Programs

The Summer Program

Horizons Greater Washington offers a six-week summer enrichment program designed to help a diverse population of children from low-income families to:

• develop a lifelong interest in learning through a challenging and fun curriculum;
• advance academic gains over the summer and improve achievement in school;
• participate in cultural experiences outside their immediate inner-city neighborhood.

The curriculum is designed to support the public partner school’s academic goals and aligns with best practices in experiential learning, building confidence, problem-solving skills and academic self-esteem.

The program is full-day and includes transportation from partner school location, breakfast, lunch, and snack, field trips, daily swimming and cultural excursions. Middle school students, in addition to the regular program, have a social curriculum component which aims to help prepare them for entry to high school.

Students are recommended by their teachers and are re-enrolled for consecutive summers, starting after their kindergarten year and continuing through middle school. The student teacher ratio is 5:1 and classes are led by veteran, experienced teachers who work side-by-side with assistant teachers. Horizons Assistant Teachers (HATS) are hired from within the independent Site school student body.

The enrollment fee for families is $25 per summer and preference is given to siblings when available.

The Saturday Program

When feasible, Sites host additional programming aimed at maintaining a relationship with the Horizons students between September and June. Our Maret School Site hosts three 6-week Saturday programs for students enrolled in the summer program.

Eligibility

To be eligible to attend Horizons, students must qualify for the free or reduced school lunch program. Since Horizons strives to provide an enriching environment, students who have severe discipline or academic problems in school are usually screened out. Therefore, school guidance counselors and teachers have input in the selection process. Only students who attend our specific public partner schools are considered for enrollment.

Serving a Broad Range of Learners

Since its inception, Horizons has been committed to serving children from a broad range of academic ability. The rationale for this central component of the Horizons philosophy is outlined here: Horizons - Serving a Broad Range of Learners.