Holderness School (2026 Profile)

5.00 (8 reviews)

Tel: (603) 536-1747

PO Box 1879
Plymouth, NH 03264

www.holderness.org

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Holderness School Photo #1 - In the Holderness classroom, each student is literally in the front row, with an average class size of 12. We offer AP courses spanning multiple disciplines and encourage students to pursue an intellectual passion of their own in their twelfth-grade year as part of the Senior Thesis program.

Holderness School Photo #2 - Holderness is just a few miles from the slopes of Cannon Mountain, Loon Mountain, and Waterville Valley. Our Snow Sports athletes also train in Switzerland, Colorado, Utah and California - just to name a few.

Holderness School Photo #3 - Our alumni consistently tell us that our student run Job Program was formative for their future success, noting proudly that they were supervisors, event planners, and project managers before they even graduated high school.

Holderness School Photo #4 - Our Snow Sports program is among the best in the nation, and we regularly send our skiers and snowboarders to the podium.

Holderness School Photo #5 - Even casual visitors to Holderness are struck by how often they hear "hello" in the buildings and on the walkways.

Holderness School Photo #6 - Athletics aren't just about wins and losses-they're about testing your limits. Our three-season sports philosophy is counter-cultural: instead of encouraging specialization, we honor participation and effort in everything we do. We cultivate grit and persistence. We find joy in the playing.

Holderness School Photo #7 - We have a ratio that you won't hear about at any other school 8:1. That's what we call a "ratio for relationships" - a ratio that means that for every eight students in a dormitory there is one faculty member to support, guide and mentor them.

Holderness School Photo #8 - We think that great things happen when students work alongside practicing artists. They learn not only to speak and understand the language of the arts, but how the arts can break down barriers between people, and inside them.

An independent school community committed to rigorous academics, epic adventures, and all-in athletics surrounded by New Hampshire`s lakes and White Mountains.

Quick Facts (2026)

Grades: 9-12, PG
Enrollment: 300 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,000
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $47,320
Acceptance rate: 45%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Feb. 1
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Holderness School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 107 schools) for:

School Overview

| 2025 School Data

Holderness School

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

9-12, PG

9-12

School Type

Co-ed

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Religious Affiliation

Episcopal

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1879

1909

Campus Size

620 acres

125 acres

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Enrollment

300 students

% Students of Color

12%

25%

% International Students

14%

20%

% Students Boarding

90%

70%

Average SAT Score

1253
(Out of 1600)

* National Avg. »View

Average ACT score

25
(Out of 36)

*National Avg. »View

Offers Post-Grad Year

Yes

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes

Yes

Frequency of Saturday Classes

Weekly

Classroom Dress Code

Formal
Business Casual, no denim

Casual

Average Class Size

12 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

62%

70%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size

$60 million

$25 million

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$71,000

$59,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$47,320

$33,500

% Students on Financial Aid

40%

Avg. Financial Aid Grant

$32,300

$25,000

Merit Scholarships Offered

Admissions

Application Deadline

Feb. 1

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

SSAT Required

Yes

Average Percentile SSAT

65%

Acceptance Rate

45%

58%

Director of Admissions

David Flynn

Associate Director of Admissions

Woody Kampmann

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

Extracurriculars

Academic Competition TeamAlliance Club

Blue KeyCommunity Service Club

Dorm PrefectsDrama Club

Environment ClubFishing Club

Habitat for HumanityHoldernotes Acapella

Indoor SoccerInvestment Club

Multicultural ClubStudent Newspaper

Student VestryYearbook

College Matriculation

10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)

View Matriculation Data

School Notes

Holderness is an independent, boarding day school, offering grades 9-12. The combination of the school's focus on community and character and its joyful outdoor spirit are what makes it distinctive. Holderness offers a first-class preparatory education, along with outstanding snow sports, athletics and arts programs. Our students graduate well-educated, resilient, and open-minded, with the skills for a happy and successful life.
Holderness School accreditations: NEASC, AISNE, ISANNE
School Motto: Pro Deo et Genere Humano – For God and Humankind
School Mascot: Blue Bull

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Holderness School cost?

Holderness School's tuition is approximately $71,000 for boarding students and $47,320 for day students.

What schools are Holderness School often compared to?

Holderness Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Deerfield Academy, Berkshire School, Kimball Union Academy by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Holderness School?

The acceptance rate of Holderness School is 45%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 58%.

What sports does Holderness School offer?

Holderness School offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Field Hockey, Football, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Track and Field. Holderness School is ranked as one of the top boarding schools for most sports offered.

What is Holderness School's ranking?

Holderness School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Most sports offered.

When is the application deadline for Holderness School?

The application deadline for Holderness School is Feb. 1.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review

Description

Holderness School Alumni #1
Class of 1980
5.004/10/2018
University of Vermont

My two years at Holderness prepared me well for life by teaching me about civic pride and community participation through the student jobs program. I learned that I could overcome adversity and be self-reliant though. . .

Holderness School Alumni #2
Class of 2004
5.008/28/2017
University of New Hampshire, New York School of Interior Design

Small classes sizes, from 2-15 people really forced me to be interested and taught me it's better to have attempted to do work than not do it at all - which frankly I was able. . .

Holderness School Alumni #3
Class of 2012
5.006/13/2017
Westminster College

Holderness is a very unique school. Aside from the down to earth culture and genuine connections you will make with faculty, two things that make it unique are 'Special Programs' in the spring and the. . .

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