Our History

Holmes was opened in January 1966, as a Junior High School serving students in grades seven, eight, and nine. In August of 1992, Holmes reconfigured to become a Middle School, serving students in grades six, seven, and eight. The Holmes International Humanities Magnet opened in September 1994.Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., for whom our school is named, was an American philosopher and jurist. He was born in Boston on March 8, 1841, graduated from Harvard University, and served in the Civil War for three years. Later he returned to Harvard Law School and, after graduation in 1866, practiced law in Boston. He became an instructor in constitutional law at Harvard and edited the American Law Review. Mr. Holmes served as Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court and became its Chief Justice in 1899. In 1902, he was appointed to the United States Supreme Court, beginning a thirty-year period of distinguished service. He retired at the age of 91, admired and respected as a great American. After his death in 1935, it was discovered that he had left his money and property to the land he loved-the United States. Our International theme was adopted by Holmes Middle School in 1983. On December 19, 1991, the Holmes International Flag Court was dedicated to retiring Principal Dr. Jeanie Dreier to honor her commitment and dedication to the many students she served at Holmes.