Holden High School

"I worked at Holden for 36 years and retired a few years ago, so I am anything but unbiased. I continue to go to graduations twice a year and am delighted to see that student and family outcomes are as spectacularly positive as they have always been. I experienced Holden as a parent as well—my daughter attended for her senior year, and the experience was transformative for all of us. My daughter had earned her UC course requirements previously while she was at Oakland Tech. Holden’s part in her UC applications was to take pressure off her senior year so that she had time and positivity to dance and to create an audition dance which, along with her Tech credits, earned her admission to World Arts and Cultures—Dance at UCLA. She has been dancing ever since. In the years that I spoke to parents about Holden, it was tough, no matter how hard I tried, to put into words how Holden helped so many adolescents to transform and grow. How do you convey to parents who don’t know you that you take really good care of their kids? To me what it boils down to is this: if you want your kid to be at a high school where’s there’s a really good chance that they’ll learn more about themselves and more about how to communicate with others of all ages, Holden is THE premier place in the East Bay for your child."

"If your high school student is struggling in a traditional high school setting, I would strongly recommend Holden High School. Classes are small, therefore giving your son or daughter the individual attention he or she needs. The students at Holden are there for various reasons. This can be from the unwillingness to cope, bullying and struggles with learning. Barely finishing middle school, even with the help of therapy and other resources my daughter refused to attend high school. Depression was an issue. We had no support from the school district. Thank goodness for Holden. My daughter attended Holden all four years. She has her life back. They prepared and gave her the tools to thrive and the willingness to learn. Because of this she was offered scholarships and is now attending a four year college and pursuing a bachelors degree in Computer Science. Wonderful staff that cares about the success of each student. Everyone is treated equally and with respect. Holden is now a part of her family."

"Not every kid fits into the mainstream educational system of Lamorinda. Whether they misfit socially or academically, Holden has created a place where they will fit in. Our son has attended Holden for just over a year; the transformation in him has been unbelievable. The supportive and caring staff at the school has been the source of this transformation. Before attending Holden, our son was so overcome with anxiety he could not attend the local public high school; he now is excelling in all subjects, has 100% attendance, and is on track to graduate in a few months. What a difference a proper placement makes! Thank you Holden, you have saved all of our lives."

"Holden High School is an incredible place for students to receive a comprehensive education with a dedicated, caring faculty. Students are provided an incredibly supportive environment where each individual is heard, acknowledged, encouraged and inspired. I’m a former student and truly believe in what Holden gives to the community. I once heard a Holden Director say, “our students are never made to earn respect, they are given it freely.” So true and for so many teenagers, Holden is exactly what they need. Go Holden!"

"Holden High School was a godsend for our son and our family. The dedicated, experienced, excellent faculty used great respect and nurture with our son. He came in hating school, turned off, no longer curious and graduated with honors, one semester early, with a college scholarship. He remains in touch with and close to his high school teachers. Holden is a unique, alternative option for high school age kids. Our family highly recommends this school. A gem."