The Program
Holmestead school is in session from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 PM, daily. Students are required to take six courses, on a rotating schedule. This procedure minimizes anxiety about facing the same courses at the same time each day.
Students are required to fulfill state-mandated course requirements but many electives are designed to provide a well-rounded curriculum. Students are encouraged to take an active part in the planning of their schedules, by selecting courses from the 45 offered at Holmestead. These course selections are compiled by the supervisor of Education in an effort to predict improvement, promote success, and increase motivation.
Incorporated into the school day is a one-hour required class called recreational arts, in which students fulfill physical education mandates and participate in organized activities. These include physical education, yearbook, journalism, music instruction, and photography field trips, which vary from the educational to the recreational, are offered regularly. College preparation skills as well as career development experiences are also offered.
Holmstead School is in compliance with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination by reason of race, color, sex, Creed, or national origin.
Courses of Study
- English
- Math
- History
- Science (Lab)
- Related Arts
- Honors & AP Courses Offered Upon Approval
- Foreign Language
- Physical Education/Health
- Humanities
- Fine/Performing Arts
Assessments
NJSLA testing is facilitated on site at the Holmstead School. PSAT SAT and ACT Testing transition planning and College counseling are also provided.
Counseling Services
Therapeutic intervention on the part of highly skilled therapists enables Holmstead students to address social and emotional difficulties and develop coping skills. Students participate in individual psychotherapy and group counseling. The staff includes both male and female therapists who afford students the opportunity to work with the professional with whom he/she/they relates most comfortably and productively.
Counseling techniques include not only Traditional therapy therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) but Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and family therapy are available as well. Clinical interventions in the home for students who are struggling to get to school on a regular basis is also addressed through monthly parent support groups, which are conducted in the evening are facilitated by Holmstead clinicians and address issues of concern regarding adolescent interaction with family, peers, school, and the community.
