The Horizons Program

Horizons is a multi-year learning and enrichment model that supports children and their families from pre-K to high school graduation—over the summer, after school, and on weekends throughout the year.

What makes the Horizons approach different?

Through small-group, project-based learning, students experience a blend of high-quality academics, cultural enrichment, and confidence-building activities like swimming, arts, sports, and health and wellness. With support from mental health professionals, social-emotional learning is woven into every aspect of the program, helping students build resilience, wellbeing, and stronger academic outcomes.

How does the learning model work?

Horizons’ hallmark is an intensive six-week summer program. In small classes led by professional educators, students dive into a culturally vibrant curriculum focused on literacy, STEM, and whole-child development. During the school year, students and families stay connected through Saturday programs, special events, and community reunions that nurture lasting relationships.

Each incoming class is intentionally balanced with two-thirds of students performing below grade level and one-third performing at or above grade level, driving peer support and nurturing long-term growth.

Where are Horizons programs located?

You’ll find Horizons programs on independent, public, and charter school campuses, as well as at colleges, universities, and community organizations. These unique surroundings offer resources that increase student engagement and expand learning opportunities. The hosting of a Horizons program builds bridges between schools and communities.

Do students come back year after year?

Yes! Long-term relationships create the greatest impact, so Horizons programs make student and staff retention a priority. Many families stay connected for decades, with siblings, cousins, and other relatives joining the program across multiple generations and graduates returning to volunteer or teach. Across the Horizons Network, over 80% of students, families, and staff return each year.

I feel extremely blessed to have had my twin boys attend Horizons each summer for the past 4 years. They absolutely love the staff and structure of mixing fun activities, academics (they love reading a book with their friends), and exploring various projects, arts and crafts, and sports. Each and every day they were so grateful and excited to attend... This program has had such a positive impact on their summer away from school and we couldn’t be happier.

- Family, Horizons of Kent & Queen Anne's