Holton-Arms School

Since 2023, Penny B Evins BA (English), MEd. Brings 25 years of independent school experience with her. Most recently she served as head of school for Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia, and St Paul's School for Girls in Baltimore,

Holton-Arms operates on a similar admissions cycle as the other Washington independent schools. Places are in demand, competition is stiff and as one parent explained, ‘Holton is looking for a well-rounded girl who can write soundly, do maths and

Very pro-active counsellors provide the support needed for all Holton-Arms graduates to move on to many of the nation’s most highly regarded colleges and universities. Destinations include most of the Ivies; state and private universities including

Standardised test score averages are impressive: SATs average 1420 (out of possible 1600) and ACT average 33 (out of possible 36).

The Learn Well, Live Well, Lead Well philosophy is woven into every component of the Holton-Arms education.

Spacious, bright, primary classrooms overlook the enclosed courtyard garden and set up for lots of collaborative activity. There is a lower

Each division has a learning specialist to provide support for students. Lower school going through to grade 6 is a big help, according to one mother, it gave her daughter one more year to consolidate skills and access to the one-to-one support that

All students must be proficient in English in order to handle the tough academics.

The creative arts, including photography, are emphasised here and parents say the art is ‘a big draw’. The work on display at the art fair by girls of all ages was some of the best we have seen in a school - it’s creative, original and to a very high

On a big campus in the suburbs, there are impressive sports facilities. The school hosts sports events for the Independent School League and girls excel in swimming, tennis and ice hockey. Upper classes are required to do after school activities,

The parents we spoke to were very happy with the school. 'I'm the biggest fan' was one parent's comment and loved the fact that it is so multicultural with it 'being liberal but just the right amount'. One family chose the school because they liked

Holton-Arms does not specifically cater to expats but, like all schools in greater Washington, it has a cosmopolitan community. One third of the girls have a parent born abroad. Many come through the National Institute of Health, World Bank, IMF and

This is a well-resourced school with an active and successful development programme, in other words, there are plenty of opportunities to open purses. But none of the parents we spoke to felt it was excessive and most participate enthusiastically.

Well-rounded, motivated girls thrive here. Girls and parents love this school, the warm environment of the community and high academic standards.