me a safe place to explore, grow, and heal."


Krystal
KrystalHolden Graduate
"Holden is a real community. Everyone belongs. I love the freedom I have to express myself. I feel respected here."


Kayla
KaylaHolden Graduate
"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"

Carlo
CarloHolden Alumnus
"Holden gave me a better understanding of myself and how I affect the world around me. It gave me direction, and guided my creativity"

Elliot "Oden"
Elliot "Oden"Holden Graduate
"I am so grateful to work in a school with a collaborative staff that truly respects and supports each individual student."


Abby
AbbyHolden Director
"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."

Beatrice
BeatriceHolden Graduate
“I have matured in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without the community at Holden.”


Brandon
BrandonHolden Graduate
"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!"

Libby
LibbyHolden Teacher
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HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL

  • 925-254-0199
  • 925-254-6130
  • 10 IRWIN WAY, ORINDA, CA 94563
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FINALLY, A SCHOOL THAT FITS.

  • Small School Big Heart
  • A Place To Thrive
  • A Welcoming Community
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