Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School Home

About Us
Our Mission

About Us

Excellence in Academics. Innovation in Learning. Pride in Our Community.

Holmes Middle School & Humanities Magnet is a nationally recognized, award-winning school committed to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. Proudly recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished School, Holmes has also earned recognition as a CA School to Watch, Magnet School of Distinction, and LAUSD School for Advanced Studies (SAS) Demonstration Site.

Our Mission

We inspire students to take pride and responsibility in preparing for college and career.

News & Announcements

Congratulations! Holmes MS and Humanities Magnet named a California Top 30 Niche Standout Middle School!

Holmes has been named among California’s Top 30 Niche Standout Middle Schools for 2027! We proudly share this honor with our students, staff, and families, whose dedication makes Holmes a place where students grow, achieve, and prepare for college and career.

Weekly Update November 8

This week at Holmes features academic support, a Safe Schools Assembly on Healthy Relationships, and an author visit with Wendelin Van Draanen. Review the weekly update for meeting times, student activities, and Saturday opportunities, and remember that school is closed Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

English Learner Parent Meeting

Please attend an important meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2026, regarding your child’s progress toward reclassification. Click on the headline for meeting details.

Holmes Esports and Computer Science Clubs Start November 3

The Holmes Esports & Computer Science Club begins Friday, November 6, and meets after school from 3:15–4:15 p.m. in Rooms 401 and 402. Students can enjoy free play and 3-v-3 competitions, explore games such as Minecraft EDU and Rocket League, and try 3-D printing, robotics, circuitry, and more. All students are welcome; parent permission is required, and students should see Ms. Cao for a permission form—an Epic Games account is required for PC game play.

Holmes MS Magnet & SAS School Tours in October

Please join us for our Magnet and SAS School Tour at 8:30 am on October 1, 8, 17 (@ 12:30pm), 22, 29 and November 5. The CHOICES application opens on October 1 - November 5. Please register by clicking on the title.

High School Fair is November 4

Holmes’ annual High School Fair is Wednesday, November 4, offering students opportunities to explore high school programs and consider their next steps toward college and career. The event will include presentations during periods 3 and 4 and high school information booths on the quad during lunch.

Check Out Many Exciting November Events On Our Schoology Page

Parent Community Newsletter Week of November 2

Basketball Tournament Championship November 2

Zone of Choice Drop In Session for 8th Grade Families

Council and Committee Meetings

The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The School Site Council (SSC) is scheduled to meet on Thursday, November 6, 2026, at 3:30 PM. Click on the headline for meeting information.

Student Mock Elections

Students are invited to participate in the 2026 California Student Mock Election on November 3 during lunch in Mackenzie Hall, gaining firsthand experience with the democratic process and the importance of civic engagement.

Día de los Muertos and Halloween Events

Celebrate Día de los Muertos on Thursday, October 29, with festive attire, a group photo, musical performances, and student-created ofrendas in Room 302 during lunch. On Friday, October 30, students are invited to dress up for Halloween and participate in our lunchtime costume contest while following school dress code guidelines!

We Can't Wait for Our Annual Inflatable Race

Parent Weekly Update_October 26

Red Ribbon Week!

Celebrate Red Ribbon Week on Friday, October 23, by wearing a red T-shirt and cape and joining our lunchtime group photo on the stage to show your commitment to staying drug-free!

Zone of Choice Parent Meeting and Drop In Sessions

Create an Ofrenda or Mini-Tumba

Join Holmes Leadership students on October 21 during lunch in Room 219 to explore the history and traditions of Día de los Muertos and learn how to create an ofrenda or mini-tumba with your family. This hands-on cultural experience celebrates heritage, remembrance, and the meaningful traditions that honor loved ones.

Join Us October 23, 2026 for a Virtual Parent Workshop

Join us for a Parent Workshop sponsored by the Holmes Parent Center on Supporting a Successful Middle School Transition! Our sixth-grade counselor will share helpful tips and practical strategies to help families ease the transition from elementary to middle school and support their child’s academic, social, and emotional success.

The Great Shake Drill will be Friday, October 16 @ 8:10 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.

On Friday, October 16, from 8:10 to 9:50 a.m., Holmes students and staff will participate in the Great California ShakeOut. This annual earthquake drill gives our school community an opportunity to practice how to stay safe during an earthquake. Students and staff will then go to the PE field and practice the safety dill protocols.

Students and staff will practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” the recommended action to take during an earthquake. To keep the drill safe and uninterrupted, we will be unable to accommodate campus visits or student pick-ups during the drill. If your child has an appointment, please arrange to pick them up before 8:10 a.m. or after 9:50 a.m.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe.

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Nov 9

After School Tutoring (Math 6)

Time: 3:15 PM – 4 PM

Nov 9

High Dose Tutoring

Time: 3:15 PM – 4 PM

Nov 10

Safe Schools Assembly (Tentative)(PE)

Nov 10

Department Meetings

Time: 2 PM – 3 PM

Nov 10

ILT Meeting

Time: 3 PM – 4 PM

Nov 9

Stronger Schools Together Information Session — Region North

Time: 6 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Virtual

Nov 9

Stronger Schools Together Information Session — Region West

Time: 6 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Virtual

Nov 11

Veterans' Day

Nov 26

Thanksgiving

Nov 27

Thanksgiving

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There is no place like Holmes!

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