Our History - Holton-Arms School
Source: https://www.holton-arms.edu/about/our-history
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
Our History - Holton-Arms School
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Holton-Arms School is an independent college preparatory school for girls in grades 3-12.
Holton was founded in 1901 by Jessie Moon Holton and Carolyn Hough Arms. Originally located in downtown Washington, D.C., at 2125 S Street, the School moved to Bethesda, MD, in 1963. Alumnae include engineers, executives, CEOs, rock stars, Emmy Award winners, artists, moms, musicians, philanthropists, physicians, travelers, environmentalists, attorneys, educators, chefs, authors, archaeologists, and more.
Students
Faculty & Staff
Alumnae
Campus
Total Enrollment: 670
Students of Color: 40%
Foreign National Students: 4%
Student/Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Average Class Size: 15
Students receiving financial aid: 23%
100% of Holton-Arms graduates are accepted to four-year institutions.
More than 80% of Upper School students and 100% of Middle School students participate in a sport.
Approximately 85% of Upper School students enrolled in at least one Fine & Performing Arts class.
Unique curricular opportunities including Global Education and Center for the Advancement of STEM.
Total Faculty and Staff: 175
Total Faculty: 125
82% of faculty hold advanced degrees
Average number of years current faculty have been at Holton: 11
Total Number: 7,400
Alumnae Working at Holton: 11
Current Alumnae Parents and Grandparents: 39
Alumnae live in 40 countries worldwide
Alumnae include engineers, executives, CEOs, rock stars, Emmy Award winners, artists, moms, musicians, philanthropists, physicians, travelers, environmentalists, attorneys, educators, chefs, authors, archaeologists, and more.
Holton-Arms School is located at 7303 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
57 acres of rolling woodlands on River Road in Bethesda, MD
Eight Wi-Fi enabled buildings, including two academic buildings and two libraries, a performing arts center, 386-seat theater, black box theater, natural light art and ceramics studios, photography lab, three dance studios, and multiple music education spaces.
Recently renovated double gymnasium, indoor competition-size pool, seven outdoor tennis courts, two softball fields, a synthetic turf field, a Bermuda grass field, a fitness center, three dance studios, and an all-weather outdoor track.
School History
Mascot
Crest & Historic Logo
Alma Mater
Read More
At the time of Mrs. Holton’s death in 1951, Mildred Brown became President of Holton-Arms and Sallie Lurton, Class of 1923, its Headmistress. In 1963, the School moved to the River Road campus in Bethesda, Md. The expanded facilities allowed for increased enrollment, and new courses were developed to augment a strong traditional curriculum.
In 1969, Jim Lewis became Headmaster. During his tenure, greater emphasis was placed on advanced academic courses and the improvement of the facilities. Major additions included the Alice S. Marriott Library, a photography lab, an art studio, an art gallery, an infirmary, and the Advancement Center. Once again, with new facilities came new programs: the Creative Summer day camp and LEEAP, an after-school program, offering art, music, dance, and drama classes.
Charlie Lord became Headmaster in 1987. Under his leadership, the School expanded its sense of diversity and focused on ecological concerns, ethics in the professions, and service to the community. The student activities center, housing expanded dance facilities, a double gymnasium, pool, theater, rehearsal rooms for chorus and orchestra, and several classrooms, was completed in 1989.
Diana Coulton Beebe was installed as Head of School in September of 1992. During her 15 years of leadership, Holton worked to create equity for its diverse student population; develop a strong sense of community among its constituents; support a variety of learning styles; strengthen its athletic programs; enhance the curriculum in the areas of math, science, and technology; and improve faculty salaries. The School celebrated its Centennial in 2001. The Centennial Building Project—providing students with a new science wing, expanded performing arts rehearsal and performance facilities, renovated academic spaces, and a new all-weather track and field—was completed in 2003-2004.
Susanna A. Jones became Head of School in 2007. Under her leadership, Holton-Arms School achieved several milestones, including the integration of the School's multidimensional educational philosophy known as
Learn Well, Live Well, Lead Well
, which rests on three pillars: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; Health and Wellbeing; and Global Competence. She spearheaded the Global Education program, which has been instrumental for students as they develop global competencies, skills, and habits of mind to be leaders for a better tomorrow. Renovated in the summer of 2012, the main entrance and administrative building welcome students, faculty, alumnae, and parents to the School. Along with bright natural light and soaring ceilings, the space features thoughtful architectural details that reflect the more-than-100-year history of the School. As visitors enter, they cross over Holton’s timeless School seal and beneath the cherished motto,
Inveniam viam aut faciam
(or "I will find a way or make one").
Holton-Arms School welcomed its eighth Head of School Penny B. Evins on July 1, 2023. Mrs. Evins has an exceptional record of building strong, lasting relationships and motivating those around her to be the best versions of themselves. Mrs. Evins brings 25 years of independent school experience to her headship at Holton. Most recently, she served as Head of School for Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia, and St. Paul’s School for Girls in Baltimore, Maryland.
