Programs

Our program is best visualized as
three circles.

The Summer Program

The center circle is the core and represents the six-week intensive K through 8th grade Summer Program. Set on the campus of New Canaan Country School, the Summer Program gives approximately 260 children a chance to have new experiences, meet new friends, take part in academic, art and music classes, eat nourishing breakfasts and lunches, swim, visit museums, and become part of a diverse family of caring teachers and staff. Many Horizons high school students and graduates return as assistant teachers, acting as role models for their younger peers. All of our students benefit from the low four to one student/teacher ratio and from the support services of reading specialists, social workers, and a staff psychologist. The low student/teacher ratio coupled with the support services minimizes the summer decline in students’ performance and maximizes their performance and self-confidence during the school year.

The Continuing Connection

A product of the Summer Program, the second circle represents the Continuing Connection, which expands our program offerings to K through 8th grade students and their parents throughout the year. These programs give students an opportunity to attend late summer two-week sessions hosted by other non-profits and participate in one-on-one tutoring, enrichment lessons focusing on the arts, winter Saturday School, cultural events, and trips. In addition, Horizons has collaborated with New Canaan Mounted Troop and the Stamford Performing Arts Center to provide scholarships to individual students who demonstrate a special interest in horseback riding and dance.

Recognizing the critical role parents play in their children’s success, we offer parent/child art workshops and parenting workshops throughout the year. These programs are developed in conjunction with the Horizons Parent Council, a group of parents who volunteer to take on leadership roles.

The High School Program
 
The third circle, the High School Program, reaches students in grades 9 through 12. Serving approximately 100 students, the High School Program has three primary objectives: to support students and families through the high school experience, to expose students to new cultural, social, recreational, and community service experiences, and to help students and parents understand options after high school. 

Initiatives include individual academic coaching, tutoring in specific academic areas as needed, college tours, college and financial aid workshops, and SAT preparation. Students also participate in employment workshops, community service projects, and cultural trips.