Holy Names High School (HNHS) graduates leave our campus with the confidence, skills, and motivation they need to be successful in the world on their next chosen path. Founded by the Sisters of Holy Names of Jesus and Mary over 150 years ago, we promote the full development of our students through a rigorous college prep education that includes a breadth of science and arts courses — while integrating the values of social solidarity, the promotion of justice and human rights, and protection of the environment. At Holy Names, girls thrive in a single gender environment committed to positive reinforcement, support, and leadership opportunities. Here, every young woman can find her voice and use it to positively impact her community.
What students and their families can expect at Holy Names:
Academic rigor: We focus on providing an engaging and challenging curriculum to prepare our graduates to enter the school of their choice. Each student gets the individualized support they need to master their subjects.
STEM Curriculum: Our single-gender environment and focus on providing a foundation in STEM curriculum in a positive environment means many of our graduates go into STEM careers. They also express higher levels of confidence in math, science, technology, and other currently male-dominated areas of study. With a foundation of STEM learning and the confidence that comes with that, Holy Names graduates know they have a seat at any table in the STEM industry.
Mastery of the Arts: Our Visual and Performing Arts program is a key component of our mission to educate the whole person. We offer choral and instrumental music, studio art (including AP), and drama. Our digital video production (DVP) program includes a state-of-the-art broadcasting studio and industry-standard tools, and alumnae working in the field regularly return to mentor students.
College Access: Our on-campus UC-certified counselors leverage their decades of expertise in college admissions and work 1:1 with students from their first year. From college selection criteria and application assistance to financial aid forms and essays, our counselors work with students for multiple years to ensure students find the best fit academically, socially, and financially to thrive in college while reducing financial burden.
Supportive Community: We foster a sense of sisterhood and camaraderie that leads to constructive problem solving and students that cheer each other on as they take on new challenges, from sports or drama to robotics or student government. Our graduates understand that whatever path they choose to take, they are confident that they belong and can be successful in that space.
Diversity and inclusion: Our community is comprised of students from a multitude of faiths, from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, indigenous faiths, and Eastern spirituality. They come from a wide array of cultures, socio-economic opportunity or disadvantage, life experiences, identities and viewpoints. In our intimate and supportive environment, we embrace all that our students are and strive to create a truly inclusive and welcoming community for all.
Leadership opportunities: Our students are the MCs for every event, the tour guides for prospective families, the initiators for clubs, service opportunities, social events, and more. Every class includes a presentation component to help students build their speaking and organizational skills, and our Student Ambassadors, Student Council, and club leaders have multiple opportunities to lead in both small and large environments.
Athletics: We know the value of being part of a team — sports participation is aligned with higher levels of self-esteem, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Our inclusive approach allows students to try new sports and participate on our Junior Varsity development teams or compete on our Varsity teams. Our sports teams regularly achieve all-league honors and qualify for NCS postseason play while building sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility, and respect for self and others.
Learn more, schedule a visit, & apply today at hnhsoakland.org/admissions
