About the School
The Holden School provides high quality special education, counseling and behavioral interventions to low income, high risk students in grades six through twelve whose needs for intensive and individualized services cannot be met by their local public schools.
Since first opening our doors in 1976, we have been guided by the conviction that young people who may look like they are doomed to fail can succeed and contribute constructively to their communities if they receive a supportive yet disciplined environment and the attention of caring, skilled adults.
The majority of the Holden School's funding comes from the school districts who refer students to us. In addition, outside financial support from individual, corporate, and institutional donors allows us to offer programs that let many of our students taste in-school success and enjoy learning in ways they may have never thought possible.
We offer classes in all subjects required for a Massachusetts High School Diploma as well as a range of supplemental subjects. The available curriculum includes:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
- Language
- Career education
- Computer training
- Life skills
- Driver's education
- Cooking
- Art
- Photography
- Music
- Physical education
Our academic program benefits from a 1:4 teacher-student ratio which allows for small-group interaction, one-on-one attention and flexible instructional methods geared toward students' individual needs.
We also work with students to help them handle the non-academic challenges in their lives. Counselors provide advocacy, case management and support services as well as individual and group counseling, and are available to students throughout the school day.
A behavior management program based on positive reinforcement emphasizes improvements in classroom behavior, interpersonal skills, self-control and mediated conflict resolution.
All Holden School students participate in an intensive School to Work program that includes career speakers, field trips, individualized career counseling, and tests to assess interests and aptitudes.
Skill Development workshops focus on practical issues such as teamwork, completing tasks on time, organizing information and other competencies important in the workplace.
Students gain hands-on work experience through the School in conjunction with local nonprofits, the school store, through workplace apprenticeships, and through our new Service Learning projects.
The Holden School is housed in a former Boston Public School building and is approved as a Massachusetts Private Special Education School Program pursuant to CMR18.00 and 28.09. We are certified as a diploma-granting institution by the Boston School Committee. We operate in accordance with the Federal Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA).
All of our students are referred by public schools when all interventions at the mainstream public school level have failed. They are primarily from Boston, with additional placements from surrounding communities. Our graduates go on to community colleges, public universities, job training programs or employment in the community.