Flexible options for Bay Area independent study & home-school students
Holden offers two unique on-campus programs for independent & home-school students who want to:
Augment their learning plan with on-campus academic or elective classes in a supportive community environment
Participate in small classes (3-10 students) taught by experienced staff that tailors instruction to individual student needs
Prepare to make a successful transition from individual learning to the college class environment
Experience classroom learning without enrolling in large, impersonal high schools
Part-Time Academic + Elective High School Program Options:
PART-TIME ACADEMIC CLASS OPTION
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PART-TIME ACADEMIC CLASS OPTION:
Two or more academic classes offered at the Holden campus
Perfectly suited for independent study or home school students who want to take traditional academic classes in a supportive campus environment
Sample course subjects: Mathematics, Sciences, History, English, and similar academic subjects
ACADEMIC & ELECTIVE OFFERINGS
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BOTH PART-TIME PROGRAMS OFFER:
Social interaction with a diverse group of teens from around the Bay Area
A unique learning environment with support and structure
Meaningful adult relationships in a group and individual settings with teachers, mentors, counselors, and tutors
A small, safe, accepting community
Weekly individual Resource, Exploration, and Support (RES) with a masters/post-masters level counselor
Great field trips
PART-TIME ELECTIVE CLASS OPTION:
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PART-TIME ELECTIVE CLASS OPTION:
Two days of elective classes held on the Holden campus
Perfectly suited for independent study and homeschool students who want to add flexible non-academic courses to their transcripts
Sample courses include: Art, Music, Film, Cooking, Hiking, Yoga, and similar elective subjects
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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I am forever grateful. This school not only saved my life, but gave me a safe place to explore, grow, and heal."
"Holden is a real community. Everyone belongs. I love the freedom I have to express myself. I feel respected here."
"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"
"Holden gave me a better understanding of myself and how I affect the world around me. It gave me direction, and guided my creativity"
"I am so grateful to work in a school with a collaborative staff that truly respects and supports each individual student."
"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."
“I have matured in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without the community at Holden.”
"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!"