The HOLTON Experience What distinguishes the Holton-Arms School as a top-tier, all-girls independent school? It is not just one characteristic, but rather a combination of key distinctions which create a learning experience like no other. It is what we refer to as the Holton Experience. Holton has a rich history of delivering innovative and engaging academics, dynamic fine and performing arts, and vigorous athletics, all within a joyful and collaborative learning environment. At the heart of the Holton Experience is our dedicated faculty and the relationships they nurture with each student to “educate not only the mind, but the soul and spirit.�
The KEY Distinctions of the Holton Experience At Holton we: Inspire Intellectual Curiosity Cultivate Character Nurture Relationships Develop Tenacity of Purpose Embrace Individuality Embolden Creativity Pursue Passions Champion Diversity Foster Global Citizenship Engage Locally Lead Innovation Honor Traditions
INSPIRE Intellectual Curiosity
“Mrs. Holton expected her school to produce resilient, creative, resourceful, persistent women who would make a difference in the world. And indeed, for more than a century, Holton-Arms has inspired girls to grow into women of positive influence.” – Head of School, Susanna A. Jones
At Holton-Arms, you will find a vibrant community where girls are deeply engaged in the process of learning, and where because they are both challenged and nurtured by faculty and peers, they develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and a life-long love of learning that enables each student to reach her highest potential. Here, girls become self-advocates in their education, discover the joy of overcoming obstacles, and rise to the challenges and expectations of an advanced curriculum.
CULTIVATE Character
“We work to build strong character – whether in the classroom, on the field, in rehearsal, or in cyberspace. By the time they graduate, Holton students are deeply proud of the personal integrity they have developed.” – Lisa Pence, Upper School Director
Character development is a cornerstone of the Holton Experience. We cultivate integrity, respect, and compassion within the School and the larger community. The student-authored Honor Code stresses the value of personal honor and ethical responsibility. At Holton, we strive to teach each girl to be aware of the impact her actions may have on others and to assume responsibility for acting in a way that helps create and maintain a culture of integrity.
NURTURE Relationships
“A Holton girl takes risks, learns from mistakes, and discovers new passions. The confidence developed through her relationships help her flourish not only in school, but in all aspects of life.” – Tony Shawe, Director of Middle School
Girls learn best in an inclusive and supportive environment where they connect intellectually and emotionally with those around them. Girls thrive at Holton because of the connections they make with caring and inspiring faculty and staff, encouraging friends, and loyal alumnae. Here, girls develop meaningful relationships to create a joyful and safe place to take risks without inhibitions. By encouraging girls to discover and develop their unique talents and passions, they become confident, resilient, and persistent young women.
DEVELOP Tenacity of Purpose
“Even now, as an adult, when I am faced with challenges, the Holton motto runs through my head – I will find a way or make one. The motto puts into words the confidence that Holton instills in its girls.” – Dani Beyda Aronson ’99
Inveniam viam aut faciam. I will find a way or make one. Generations of Holton women have blazed new paths in every walk of life, proudly finding their way or making one. The Holton motto articulates the tenacity of purpose developed in each student. A Holton girl accomplishes what she sets her mind to and this fortitude will help her reach her full potential in every aspect of life – academic, professional, and personal.
Embrace INDIVIDUALITY
“The halls are big enough for the lacrosse star, the theater techie, the robotics team captain, the lit mag web designer, the girl with three colors in her hair. And they are all smart.” – Melinda Salata, Upper School English Teacher
At Holton, we take time to connect with each girl to help her discover her distinct potential. A Holton girl is celebrated and appreciated for her uniqueness. And even though there is no such thing as a typical Holton girl, the one trait they all have in common is the determination to seize the incredible opportunity of the Holton Experience and exhibit a level of excellence as a scholar, an artist, an athlete, or a combination of the three.
EMBOLDEN Creativity
“Students at Holton are encouraged early on to push their thinking beyond textbook knowledge. The skills our girls acquire allow them to look at the world in fresh and dynamic ways!” – Tiffany Reddinger, Middle & Upper School Science Teacher
Creative thinkers unravel, imagine, invent, and solve problems in fresh, innovative ways. It takes courage to think “outside of the box,� and Holton girls are emboldened by committed teachers, collaborative classmates, and state-of-the-art facilities to tap into limitless possibilities. Holton girls engage in the creative process in every arena – from designing robots to writing songs to developing multi-media lab reports – because girls who can think creatively have the potential to change the trajectory of their lives and the lives of those around them.
