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

Success After High School

LIFE PREP SKILLS & TOOLS

Holden Graduates Leave with a Solid Post-High School Plan

POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING INCLUDES

Dreams, Passions, and Visions is a class about self-exploration and pursuing a great life. With staff support, students create projects of their own design leading to jobs or internships and a plan for life after high school.
Holden helps students bolster their understanding of the college admissions process, improve test-taking skills, and gain perspective on different colleges and college life. We help students choose schools that are the right fit, take steps to fulfill admissions requirements, and complete applications.
With staff support, students complete projects of their own design leading to a job or internship and a plan for life after high school.
The 5 tenets of SEL (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making) are woven into the fabric of the school and supported by all programs, classes, and staff.
Our team includes Transition and College Counselors, Advisory Leaders, Resource, Exploration, and Support Counselors, our Learning Specialist, and other teaching staff. Holden offers unlimited family meetings to develop and support vocational and college plans.
Holden helps students form strong relationships and communicate effectively with peers and staff - a life skill that serves them in school and life.

Our graduates move on with self-confidence, effective communication skills, a strong sense of community, and a lifelong love of learning.

SOME OF OUR GRADUATES NEXT STEPS HAVE INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:

ATTEND 4-YEAR COLLEGES INCLUDING:

  • Willamette University, Salem, Oregon
  • Mills College, Oakland, California
  • Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington
  • California State Schools: SF State, Sacramento State
  • Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC
  • Prescott College, Prescott, AZ
  • Naropa University, Boulder, CO
  • The San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, CA
  • California College of the Arts, Oakland, CA

ATTEND 2-YEAR COLLEGES INCLUDING:

  • Cotty College, NV & MI
  • Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA
  • College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA
  • Peralta Colleges, Oakland, CA
  • Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA

ESTABLISH PROFESSIONAL CAREERS AS:

  • Professor of Environmental Engineering
  • Licensed Speech Pathologist
  • Certified Nurse Practitioner
  • Credentialed Education Specialist
  • Fashion Designer
  • Hair Salon Owner/Operator
  • Business Owner/Founder Music School

TRAIN AND WORK IN VOCATIONS INCLUDING:

  • Cosmetology
  • Auto Mechanics
  • Horticulture
  • Culinary Arts
  • Public Service

PURSUE CAREERS IN THE ARTS INCLUDING:

  • Photography
  • Dance Choreography
  • Music Composition
  • Sound Engineering
  • Independent Filmaking
  • Graphic Design

Testimonials

changing lives since 1969

"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 consider my teachers both teachers and friends. There’s a high level of mutual respect and they always make time for me.”

Lucy
LucyHolden Graduate
“I get a lot of positive attention. I also get a lot of choice here and the classes are cool and interesting.”


Keenan
KeenanHolden 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

FINALLY, A SCHOOL THAT FITS.

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