Experiential Learning
Many of life’s most important lessons happen outside the classroom.That’s why, at Holderness, students take part in experiential learning programs like Out Back, Senior Thesis, and the school’s longstanding Job Program.
Out Back
Since 1969, generations of Holderness juniors have completed this 11-day winter camping odyssey in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. During their journey, students learn leadership, team-building, and wilderness survival skills - and gain confidence during a three-day solo.
Special Programs
A key component of the school’s experiential learning curriculum is Special Programs, an adventure that takes all students outside the classroom for 10 days each March.
Capstone
Seniors delve into a topic of their choosing, and spend the entire year learning deeply about it. Capstone incorporates research, experiential learning, mentoring, and presentation skills into one capstone project. At the end of the year, students present their findings to the community.
Job Program
From washing dishes to shoveling snow, every Holderness student spends time working alongside staff to care for our buildings and grounds. The Job Program has been a part of student life at Holderness for more than 50 years.
Poetry Out Loud
Each winter, all Holderness students memorize a poem and participate in this national poetry recitation contest. It’s a rite of passage for students, some of whom have gone on to the national finals in Washington, D.C.
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