Holderness School
| The Holderness School | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pro Deo et Genere Humano | |
| Location | |
| Holderness, New Hampshire, USA | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private High School |
| Established | 1879 |
| Headmaster | R. Phillip Peck, M.Ed. |
| Director of Admission | Tyler L Lewis |
| Grades | 9-12, PG |
| Number of students | 275 |
| Campus | Rural |
| School color(s) | Blue |
| Mascot | Blue Bull |
| Website | http://www.holderness.org |
Coordinates: 43°45′32″N 71°40′28″W / 43.75889°N 71.67444°W
The Holderness School is a private, coeducational college-preparatory school in Holderness,[1] near Plymouth, New Hampshire in the United States. The student body of 275 is drawn from 22 U.S. states and 14 foreign countries. While Holderness operates primarily as a boarding school, it also enrolls 50 day students. The Head of School (headmaster) is R. Phillip Peck, M.Ed. In the summer the campus is used as a site for various Gordon Research Conferences.
History
Founded in 1879 under the auspices of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, the school retains some links with the denomination, but now conducts ecumenical chapel services and welcomes applicants of all faiths.
In 2010 its Boys Varsity Soccer Team won the Class C NEPSAC title.
Location
The school is on high ground on the east side of the Pemigewasset River in Holderness overlooking the town of Plymouth, population about 6,000, and home of Plymouth State University and Speare Memorial Hospital. Holderness is about 110 miles (180 km) north of Boston. Access to Interstate 93 is within sight of the campus.
Facilities
Holderness School's 600 acres (2.4 km2) of land contains academic buildings, an outdoor covered ice rink, eight playing fields, 10 tennis courts, and 10 kilometers of cross-country trails. In the past few years, the school has built a new library and health center, and installed wireless computer networking. The Weld dining hall was renovated during the summer of 2008, and now the school is considering an upgrade to its outdoor ice hockey rink.
Special programs
The freshman class participates in Project Outreach, a community service project. Artward Bound offers sophomores a 10-day program of intensive study with professional artists in disciplines such as glass-blowing, blacksmithing, African dance, and stand-up comedy. The "Outback" program is a cornerstone of life at Holderness. In Outback, juniors trek several days in a winter expedition, keep a personal journal, and experience three days solo under protective gear. In a "Senior Project," students go off-campus for work and study approved by advisors. Winter Carnival intramural competitions create team works of winter art and performance.
Job program
Another key aspect of Holderness School is its unique "Job Program." Every student is required to perform a campus job, whether it is washing dishes at breakfast, leading a dormitory, or raking leaves. Students are not paid for these activities, but do their jobs as community members. The Job Program brings community closer and develops well-rounded students.
Notable alumni
- Charles Bass, New Hampshire congressman
- Olin Browne, pro golfer
- Robert Creeley, poet
- Chris Davenport, ski mountaineer and film star
- Angel Del Villar II, the rapper Homeboy Sandman
- Nat Faxon, screenwriter, actor and comedian
- Jeremy Foley, University of Florida athletic director
- Tyler Hamilton, professional racing cyclist
- Jed Hoyer, General Manager of the Chicago Cubs
- Steve Jones, a founder of Teton Gravity Research
- Nikki Kimball, ultramarathoner
- Brett Lunger, race car driver
- Martynas Pocius, professional basketball player
- Maggie Shnayerson, journalist and blogger