DEPARTMENTS & CURRICULUM
At Holderness, the focus isn’t just on grades, or how well you perform on a test. Our broader goal is to help students develop a lifelong passion for learning.
With small class sizes, interdisciplinary learning, and endless opportunities for real-world lessons in New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains, a Holderness education fosters the growth of mind, body, and spirit.
English
In our English courses, students become more critical and creative readers, writers, speakers, listeners, viewers, and thinkers.
Science
Students learn about biology, chemistry, and physics in the state-of-the-art Davis Center for STEM. In-class learning is enriched by fieldwork in New Hampshire’s mountains, forests, and lakes.
Modern Languages
Holderness offers courses in Spanish, French, and Mandarin and seeks to cultivate an understanding of both language and culture.
Performing Arts
Explore your creativity through coursework in theatre, dance, music, and regular student performances.
History
Students are challenged to think for themselves, engage their peers’ ideas, and balance different interpretations of our past as they hone historical thinking skills.
Mathematics
Our mathematics curriculum emphasizes collaboration and experiential learning, teaching hands-on problem-solving skills as a foundation for college work.
Visual Arts
Students take courses in studio arts, ceramics, and photography, with regular exhibits of their work across campus.
Theology & Religious Studies
Combining academic learning and personal reflection in the pursuit of meaningful engagement with different religious traditions.
Visit our Curriculum Guide for a full list of academic requirements and course descriptions.
Academic News
![Introducing 'From Bulls to Beacons' Podcast]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725990458/holdernessorg/hhfss53uyx5glsdu5jbv/2024_Holderness_School_Podcast_Art_With_Bull1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725990458/holdernessorg/hhfss53uyx5glsdu5jbv/2024_Holderness_School_Podcast_Art_With_Bull1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725990458/holdernessorg/hhfss53uyx5glsdu5jbv/2024_Holderness_School_Podcast_Art_With_Bull1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1725990458/holdernessorg/hhfss53uyx5glsdu5jbv/2024_Holderness_School_Podcast_Art_With_Bull1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1725990458/holdernessorg/hhfss53uyx5glsdu5jbv/2024_Holderness_School_Podcast_Art_With_Bull1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1725990458/holdernessorg/hhfss53uyx5glsdu5jbv/2024_Holderness_School_Podcast_Art_With_Bull1.png","width":2200}])
![Welcome New Faculty!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725023709/holdernessorg/czaln4v7c0xnwloayvz6/82224NewFaculty-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725023709/holdernessorg/czaln4v7c0xnwloayvz6/82224NewFaculty-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725023709/holdernessorg/czaln4v7c0xnwloayvz6/82224NewFaculty-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1725023709/holdernessorg/czaln4v7c0xnwloayvz6/82224NewFaculty-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1725023709/holdernessorg/czaln4v7c0xnwloayvz6/82224NewFaculty-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1725023709/holdernessorg/czaln4v7c0xnwloayvz6/82224NewFaculty-4.jpg","width":2200}])
![Chip Peterson ’21 Awarded Rev. B.W. "Pete" Woodward, Jr. Prize]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720185650/holdernessorg/p3mvy8o9y1z7ofi85tx6/IMG_6932.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720185650/holdernessorg/p3mvy8o9y1z7ofi85tx6/IMG_6932.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720185650/holdernessorg/p3mvy8o9y1z7ofi85tx6/IMG_6932.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720185650/holdernessorg/p3mvy8o9y1z7ofi85tx6/IMG_6932.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1720185650/holdernessorg/p3mvy8o9y1z7ofi85tx6/IMG_6932.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1720185650/holdernessorg/p3mvy8o9y1z7ofi85tx6/IMG_6932.jpg","width":2200}])
![The All-School Summer Read & Other Summer Book Suggestions]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719235714/holdernessorg/p2zn9rgbz9skdf9hjbmi/Untitleddesign_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1719235714/holdernessorg/p2zn9rgbz9skdf9hjbmi/Untitleddesign_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1719235714/holdernessorg/p2zn9rgbz9skdf9hjbmi/Untitleddesign_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1719235714/holdernessorg/p2zn9rgbz9skdf9hjbmi/Untitleddesign_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719235714/holdernessorg/p2zn9rgbz9skdf9hjbmi/Untitleddesign_1.jpg","width":1333}])
Raise Your Hand!
Interested in STEM, history, modern languages, writing, or the arts? Then use this form to introduce yourself to our faculty. We love to meet prospective students and share what our program can do for you.
Required
Explore More!
Experiential Learning
College Counseling
Academic Support
Take the Next Step
Is Holderness right for you? The best way to find the right boarding school is to reach out. Check us out in person in New Hampshire or virtually. See why Holderness is more than a school, it's an elevated experience.