Horizons |New Canaan Country School

Horizons at New Canaan Country School

Mission

Horizons builds brighter futures for K-12 students from low-income families by creating year-round academic, artistic and athletic opportunities, nurturing potential, cultivating a safe and supportive community, and inspiring individual dreams.

Program

In 1964, George Stevens, the headmaster of New Canaan Country School, had an exciting idea: to bring children from low-income families to the NCCS campus for an enriching summer experience. With this idea, Horizons was born and its mission remains essentially unchanged. Horizons encourages students from a diverse low-income population to explore new worlds and realize their full potential.

Horizons now serves nearly 400 students in grades K through 12 from lower Fairfield County. Guided by a professional faculty, the program emphasizes academics, the arts, intramural sports and social growth. In addition to offering its signature six-week Summer Program on the campus of NCCS, Horizons stays connected with children and their parents all year long. Enrichment lessons, individual tutoring, a winter Saturday program, an instrumental music academy, group tennis lessons and parent workshops continue throughout the year.

Rising ninth graders have the opportunity to participate in the Horizons High School Program, which is designed to support students and their families through the high school experience and help them understand options after high school. Programs include academic coaching, college tours, SAT preparation, college counseling and financial aid workshops.

Outcomes

In recent years, 100 percent of Horizons seniors graduated from high school, and 96 percent of them went on to college. Most were the first in their families to do so.

The New Canaan Country School Connection

Horizons is linked to the Country School community in a variety of ways. There are, at present, 8 Horizons students who attend Country School. A number of the school's teachers and graduates work in the Horizons program during the summer. Established in 2001, the Horizons Friends Corps, a mentorship and personal leadership program,

is a special opportunity for 8th and 9th graders, from both Horizons and NCSS, to work together and mentor 2nd-4th graders, also from both communities.

matches eighth grade Country School mentors with first through third grade Horizons buddies. 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. For more information, please visit: www.horizonskids.org.

Horizons

Horizons at New Canaan Country School

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