In 2000, Greens Farms Academy established the Horizons Student Enrichment Program, designed to address the achievement gap between lower income and middle class students by providing academic summer enrichment for economically disadvantaged Bridgeport students. Replicating the successful model at other independent schools, Horizons at GFA held its first six-week summer session with 26 kindergarten and first grade students, and reached full capacity in 2007 with 144 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Programming has been extended through the school year with the Horizons at GFA Saturday Academy. We continue to assist our graduates as they transition to high school and plan for college. Since its inception, Horizons at GFA has helped hundreds of Bridgeport students succeed in school, as well as guided many students in their search for alternatives to Bridgeport schools where their individual needs or interests could best be met.

OUR MISSION

Horizons at GFA is committed to helping underserved youth of Bridgeport succeed in school, build confidence, and realize their full potential as individuals.

Using GFA facilities, Horizons operates its program for six weeks over the summer and on Saturdays during the school year. Many of these children, whose families live at or below poverty level, do not have age-appropriate activities available to them, particularly during the summer. Horizons gives them not only a safe and exciting place to be, it includes them in an extended family and gives them a sense of belonging and community.

Designed to address many of the persistent problems facing at-risk, inner-city youth, Horizons students are guided by a professional and nurturing faculty in small group settings. Our goal is to strengthen academic performance, build awareness of the outside world, and instill a love of learning that fosters inquisitiveness, creativity, self-discipline, problem-solving, organizational skills, and a sense of community responsibility. We accomplish this through an interdisciplinary approach to academics that also encompasses cultural enrichment activities such as art, theater, dance, computer training, swimming instruction, sports, and other activities. Retaining our students is a top priority, as research has shown that engagement over multiple years is critical to the success of summer and out-of-school academic programs.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Involvement in GFA’s Horizons program is a fulfilling and rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of at-risk kids in our neighboring community of Bridgeport. Each child enrolled in our program has a unique and special story. Some of those stories are heartbreaking, others inspiring. Many of our students are impacted daily by economic difficulties, language and cultural barriers, family dislocation, or any combination of these. We welcome adults and students alike to become involved in the lives of our students. Adults can share their expertise by teaching a class during Horizons sessions, can participate in Read Aloud events at Bridgeport schools, or can pitch in at fundraising events. Students can volunteer at Saturday Academy or during our summer session. Students who have completed their junior year of high school are eligible to apply to be a paid counselor during our summer session.

WHAT OUR TEACHERS & STUDENTS SAY

“Horizons has helped me think about my life, who I am, who I want to be, what I want to do, and how I impact the world. Horizons is much more than a program. It is a life-changing experience.”    
-Horizons 8th Grader

“Horizons helped me achieve my goal to do better in school. I learned the meaning of responsibility and hard work: if you want something you have to work for it, nothing is free in life.”  
-Horizons 9th Grader

“Through Horizons, I step into their world and they step into mine. We all have our horizons expanded and are forever changed by the experience.”
-Horizons Teacher

“Each and every student has touched my heart and I look forward to watching them succeed in years to come.”
-Horizons Teacher

“Horizons is a program that fosters a love for learning, while giving students life skills to achieve success.”
-Horizons Teacher

Horizons Staff
Alex Lunding, Executive Director
alunding@gfacademy.org
203-256-7546

Monique Rutledge, Program Manager
mrutledge@gfacademy.org
203-256-7579 

Luz Sanchez, Program Assistant
lsanchez@gfacademy.org
203-256-7579

Mary Partington, Summer Academic Director
203-256-7579