Schedule an Admissions Phone Consultation

We look forward to hearing from you.

Discover is Holden is right for your family

We appreciate your interest in our unique, vibrant community! We are excited to help you determine if Holden is a fit for your family. Please complete the form below to schedule a brief call with a member of our Admissions Team.

  • STEP 1: Admissions Call
  • STEP 2: Tour Holden
  • STEP 3: Student Visit Day
  • STEP 4: Apply to Holden

Register for an Admissions Phone Call

Holden Directors

Holden’s Co-Directors

Why Holden?

A Caring, Empowering Community

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

At Holden 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.

Scheduling an in-person tour or virtual meeting is the best path to learn more about our community and campus.

Holden High School fosters:

  • A love of learning
  • Meaningful relationships
  • A student-centered educational experience
  • A diverse environment that nurtures students' gifts & challenges
  • Holistic education
  • Supported transition planning for post-high school life

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
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

FINALLY, A SCHOOL THAT FITS.

  • Small School Big Heart
  • A Place To Thrive
  • A Welcoming Community
VISIT HOLDEN
APPLY
DONATE