While Holden does not require students take a second language in order to earn a diploma and graduate, we fully support students looking to expand their linguistic skills as well as students completing requirements for college applications.
Holden offers American Sign Language 1, American Sign Language 2, Spanish 1, and Spanish 2.
Students who complete both years are encouraged and supported in continuing their second language learning via outside courses. Our language courses are aligned with community college syllabi and students can register for level 3 Spanish or American Sign Language after completing Holden’s second language program.
Holden believes creative expression is an integral part of education. In both academics and electives students receive opportunities, tools, instruction, and encouragement to both express and enhance their innate creativity and talent through art. Our art classes reduce stress and enhance critical thinking by encouraging self-exploration, cooperation, collaboration, and self-expression.
Holden’s catalog has offered a variety of elective art classes such as painting, drama, poetry, writer’s workshop, drawing, theater, photography, film-making, script-writing, sculpture, collage, and the textile arts (sewing, knitting, crochet, etc.).
While we do not have a singular class that fulfills the VPA requirement for UC admissions, students are supported via tracking and staff supervision in completing 5 credits of VPA through multiple elective courses, advisor meetings, and independent art.
We believe in supporting students in both academic and personal self-exploration through staff and counselor supported weekly course offerings. Electives have included: Boys Group, Anxiety Support, Drug Awareness, Sex Education, Friendships and Relationships, Genders and Sexualities, Astrology, Dream Analysis, and Tarot Card Reading.
We offer a number of on-campus staff-supported Physical Education electives, such as: Ping Pong, Basketball, Baseball and Pickleball, Games at the Park, Yoga, and Strength Training with a certified instructor.
All students are required to complete 30 hours of physical exercise per semester. Students have the option of completing their hours outside of school electives by exercising independently or competing in organized sports. Hours are verified by parents or guardians and submitted to the student’s Advisor.
Holden High School partners with other independent, small Bay Area high schools to coordinate friendly sports competitions. We have hosted and competed in dodgeball, basketball, baseball, and ping pong tournaments.
Holden helps students express themselves and build self-confidence through our robust music program, where students learn multiple musical instruments as well as hone skills such as songwriting, composition, and / or singing. Students regularly use a variety of available instruments at lunch or between classes to practice what they’ve learned and jam with peers. Examples of past music electives include Sonic Storytelling, Music Composition, sound editing, Pro-Tools, Guitar, Music Ensemble, and Songwriting.
Holden students regularly perform at school events.
Holden graduates are fully prepared to leave high school and begin their journey as young adults.
We offer electives to nurture their independent living skills, such as: Sewing, Personal Finance, Sexual Education, Gardening and Landscaping, Knitting and Crocheting, Herbalism and Foraging, Study Skills, Resume and Career support, Nutrition, and more!
Holden is proud to offer a strong, tight-knit supportive community made up by our student body.
Electives that focus on maintaining our community include: Student Council, Landscaping, Game Time, Yearbook, and School Energy (handy projects, decoration, cleaning projects).
Holden students are required to complete community service hours, attend community based field trips, and are required to take one semester of a community focused elective. Students also foster community through hosting visit students, speaking at fundraising events, and are panelists at prospective family information sessions.
Holden students are fully supported academically in all parts of our program. Elective courses designed to assist students with schoolwork and future school plans include: Math Support Lab, Homework Support Lab, Credit Remediation, College Application Lab, Study Skills, College Process support and counseling, and Grade Level Project Support Lab.
Students can use these labs to complete assignments on campus as well as the college application process. This will reduce familial stress and aid students in creating a post high school transition plan.
Holden tailors electives to student interests. Discussions, showings, and analysis of popular and obscure culture are regularly offered via a variety of electives.
Past courses have included: Pop Culture Semiotics, Comics Analysis, Disney / Marvel Discussion, Anime Discussion Group, Obscure Media, Film Club, Film Analysis, Television Discussion, Dungeons and Dragons TTRPG campaigns, and Dystopian Book Club.
Holden students have the opportunity to earn independent credits for learning that happens outside of school hours. We encourage students to pursue those interests that naturally grab their attention.
Students can earn credit for a number of activities including learning new skills or practicing a current skill, participating in extracurricular activities, playing recreational or competitive sports, volunteering, or working.
Examples of independent credit Holden has awarded include: sports, cooking / baking, creative writing, journaling, attending individual therapy or therapeutic groups, pet or house sitting, working at a job or internship, creating any medium of art, moderating online forums, running TTRPG campaigns, building hobby models, visiting museums, traveling, coding / programming, and much more!
Our Transition Program ensures that each student has a concrete plan when they graduate Holden. Through college application guidance, local San Francisco Bay Area internships, job skills training, and in-depth self-exploration, we prepare students to take successful steps after high school.
Our program offers electives that focus on researching college, college applications, resume creation, career exploration, and job searching aid students in successfully transitioning out of high school.