Holden provides a customized education for teens with learning differences

LOW STRESS | SUPPORTIVE | NURTURING | EMPOWERING

Holden helps students with learning differences



A Tailored Education


Holden supports students who have mild to moderate learning differences and benefit from specialized programs designed to support learners who struggle with traditional school structure.

Holden students receive individualized, accommodated academics as well as social-emotional support for anxiety, depression, and other challenges.

Learn more about Holden below!

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Holden high school campus

A Tight-Knit Learning Community


Rooted in the alternative education movement, Holden recognizes the importance of healthy relationships with peers and adults for teen development.

As a result, staff and students develop strong relationships through individual and group activities.

Holden High, Orinda helps students with learning differences

Learning to Love Learning

Given the negative school experiences many of our students have endured, we employ innovative methods to reignite their natural curiosity and foster academic and personal confidence.

We further support our students' exploration of interests and passions by awarding independent credit for learning done outside of school, nurturing their passions and interests.

Holden reignites a students' life-long love of learning.

Schoolwide Learner Goals

With support from staff, students set self-directed goals and assess their own progress. Mathematics and English assessments are administered once a year to track skill progression, and results are reviewed at student / family meetings. All students receive 1-1 counseling and our Clinical Director provides a monthly parent support group.

Through counseling; electives, field trips; special events; and more, Holden students grow holistically and become engaged members of their communities.

Holden graduates demonstrate significant growth, progress, or proficiency in the following areas.

OVERALL SKILLS

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Holden students make measurable progress and graduate more able to:

  • Communicate effectively
  • Think critically
  • Live independently
  • Perform self-advocacy
  • Matriculate to success in higher education or career training
  • Participate in community
  • Practice kindness and empathy
  • Work collaboratively with peers and adults
Learn About Social-Emotional Support at Holden

DEVELOPED INDIVIDUALS

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Holden students make measurable progress and graduate more able to:

  • Demonstrate personal, emotions, and social growth
  • Communicate effectively with others and advocate for themselves
  • Have a concrete post-graduation plan along with the confidence and skills to navigate and actualize it
Learn About Post-High School Planning at Holden

LIFELONG LEARNING

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Holden students make measurable progress and graduate more able to:

  • Exhibit academic confidence in our core content areas
  • Demonstrate innovation, creativity, and curiosity
  • Learn and practice critical thinking; organization; collaboration; and problem solving skills
  • Develop and / or maintain an outside interest
Learn About Academics at Holden High

CITIZENSHIP

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Holden students make measurable progress and graduate more able to:

  • Treat others with respect and equity
  • Participate positively, supportively, responsibly, and responsively in various communities

    See below for more information on how Holden supports students in civic engagement and community serbice
Learn About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Holden


Civic Engagement and Community Service

Online Voter Registration
Student Voter Registration
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 Become a voter at Holden High!

Holden High School fully supports students engaging in civic engagement.

Students are eligible to miss class in order to vote, and can earn credit for engaging in voter intiatives or volunteering.

CA Youth and Student
Voting Programs / Initiatives
Click Here

Community Service

Holden students are required to complete community service as part of our program.

Examples of community service that Holden students have completed include volunteering at community centers, soup kitchens, food banks, animal shelters, religious events, nature clean ups, and more!

In addition, Holden High School is proud to offer opportunities for the whole school and campus to perform community service via events and field trips.

 

Empowering Minds, Nurturing Hearts: High School Transformation

Holden by the numbers

Year Founded
1700
(Or Less) Students
30
Students of Color
27 %
Tuition Reduction
20 %
Average Class Size
4
Average # of Electives
6
Student Teacher Ratio
5: 5
Unique Campus
0
Holden Directors

Why Holden?

For young people who struggle academically, the issue is not their capacity to learn but rather a negative relationship with school itself.

Holden fosters a deep sense of community where every student is seen, heard, and understood. For over 50 years, Holden has radically changed our students’ notion of school.

Our small class sizes and personalized environment cultivate trust and encourage students to open up to the full range of their abilities and interests.

Kate, Kristin, Abby, Jenn

See if Holden is the right fit for your family

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Holden High School is proud to be a California Non-Profit Organization

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 Graduate
"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

HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL

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

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