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Outdoor Education

Students climb Mt. Adams on Mountain Day.

It’s no wonder that Holderness counts Olympic skiers, world-class mountaineers, and everyday adventurers among its graduates.Situated at the confluence of New Hampshire’s mountains, lakes, and rivers, Holderness is the perfect home for students who love to play, live, and learn outdoors

Outdoor Learning

Students participate in a biology lab on Squam Lake. 

In-class lessons are enriched by our unparalleled access to New Hampshire’s mountains, waterways and forests. Whether visiting Squam Lake for a biology lab or touring the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, students have countless opportunities to learn from the natural environment that surrounds our quiet New England campus.

Orientation Hike

Students depart campus for O-Hike. 

As soon as new students arrive on campus, they depart for O-Hike, a multi-day, outdoor orientation. In this relaxed introduction to Holderness life, students will camp and hike, meet their teachers, and start forming friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Mountain Day

Hiking. Mountain biking. Rock Climbing. Check out scenes from our annual Mountain Day in the White Mountains.

Out Back

A student hikes during Out Back. 

An 11-day winter backpacking expedition through New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Out Back has been a rite of passage for generations of Holderness students. It’s a life-changing experience for many teenagers, who learn valuable outdoor skills and gain confidence in themselves as they overcome new challenges. 

Learn More About Out Back

Adventure Sports

Fireside nighttime on Out Back

Would you rather go mountain biking than play a traditional team sport? At Holderness, you can join one of our adventure-based teams. Options range from mountain biking and rock climbing to whitewater kayaking, winter mountaineering, and big mountain skiing. 

Outing Club

Students take a break during a hike on Mt. Adams. 

Whether they’re summiting Mount Washington in winter or skinning up nearby Tenney Mountain before class, the Outdoor Club knows how to make the most of the mountains, lakes, and rivers around campus. Led by experienced and knowledgeable faculty, the Outdoor Club introduces students to exciting - and safe - outdoor experiences. 

Mountain Day

Students hike on Mountain Day. 

On the third Monday in September, the entire school spends the day hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and canoeing in the White Mountains. It’s a celebration of the outdoors in true Holderness style. 

Winter Desert Trip

When the days are cold and short in New England, the Holderness School Outing Club takes students to Nevada and California to explore some desert eco-systems while rock climbing, camping, hiking, and soaking up the sun!

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Location, Location, Location

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.