Oliver
Wendell Holmes High School is in another year of excellence as a comprehensive
secondary school of scholarship and activity.
General Information
Located
on a thirty acre tract on the southeast quadrant at the intersection
of Ingram Road and Loop 410, it is also unique in its innovative circular
design.
The initial
construction in 1964 accommodated twelve hundred students in three
circular buildings. The fourth building was built in 1970 to accommodate
twelve hundred and thirty more students. Two vocational buildings have
been added along with the new boys' gym and math building. Library,
homemaking, cafeteria and administrative offices renovation has also
taken place. In 1993, the new Fine Arts wing was completed. It houses
the band, orchestra, drama, and choir departments. Holmes High School
can now accommodate approximately 3,000 students.
With the
passage of the 2001 Bond, a new classroom/office building has been
constructed, along with renovations to the science labs, B building
and library.
Accreditation
Holmes
High School is accredited by the Texas Education Agency.
Curriculum
The
school provides a differentiated curriculum with levels of instruction
allowing teachers to present course materials to meet the unique needs
and abilities of their students. Advanced programs are offered in English
III AP/Honors, English IV AP/Honors and Spanish IV AP/Honors. The AP
and upper-level language courses allow students to experience college
level course work. Honors courses are offered in the core curriculum.
Gifted/Talented programs are offered to students who qualify for special
programs. Vocational offerings include various lab, shop and cooperative
work programs.
Community
Holmes
High School is located in the northwest suburban area of San Antonio,
Texas. Its community is culturally diversified, comprising upper-middle
class to middle class families. The learning community is a collaboration
of working professionals and skilled residents who play an active role
in their students' education.
Composition
A
comprehensive public high school, Holmes is one of seven high schools
in the Northside Independent School District. The approximate enrollment
is 2150 students with an ethnic breakdown of <1% American Indian,
1% Asian, 8% African American, 11% Anglo and 80% Hispanic.
Graduation
Requirements
See
the Graduation Requirements page.
Class
Ranking
All
courses for which graduation credit are given are included in the grade
average and ranking. Weighted grades are used to determine grade average
and rank in class, but are not reflected on the Academic Achievement
Record. Honors courses (designated "H") are awarded five rank
points per semester. Advanced Placement courses (designated "AP")
are awarded eight rank points per semester. Basic Learning Lab courses
(designated "B") are awarded five fewer rank points per semester
Grading
Scale
90-100
= A
80-89 = B
75-79 = C
70-74 = D
Below 70 = Failing
State
Testing
9th,
10th and 11th grade students must pass the TAKS test. 12th grade students
must pass the TAAS Test.
Calendar
The
school year consists of two eighteen-week semesters. Each semester is
divided into three 6-week periods. The fall semester begins in August
and ends in December. The spring semester begins in January and ends
in May.
Students
attend 7 forty-eight minute classes each day (plus lunch). Students
have the opportunity to earn seven credits per year.
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