Serving children from the New Haven, CT community on the campus of The Foote School

Mission & Diversity Statement

Mission

Horizons at Foote advances educational equity through a robust academic and enrichment program that builds on long-term partnerships with families and communities to provide a joyful, safe, and inspiring learning environment that empowers students from New Haven Public Schools to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Diversity Statement 

Diversity, equity, belonging, and justice are central to our mission. Horizons at Foote engages in respectful partnerships with families to narrow education and opportunity gaps. Through our joint efforts, we nurture a sense of belonging in each member of our community. We embrace diversity in staffing, leadership, and governance so that students see themselves in the adults they interact with. Our curriculum honors the communities from which our students are drawn, and our social-emotional learning celebrates the differences and similarities we share in our emotional responses to the world around us.

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 summer program each year through 8th grade. After their Horizons graduation, our high school students participate in Horizons BFF (Best Foote Forward), our new mentorship program. Some high school students return as interns for the summer, gaining valuable job experience and becoming role models for the younger students they've grown with over many years. All Horizons students build lasting relationships with their teachers and peers, and develop life skills essential for success.

Program Goals

  • Encourage summer learning gains through fun, experiential, and challenging academic enrichment 
  • Expose students to hands-on learning in tech, art, music, physical education, science, nature, nutrition & wellness
  • Provide students with two nutritious meals and a snack daily
  • 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