Read more about Mrs. Evins
.
Today, over 120 years since its founding, Holton-Arms appears to be quite different from the school than began in 1901, yet in many ways it is the same. The School continues to maintain a high academic standard. It is a place for personal involvement, a place where parents support the School by helping out in the library, on field trips, on committees of the Board, and at special functions, and a place where outstanding faculty continue to give maximum attention to individual students.
Our Mascot is the Panther!
You've seen the statues, the drawings in the old gym, and some other odds and ends around campus. But for the first time since 1901, Holton introduced our official Panther in 2022!
The Holton Crest
At the top of the crest, the lamp symbolizes the light cast by knowledge.
The orb signifies a guild, which from the old meaning of the word is a group that comes together for a purpose. Thus, the three orbs symbolize the three groups of students at Holton -- Upper, Middle, and Lower Schools -- who come together to learn how to learn, to develop character, and to provide service to community.
The bay tree branch symbolizes youth. The open book symbolizes the teacher’s role in imparting knowledge and the staff’s role in supporting the educational process.
The banner Inveniam viam aut faciam is the underpinning of the crest. The Latin phrase,
the school’s motto, means “
I will find a way or make one
.”
Historic Logo
Though decidedly contemporary, the old Holton-Arms School graphic identity was also inspired by our longstanding values. The logo, like our current logo, represents a deep commitment to providing excellent, rigorous programs in academics, the arts, and athletics that help students reach their full potential.
Far into the distant future,
Strong and clear above
Shines the star of our dear Holton,
Shines the star we love.
It is there to aid and guide us
As the years pass by,
Holding us to all that’s finest,
Making standards high.
Hail to thee, our Holton-Arms,
Alma Mater dear,
You will be our inspiration
Through each coming year.
Thoughts of you we’ll cherish ever,
Be we far or nigh,
Weaving in our hearts and lives
Blue and White for aye.
Weaving in our hearts and lives
Blue and White for aye.
Accreditation
Membership
Association of Independent Maryland Schools
State of Maryland
National Association of Independent Schools
The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington
Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools
Parents Council of Washington
International Coalition of Girls Schools
The Heads Network
Association for Middle Level Education
The 1911 Group
Secondary School Admission Test Board
Education Records Bureau
(ERB)
National Association of College Admission Counseling
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Skip To Main Content
apply
Holton-Arms School is an independent college preparatory school for girls in grades 3-12.
Holton was founded in 1901 by Jessie Moon Holton and Carolyn Hough Arms. Originally located in downtown Washington, D.C., at 2125 S Street, the School moved to Bethesda, MD, in 1963. Alumnae include engineers, executives, CEOs, rock stars, Emmy Award winners, artists, moms, musicians, philanthropists, physicians, travelers, environmentalists, attorneys, educators, chefs, authors, archaeologists, and more.
Students
Faculty & Staff
Alumnae
Campus
Total Enrollment: 670
Students of Color: 40%
Foreign National Students: 4%
Student/Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Average Class Size: 15
Students receiving financial aid: 23%
100% of Holton-Arms graduates are accepted to four-year institutions.
More than 80% of Upper School students and 100% of Middle School students participate in a sport.
Approximately 85% of Upper School students enrolled in at least one Fine & Performing Arts class.
Unique curricular opportunities including Global Education and Center for the Advancement of STEM.
Total Faculty and Staff: 175
Total Faculty: 125
82% of faculty hold advanced degrees
Average number of years current faculty have been at Holton: 11
Total Number: 7,400
Alumnae Working at Holton: 11
Current Alumnae Parents and Grandparents: 39
Alumnae live in 40 countries worldwide
Alumnae include engineers, executives, CEOs, rock stars, Emmy Award winners, artists, moms, musicians, philanthropists, physicians, travelers, environmentalists, attorneys, educators, chefs, authors, archaeologists, and more.
Holton-Arms School is located at 7303 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
57 acres of rolling woodlands on River Road in Bethesda, MD
Eight Wi-Fi enabled buildings, including two academic buildings and two libraries, a performing arts center, 386-seat theater, black box theater, natural light art and ceramics studios, photography lab, three dance studios, and multiple music education spaces.
Recently renovated double gymnasium, indoor competition-size pool, seven outdoor tennis courts, two softball fields, a synthetic turf field, a Bermuda grass field, a fitness center, three dance studios, and an all-weather outdoor track.
School History
Mascot
Crest & Historic Logo
Alma Mater
Read More
At the time of Mrs. Holton’s death in 1951, Mildred Brown became President of Holton-Arms and Sallie Lurton, Class of 1923, its Headmistress. In 1963, the School moved to the River Road campus in Bethesda, Md. The expanded facilities allowed for increased enrollment, and new courses were developed to augment a strong traditional curriculum.
