Holden High School Photo #8

Holden High 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. For over 50 years, Holden has been a safe haven for non-traditional learners.
Holden provides an innovative, alternative, vibrant, non traditional approach to education.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 35 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $31,760
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 6 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:

Category
Attribute
School Resources

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
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
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
35 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
29%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Holden High School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
67%
Average Class Size
6 students
Number of AP Courses
6 courses
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Generous financial aid available. See holdenhigh.org for more information.
% on Financial Aid
70%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$7,000
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Kristin Lamoureux
Admissions Associate
Jennifer Polse Payne
Application URL
Endowment Size
$50 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered
1 sport

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Community Service, Grade Level Interest Projects, GSA, Student 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 visit us online to arrange a visit.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Corey, aviation and graphic design student -
    • Jack, plans to attend Sacramento Community College -
    • Ari, involved in community service -
    • Zayla, studying Wilderness Leadership at Prescott College -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Holden High School cost?
Holden High School's tuition is approximately $31,760 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%.
Who are famous alumni from Holden High School?
Holden High School famous alumni include: Corey, aviation and graphic design student, Jack, plans to attend Sacramento Community College, Ari, involved in community service and Zayla, studying Wilderness Leadership at Prescott College.
What sports does Holden High School offer?
Holden High School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Basketball.
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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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 35 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $31,760
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 6 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 $17,896 for elementary schools and $25,811 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Contra Costa County, CA is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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