Community

Horizons

Horizons at New Canaan Country School

Mission

Transforming the lives of underserved children and youth through year-round academic and enrichment programs to inspire learning, encourage success, and close the opportunity gap. Learn more

Program
Horizons was founded on the campus of New Canaan Country School in 1964 by then Headmaster George Stevens. Horizons at NCCS was envisioned to serve a public purpose in the summertime for students less fortunate. George had the bold idea, in an uncertain time in history, to create the Horizons at NCCS program to inspire students through hands-on, project-based academic experiences and by making a long-term commitment to every child. Since that time, Horizons at NCCS has expanded to provide academic and enrichment programming for more than 400 students from Stamford and Norwalk public and public charter schools each year.

In addition to offering its signature six-week summer program on the campus of NCCS, Horizons stays connected with children and their caregivers all year long. Academic support classes, tutoring, family programming, Super Saturday sessions, social work support and caregiver workshops continue throughout the year.

Students in grades nine through twelve participate in the Horizons high school program which provides a range of services and supports through grade level coaching teams. The high school program is designed to help students succeed in high school and prepare for a successful transition to post-secondary education and/or career.

Horizons’ year-round high school programming promotes success and closes the opportunity gap as demonstrated by the high school graduation and college enrollment outcomes. Programming includes academic coaching, tutoring, SAT prep classes, college readiness workshops and college tours, student volunteer opportunities, career/internship opportunities, and social events.


Outcomes

As the Horizons mission is to close the opportunity gap, the successful high school graduation and college enrollment rates are the most important measure of success. In recent years, 100 percent of Horizons seniors graduated from high school, and 97 percent of them went on to college. Most were the first in their families to do so, which is especially impressive given the fact that at least two-thirds of the students Horizons admits have academic and/or social-emotional needs when they are admitted to the program. 

The New Canaan Country School Connection

Horizons is integral to the fabric of New Canaan Country School and brings to life its mission of leading with impact and purpose. Horizons students consider the campus of NCCS their home away from home during the six-week summer program and the school year brings many opportunities for NCCS and Horizons students and families to join together as one community. A number of the school's teachers and graduates work in the Horizons program during the summer and many school parents generously share their time and talents with Horizons, serving on the Horizons Board, assisting with special events and fundraising and spreading the word about Horizons in the greater community. To find out how to get involved and support Horizons please reach out to Interim Executive Director Nehemie Moise nmoise@horizonskids.org, visit www.horizonskids.org or call (203) 972-7005.

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  • 2024-2025 Board of Directors

    Leigh Kennedy, Chair
    Susan Barr, Vice-Chair
    Mara Neafsey, Treasurer
    Michele Gartland, Secretary

    John Beauclair
    Sonia Bell
    Sean Brennan
    Marisa DiBiasio
    Charles Galante
    Sarah Irwin
    Jen Kearney
    Liz Keogh
    Lindsay Kollar
    Tamu Lucero
    Eloisa Melendez
    Barbara Moody
    Tracey Riccardi
    Chelsea Staniar
    Melinda Stewart
    Eve St. Surin
    Tiffany Van Elslander
    Sanny Warner

    Ex-Officio
    Aaron Cooper, NCCS Head of School
    Elizabeth Guillen, Horizons Faculty Rep
    Makena Mckain, Horizons Family Council Rep
    Nehemie Moïse, Horizons Interim Executive Director
    Roberto Nieves, Horizons Senior Program Director
    Sean Robb, Horizons Junior Program Director
    Jhonny Ticas, Horizons Family Council Rep
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.