In 1969, Jim Lewis became Headmaster. During his tenure, greater emphasis was placed on advanced academic courses and the improvement of the facilities. Major additions included the Alice S. Marriott Library, a photography lab, an art studio, an art gallery, an infirmary, and the Advancement Center. Once again, with new facilities came new programs: the Creative Summer day camp and LEEAP, an after-school program, offering art, music, dance, and drama classes.
Charlie Lord became Headmaster in 1987. Under his leadership, the School expanded its sense of diversity and focused on ecological concerns, ethics in the professions, and service to the community. The student activities center, housing expanded dance facilities, a double gymnasium, pool, theater, rehearsal rooms for chorus and orchestra, and several classrooms, was completed in 1989.
Diana Coulton Beebe was installed as Head of School in September of 1992. During her 15 years of leadership, Holton worked to create equity for its diverse student population; develop a strong sense of community among its constituents; support a variety of learning styles; strengthen its athletic programs; enhance the curriculum in the areas of math, science, and technology; and improve faculty salaries. The School celebrated its Centennial in 2001. The Centennial Building Project—providing students with a new science wing, expanded performing arts rehearsal and performance facilities, renovated academic spaces, and a new all-weather track and field—was completed in 2003-2004.
Susanna A. Jones became Head of School in 2007. Under her leadership, Holton-Arms School achieved several milestones, including the integration of the School's multidimensional educational philosophy known as
Learn Well, Live Well, Lead Well
, which rests on three pillars: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; Health and Wellbeing; and Global Competence. She spearheaded the Global Education program, which has been instrumental for students as they develop global competencies, skills, and habits of mind to be leaders for a better tomorrow. Renovated in the summer of 2012, the main entrance and administrative building welcome students, faculty, alumnae, and parents to the School. Along with bright natural light and soaring ceilings, the space features thoughtful architectural details that reflect the more-than-100-year history of the School. As visitors enter, they cross over Holton’s timeless School seal and beneath the cherished motto,
Inveniam viam aut faciam
(or "I will find a way or make one").
Holton-Arms School welcomed its eighth Head of School Penny B. Evins on July 1, 2023. Mrs. Evins has an exceptional record of building strong, lasting relationships and motivating those around her to be the best versions of themselves. Mrs. Evins brings 25 years of independent school experience to her headship at Holton. Most recently, she served as Head of School for Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia, and St. Paul’s School for Girls in Baltimore, Maryland.
Read more about Mrs. Evins
.
Today, over 120 years since its founding, Holton-Arms appears to be quite different from the school than began in 1901, yet in many ways it is the same. The School continues to maintain a high academic standard. It is a place for personal involvement, a place where parents support the School by helping out in the library, on field trips, on committees of the Board, and at special functions, and a place where outstanding faculty continue to give maximum attention to individual students.
Our Mascot is the Panther!
You've seen the statues, the drawings in the old gym, and some other odds and ends around campus. But for the first time since 1901, Holton introduced our official Panther in 2022!
The Holton Crest
At the top of the crest, the lamp symbolizes the light cast by knowledge.
The orb signifies a guild, which from the old meaning of the word is a group that comes together for a purpose. Thus, the three orbs symbolize the three groups of students at Holton -- Upper, Middle, and Lower Schools -- who come together to learn how to learn, to develop character, and to provide service to community.
The bay tree branch symbolizes youth. The open book symbolizes the teacher’s role in imparting knowledge and the staff’s role in supporting the educational process.
The banner Inveniam viam aut faciam is the underpinning of the crest. The Latin phrase,
the school’s motto, means “
I will find a way or make one
.”
Historic Logo
Though decidedly contemporary, the old Holton-Arms School graphic identity was also inspired by our longstanding values. The logo, like our current logo, represents a deep commitment to providing excellent, rigorous programs in academics, the arts, and athletics that help students reach their full potential.
Far into the distant future,
Strong and clear above
Shines the star of our dear Holton,
Shines the star we love.
It is there to aid and guide us
As the years pass by,
Holding us to all that’s finest,
Making standards high.
Hail to thee, our Holton-Arms,
Alma Mater dear,
You will be our inspiration
Through each coming year.
Thoughts of you we’ll cherish ever,
Be we far or nigh,
Weaving in our hearts and lives
Blue and White for aye.
Weaving in our hearts and lives
Blue and White for aye.
Accreditation
Membership
Association of Independent Maryland Schools
State of Maryland
National Association of Independent Schools
The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington
Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools
Parents Council of Washington
International Coalition of Girls Schools
The Heads Network
Association for Middle Level Education
The 1911 Group
Secondary School Admission Test Board
Education Records Bureau
(ERB)
National Association of College Admission Counseling
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