PURSUE Passions
“The conviction that I’m helping to educate the women who will constitute our country’s leadership in every field makes me look forward to work each day. Watching our smart, talented, motivated girls succeed is an amazing experience.” – Shay Bernius Squeglia, 11th grade dean
Exploring interests takes time, opportunity, and encouragement. Each Holton girl is given time and encouragement to uncover passions that will feed her soul and spirit, as well as her mind. A hallmark of the Holton Experience is the extraordinary breadth and depth of academic, artistic, athletic, leadership, and various other extracurricular opportunities at every stage of a student’s development. Our teachers encourage girls to challenge themselves to take risks and stretch themselves in ways they never imagined.
CHAMPION Diversity
“We believe by demonstrating understanding and acceptance of each person, we enable one another to thrive. Our goal is to create a respectful environment, based on trust, which allows for individuality, support, and security for all.” – from the Holton-Arms Statement of Respect
Photo by Wendy Merriman
In founding our School, Jessie Moon Holton demonstrated the power education has to liberate the mind. At Holton, we understand the vital role diversity plays in each student’s educational experience. A diverse community provides for diversity of thought, identity, and experience that stimulates new ways of thinking and actively demonstrates respect for differences, moral courage, and appreciation for common ground. By championing diversity, we foster a culture of integrity where differences are celebrated.
Engage LOCALLY
“Engaging in the community is important to me because I have been fortunate to have opportunities that have not been available to others, and volunteering allows me to better understand the world around me.” – Anabel Kelso ’13
At the threshold of our nation’s capital, we engage locally to benefit from the extraordinary array of cultural and educational resources of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Holton has a rich history of partnering with individuals, organizations, and museums to create an experiential education program beyond the typical guest speaker or museum field trip. From the very beginning, Mrs. Holton rooted her students in the community and established that learning is not confined by a time or place.
FOSTER Global Citizenship
“For a girl to have the potential to change the world, she must first let the world change her. I have seen first hand the impact a global perspective can have on a student. It changes the way she approaches everything.� - Melissa Brown, Director of Global Education
Photo by Ambria Archibald
As our School Philosophy states, “Holton women will make a difference in a complex and changing world.� By developing global citizenship, our girls will be prepared to exemplify this statement. Beginning in third grade and continuing through their senior year, students develop a global perspective through the HoltonArms Global Education Program. While they continue to engage locally, Holton girls learn the importance of a global society through diverse perspectives, an integrated curriculum, and a unique opportunity to embark on a global journey in Upper School.
LEAD Innovation
“A key finding of a report released by AAUW emphasizes the importance of the learning environment in encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM. At Holton, we specialize in creating opportunities that do just this.” – Patty Carver, Science Department Chair
At Holton, we conscientiously explore innovations in education before introducing new approaches and this diligence has not wavered in the digital age. Holton teachers set the standard in offering innovative experiences that continue to meet the unique educational needs of girls: to connect intellectually and emotionally with content and teachers, to work collaboratively with classmates, and to express ideas creatively within a supportive environment. Holton leads the way in developing the skills girls need to actively engage in the 21st century.
Honor TRADITIONS
“My high hope is that they who entered through the ‘Open Door’ of Holton-Arms remember that they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.” – Jessie Moon Holton
Nineteen years before women had the right to vote, Jessie Moon Holton and Carolyn Hough Arms shared a bold and audacious vision to create a school for girls with high academic standards, a superb faculty, and a commitment to individual attention. Time-honored traditions create a bond of sisterhood that is cherished by all Holton girls and women. This legacy continues to connect generations of students who entered the “Open Door� of Holton-Arms as curious girls and graduated as bright young women empowered to lead lives of positive influence.
Interested in beginning your HOLTON EXPERIENCE? We are delighted that you are considering Holton-Arms School for your family. We invite you to visit our campus, take a tour of the School, meet some of our teachers and students, and experience for yourself what makes Holton unique. On our website, you will find ample information about Holton, our programs, and the entire admission process. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Learn more at www.holton-arms.edu/admissions.
Design and primary photography: Š Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT
7303 River Road | Bethesda, MD 20817 | (301) 365-5300 www.holton-arms.edu
The Holton-Arms School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or sexual orientation in the administration of its hiring, educational policy, admissions, financial aid practices, or of its athletic and other school-administered programs.