George & Jill Stevens Horizons Scholars Fund
About the George & Jill Stevens Horizons Scholars Fund
The George & Jill Stevens Horizons Scholars Fund builds on a vision that has shaped Country School for generations—one rooted in access, belonging, and the belief that opportunity can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
By supporting Horizons students as they continue their journey at NCCS, the Fund extends the impact of Horizons beyond the summer months and into the full academic experience. In doing so, it both honors George and Jill Stevens’ legacy and strengthens a vital, enduring connection between Horizons and Country School.
By supporting Horizons students as they continue their journey at NCCS, the Fund extends the impact of Horizons beyond the summer months and into the full academic experience. In doing so, it both honors George and Jill Stevens’ legacy and strengthens a vital, enduring connection between Horizons and Country School.
The George & Jill Stevens Horizons Scholars Fund
Established in 2026 by the Stevens family to honor their parents
George Stevens, Head of School from 1963–1979, and his wife, Jill. In 1964, George and Jill helped to found the Horizons program here at New Canaan Country School, opening the campus during the summer to students with limited access to academic opportunity. For many decades, extended family members have remained committed to Horizons, serving in leadership and volunteer roles, as well as through on-going philanthropic support. Income from the Fund will provide tuition assistance to enable Horizons students to attend New Canaan Country School.
George Stevens, Head of School from 1963–1979, and his wife, Jill. In 1964, George and Jill helped to found the Horizons program here at New Canaan Country School, opening the campus during the summer to students with limited access to academic opportunity. For many decades, extended family members have remained committed to Horizons, serving in leadership and volunteer roles, as well as through on-going philanthropic support. Income from the Fund will provide tuition assistance to enable Horizons students to attend New Canaan Country School.
Horizons at NCCS: Honoring a Legacy
In 1964, Head of School George Stevens had a bold idea: to open the Country School campus during the summer months to students with limited access to academic opportunity. Together with his wife, Jill, he helped to found the Horizons program at NCCS, creating a learning community rooted in hands-on, project-based experiences and a long-term commitment to every child.
After two decades of serving children from Norwalk and Stamford, in 1995 Horizons board members launched Horizons National to expand this successful model to other schools around the country. The Horizons network now extends to 59 sites in 18 states serving more that 5,800 students each summer. George and Jill would be thrilled to know how this seed they planted in 1964 and nurtured for many years has grown such impressive national roots.
George and Jill Stevens’ vision helped shape both Country School and the broader Horizons movement in lasting ways. Their belief in access, opportunity, and the transformative power of education continues to guide this work today.
For more information or to discuss your gift,
please contact
Holly Donaldson Casella ’04
Director of Advancement
hcasella@countryschool.net
(203) 801-5687
Holly Donaldson Casella ’04
Director of Advancement
hcasella@countryschool.net
(203) 801-5687
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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.