Full High School Program

Unleash Your Potential at Holden High School

Engaging Academics & Electives in a Supportive Environment

Holden works successfully with a broad range of students and learner needs. Our classes emphasize the process of discovery and empower students to gain confidence in sharing their ideas and opinions; asking questions; seeking knowledge; self-advocacy; and critical thinking. Our graduates leave Holden with heightened academic confidence, a passion for life-long learning, and a clear plan for their future.



See the pages under "Curriculum" for more information on Holden High's Academics, Electives, and Post High School Planning supports.

Holden's Full High School Program Includes:

5 days per week of academic, elective, and social-emotional support services

ENGAGED ACADEMICS & ELECTIVES

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Supportive, Low Stress Environment

  • Small class size
  • Mixed grade level classes
  • Manageable homework load
  • Seminar style classes and experiential opportunities for learning
  • Credit for learning done outside of school hours
  • 10am start time
  • Individualized accomodations
  • No fail school: students earn credit for the work they complete

THE HOLDEN COMMUNITY

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Collaborative Social-Emotional Support Services

  • Student-run Community Meetings
  • School-wide Community Service
  • 1-1 counseling
  • Student Council Events
  • Family support services
  • Clinician run social-emotional electives
  • Community PSAs
  • Field Trips
  • After-School Clubs
  • Recreational team sports

POST HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING: PREPARATION FOR LIFE

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Transition Support

  • Grade Level Projects
  • Dedicated transition classes (Colleges, Internships, Careers, Trade School)
  • Focus on Social Emotional Learning
  • College and Career Transition Counselors
  • Independent Living Skills Electives
  • Family Transition Meetings
See our Post High School Planning page for more details.

Holden High’s full program features small class sizes, a manageable and differentiated homework load, a welcoming tight-knit community, and support in designing post-graduation plans.

SCHEDULE AN ADMISSIONS CALL

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
"I didn't think I would graduate high school until I came to Holden. I have been supported, gained a lot more confidence and made a lot of friends in my time at Holden."

Nora
NoraHolden Graduate
"Attending Holden made me feel smart again. I didn't think I could do school but next fall I'm attending San Francisco State."

Milena
MilenaHolden Graduate
"Holden was the first school to meet my academic needs. I became more comfortable attending classes and graduated on time."

Ellie
EllieHolden Graduate
“Holden helped me learn as well as supporting me getting a job and creating a plan for after graduation."

Dylan
DylanHolden Graduate

HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL

  • 925-254-0199
  • 925-254-6130
  • 10 IRWIN WAY, ORINDA, CA 94563
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