History
The Holden School was co-founded by Janice Brenner and David Woods; the original incorporation was June 1976. The Boston School Committee granted the school approval to operate as a diploma-granting institution. The Massachusetts Department of Education granted approval to operate as a special-needs day school. A tuition rate was set by the Commonwealth's Division of Purchased Services.
The program was housed at the Charlestown Boys' and Girls' Club until 1980 when the school moved to the Oliver Holden School Building, which had been recently vacated by the Boston Public Schools. That building was deeded to the corporation conditionally, based on continuation of special education services. Throughout the years, the City's Department of Neighborhood Development has helped with capital projects.
The school initially served only Boston students. Relationships with Local Educational Authorities have developed over time, but Boston Schools have continued to be the major referring agent throughout the school's history.
Students have been placed by: Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Newton, Randolph, Revere and Somerville. As public school departments have improved services to special needs students, referrals for out of district placements have been reserved for the most challenging students.
In the mid-80's, Proposition 2½ was passed and LEA's withdrew funding for special education programs. At the time, several small schools like the Holden School folded. The Holden School opened a privately funded class that was attended by approximately 20 students over a two to three year period until that program was closed
The school has belonged to the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools, with a hiatus of a few years, since approximately 1981. The school also belongs to the National Association of Private Special Education Centers and the Council of Exceptional Children.