District

Welcome to Holden R-3!

Our District

Rooted in tradition, driven by potential — Holden R-3 is a place where students thrive, families feel connected, and the future is always in focus. Our rural PreK–12 district serves most of western Johnson County and a portion of Cass County, covering 208 square miles of Missouri countryside.

All of our school buildings — Early Childhood Center, Elementary (K–5), Middle (6–8), High School (9–12), and Alternative School (9–12) — are located together on one campus on the south side of Holden, creating a close-knit educational environment. We currently serve around 1,200 students, with approximately half participating in the free/reduced meals program.

We believe in preparing every student for success — not just for graduation, but for life. That means offering a strong, forward-thinking curriculum built on strong foundational learning, real-world skills, and a commitment to student well-being. With access to modern technology, personalized support, and dedicated educators, Holden students are well-equipped for the challenges of a changing world.

District Initiatives

• Professional Learning Communities (Since 2009)
• Standard-Based Grading
• Response to Intervention (RtI) K-12
• 1:1 Technology in Grades K-12 (Since 2016)
• BIST Behavior Intervention Strategies (K-8)
• Bright Futures Holden (Since 2012)

Our Community

Holden is a small town of about 2,200 residents — a place where neighbors know each other and the pace of life invites connection. Surrounded by crop fields, creeks, and open sky, we enjoy the charm of rural Missouri while being just a short drive from Kansas City’s shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities.

Many in our community commute to the metro for work in fields like business, science, healthcare, and the arts — but they choose Holden for its values, its schools, and its sense of home.

We have strong support from local businesses, faith communities, and civic organizations. We’re proud to be Holden Eagles — and even prouder of the relationships and partnerships that make our schools stronger every day.