Holden High School

Holden High School is a wonderful fit for my children. Their approach to education allows students to take ownership and pride in their work. The class content is accessible and relatable. Holden is a small, safe community where the teens are truly known and cared for which is not possible at a public high school. The staff at Holden are also excellent communicators with parents, always eager to discuss whatever is going on in your student's life. In fact, Holden High School supports the whole student in terms of their academics, their passions, and their struggles, whatever they may be. There is no peer pressure to conform, so the normal adolescent identity exploration can be much more authentic. As parents, we so believe in the philosophy and quality of Holden that we are sending our two teenagers there this year and when our youngest gets to high school we predict that she too will be at Holden.
--Submitted by a parent

Holden High School is a remarkable place. Children enter, young adults exit, and are empowered to follow their own path/dreams. I love that students can individualize their program--so for my son, getting his passionate interest in computer programming and business into his transcript is wonderful. The academic support actively teaches students HOW to be students-all human beings can learn, but our system requires mastery of a set of tools to demonstrate proficiency. This "subtext" is often ignored in public schools--and for my child, is the place where he needs help. Most importantly, Holden teaches through and in relationships of commitment and caring--they understand that teens "mess up" and that those frontal lobes are still maturing--and they use mistakes as teachable moments. The strong commitment to a safe, bully free, discrimination free environment creates a real sense of family. Now WASC accredited, and with online courses available through BYU to supplement the curriculum, student can take charge of their own learning with meaningful support. Wonderful, life changing school.
--Submitted by a parent

Holden offers a rich environment for academic and personal growth. The small size and the close connection with teachers give students the opportunity to exercise leadership skills. They are challenged not only to take advantage of the opportunities offered them but also to share responsibility for building a healthy community. The support system is terrific. Kids learn a lot about navigating the shoals of adolescence. My daughter was a student at Holden for four years, the whole of her high school career. The teachers called her to account when it was necessary. They helped her see her behavior more clearly as well as the possibilities for change. There was room at Holden for the many facets of her character as she matured. She graduated from Holden a most remarkable young woman, confident, kind and excited about the future. She is now off to a four-year college, in large part because of the encouragement of her Holden teachers. It is easier to believe in yourself when others persistently believe in you.
--Submitted by a parent

Holden High School (formerly Contra Costa Alternative Schoo) is benefiting my son greatly with their caring and supportive culture, varied curriculum and low teacher/student ratio. Students from all over the East Bay and a wide range of achievement levels are participating. The focus is on developing students to become achieving adults in whatever way best suits their personality. Holden touches student's hearts!
--Submitted by a parent

Holden High School (formerly Contra Costa Alternative School) saved my life. The caring and supportive staff worked with me to overcome obstacles in both academic and emotional ways. The school gave me a true thirst for knowledge and empowered me to accomplish goals and make my dreams come true. The school fosters every kid's need to feel like a respected part of a community, while honoring each student's uniqueness. Definetly check it out if you are looking for a school that changes lives.
--Submitted by a former student