Holden High School (2026 Profile)

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Holden High School

10 Irwin Way
Orinda, CA 94563

Tel: (925) 254-0199

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SAVE SCHOOL

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.

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. 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.

Quick Facts (2026)

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

Top Rankings

Holden High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

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

First Day of School

Mon. Aug 24, 2026

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.: 51%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

13 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

2:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

80%

Average Class Size

5 students

Number of AP/Advanced Courses

6 courses

List of Courses Offered

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$46,904

View national tuition avg.

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

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

School Mascot: Hawks

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

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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 81%.

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).

School Reviews

Endorse Holden High School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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Quick Facts (2026)

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

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Contra Costa County, CA is $18,631 for elementary schools and $26,557 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).