Horizons at Foote School

Our Mission

Horizons at Foote is an academic and enrichment program dedicated to creating opportunities for New Haven Public School students from low-income families by providing a joyful, safe, inspiring learning environment, and empowering students to thrive in school and engage in an ever-changing world.

How Horizons Works

Students spend six weeks every summer from grades K-8 on the campus of The Foote School. In small classes led by professional teachers, students dive into a rich curriculum with a focus on reading, STEM, and art. Swimming and other confidence-boosting activities break down barriers to success and expose children to new opportunities. Students join Horizons the summer after kindergarten and return to the program each year through 8th grade, building lasting relationships with their teachers and peers, and developing life skills essential for success.

Program Goals

• Stop summer learning loss through fun, experiential, and challenging academic enrichment taught by master teachers
• Expose students to hands-on learning in technology, art, music, physical education, science and nature, nutrition and wellness
• Provide students with two nutritious meals and a snack daily during a time when many students go hungry without the availability of school-based meal programs
• Build lasting connections with children, families, and public schools in our greater community
• Put independent school facilities and resources to work during the summer for a public purpose

Horizons at Foote serves children from New Haven, CT.

The 128 students we serve in grades K-7 discover the joy of learning, build confidence, acquire skills for success, and gain inspiration to achieve their dreams.

Students begin their Horizons experience in Kindergarten, and we have additional entry points if spots become available in later grades. Once accepted, students return each year through 8th grade. Our goal is to reach even more students and continue our support in high school. It’s a long-term and deep engagement with students who come to us with a broad range of academic ability. Given this opportunity, Horizons students thrive and reach their goals.

In the project-based Horizons approach, kids “learn by doing.” They become inspired as they explore literacy, math and STEM, swimming, music, art, sports, and other activities that cultivate creativity and leadership. And it works!