At its core, an alternative high school is a school that doesn’t provide an utterly traditional learning experience. Because of this broad definition, Bay Area alternative high schools can vary widely. Holden offers a comprehensive approach to teaching that nurtures students’ emotional, social, and academic well-being.
We integrate weekly 1-on-1 counseling sessions into our school days. During these sessions, students receive emotional support, help to navigate personal relationships, and tools to create changes through conscious decision-making in their lives.
Holden families benefit from meetings with a family counselor and their student’s Resource Exploration and Support Counselor. These meetings aid in mediating conflicts and improving interactions between family members. Eight meetings are included annually.
Holden has 100+ collective staff years of experience in working with students who have experienced anxiety and depression.
We coordinate with outside support (therapists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists).
Holden places a strong emphasis on personal growth and community, with many elective self-exploration groups and classes.
Holden’s curriculum incorporates the five tenets of Social Emotional Learning: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision making.
Holden graduates leave with a concrete post-high school plan.
Our students are bright and curious. Many have mild to moderate learning differences. Others have struggled in mainstream school settings or have experienced trauma or other challenging circumstances. We provide a caring, empowering learning environment.
Holden graduates are honored individually during a group ceremony in the OCC Fellowship hall. Staff highlight student growth and accomplishments and present them with their diplomas before graduates give a short speech of their own. Family, friends, and community members have the opportunity to address each individual graduate before refreshments.
Take a look at a clip from Holden Graduation Ceremony to get a sense of our unique way of honoring the success of our graduates.
HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL
FINALLY, A SCHOOL THAT FITS.