Holton-Arms School

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Holton-Arms is a prestigious independent college-preparatory school for girls in grades 3–12 dedicated to the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.” The School’s motto is Inveniam viam aut faciam or “I will find a way or make one.”

Located in Bethesda, Maryland, the School prides itself on providing a diverse environment where girls are encouraged to excel. Students are offered opportunities to explore and discover their own aptitudes in academics—especially in science, math and technology (classes include robotics, engineering, and forensic science)—in athletics and in the fine and performing arts. The School also places a strong emphasis on community service, puts women first, and promotes risk taking among the student body, faculty and staff.

In 1901, 19 years before women won the right to vote, Jessie Moon Holton and Carolyn Hough Arms founded Holton-Arms from a vendor's push cart. Their progressive vision of educating young women to develop their own sense of personal integrity and responsibility, and give them the means to make wise and ethical choices remains stronger than ever. The current administrtaion has expanded upon that original vision to promote an understanding and appreciation for the global world.

Originally housed in Washington, D.C., Holton-Arms moved to Bethesda in 1963. Located on 57 acres of rolling woodlands just off River Road, the campus encompasses seven buildings that house a new science wing and lecture hall, two libraries, a performing arts center with a 400-seat theater and new black box theater, art and ceramic studios and photo lab, three dance studios, a double gymnasium, an indoor competition-size pool, and a weight and training room. Outside, seven tennis courts, three athletic fields, and a new track round off the sports facilities.

Currently under the leadership of Diana Coulton Beebe, appointed to the office of Head of School in 1992, the school has three divisions, Lower School (grades 3–6), Middle School (7–8), and Upper School (9–12). Tuition is $24,330 for grades 3–6 and $25,200 for grades 7–12, with 18 percent of the student body receiving financial aid. There are 660 students enrolled and 92 faculty, resulting in a student/faculty ratio of 7 to 1. Holton-Arms has a 34.5 percent student of color enrollment. Diane Coulton Beebe announced her retirement during the 2006-2007 school year. The Board of Trustees declared Susanna Jones from the Ethel Walker School to be Holton-Arms's new Head of School, effective July 1, 2007.

Notable alumnae

• Princesses Aisha and Zein of Jordan
• Brooke Astor, philanthropist
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus, heiress & actress, played Elaine on Seinfeld
• Susan Ford, Former President Gerald Ford's daughter
• Miranda Hope, Bob Hope's granddaughter
• Aerin and Jane Lauder, Estée Lauder executives and socialites
• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former first lady (did not graduate but attended the middle school)
• Patricia Richardson, actress, played Jill on Home Improvement
• Margaret Warner, award-winning senior correspondent, The Newshour with Jim Lehrer
• Rachael Yamagata, singer-songwriter

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