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Holden High School

10 Irwin Way Orinda, CA 94563

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 28 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,904
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 5 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Holden High School Photo #1 - Class size at Holden High School is kept small to allow more engaging and interactive academics.
Holden High School Photo #2 - 5:1 student teacher ratio
Holden High School Photo #3 - A thoughtful discussion between students.
Holden High School Photo #4 - All academics are taught with a focus on statewide standards and offer content that is accessible and challenging for all students.
Holden High School Photo #5 - Customized curriculum to meet the needs of each student.
Holden High School Photo #6 - A tight-knit community of caring teens and adults.
Holden High School Photo #7 - WASC accredited academics.
Holden High School Photo #8 - Engaged academics in a low stress environment.
Holden High School Photo #9
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About the School

  • We help teens feel good about school and unlock their potential.
  • Young people who struggle in mainstream school settings say Holden is the school they actually want to attend.
  • Incredible transformations happen here..

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 28 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,904
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 5 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Students By Grade
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
We have a credentialed Education Specialists on staff: Dyslexia, Language based learning differences, Mild to Moderate learning differences, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, Nonverbal learning disability
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 21, 2027

Student Body

Total Students
28 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
29%
State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
2:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
5 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Number of AP Courses
6 courses
List of Courses Offered

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Generous financial aid available. See for more information.
% on Financial Aid
70%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$18,000
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 82%
College Acceptance Rate
95%
Admissions Director
Kristin Lamoureux
Admissions Associate
Jennifer Polse Payne
Application URL

Sports

School Mascot
Hawks

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Community ServiceGrade Level Interest Projects
GSAStudent Council


Arts and Music Programs:
Independent Art and Music Credit

School Notes

  • For over 55 years, Holden has been a safe haven for non-traditional learners.
  • Holden provides an innovative, alternative, vibrant, non traditional approach to education.
  • Holden High School is deeply rooted in the alternative education movement. Holden provides a student-centered educational experience that embraces diversity.
  • Holden empowers a broad range of learners in a collaborative and creative environment. Many of our students have mild to moderate learning differences, have struggled in mainstream school settings, or have experienced trauma.
  • Holden is a great fit for students who:
  • -Desire a safe environment because they have been bullied or have not found acceptance.
  • - Want to pursue learning both in and out of school.
  • - Yearn for a tailor-made learning environment.
  • Holden is fully accredited by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Many of our students attend colleges across the country.
  • Enrollment is open throughout the school year. Please call 925-254-0199 or to arrange a visit.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Holden High School cost?
Holden High School's tuition is approximately $46,904 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Holden High School?
The acceptance rate of Holden High School is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 80%.
When is the application deadline for Holden High School?
The application deadline for Holden High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Contra Costa County, CA is $17,948 for elementary schools and $27,388 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Contra Costa County, CA is 78% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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