Modern Languages
In today’s world, knowledge of other cultures is essential.
That’s why, at Holderness, students are encouraged to master a language other than their own. To this end, the school requires two years of study in one language, and students are urged to continue beyond this minimal requirement. Thoroughness of learning is the common emphasis, and students improve their ability to speak, listen, read, and write by using the language in and out of the classroom as much as possible.
Visit our Curriculum Guide for a full list of academic requirements and course descriptions.
Featured Course
Lang. 102 | Mandarin Chinese I
Throughout this introductory course, you’ll learn about the culture of China - and develop the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension in Mandarin Chinese. Along the way, you’ll focus on fundamental skills of vocabulary, syntax, character recognition and drawing, and tonal recognition and pronunciation.
Learning in Action
China Trip
Each summer, a group of Holderness students depart for a two-week exploration of China. What makes this trip even more special is the generosity of Holderness families who welcome students into their homes to share their food, stories, and culture. It's a transformative trip for all who make the journey.
Language Tables
The key to learning a new language is practice. Throughout the year, language teachers host language tables at lunch, giving students a chance to practice speaking a foreign language in a practical setting.
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}])
Meet Our Language Faculty
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.