Horizons History
In 1964, George Stevens (father of Westminster faculty member, Scott Stevens) and Headmaster of New Canaan Country School had the bold idea, in an uncertain time in history, to make good use of the summer months and open his school campus to local students. He created the Horizons program to inspire students through hands-on, project-based academic experiences, and by making a long-term commitment to every child. He created a summer community where children felt they belonged, and that enriched its students by providing meaningful academic support and cultural experiences.
In 1981, Dr. Edward Zigler (and his team of Yale University graduate students and faculty) studied the program and found that participation in Horizons reversed summer learning loss. As a result of their study, Dr. Zigler and his team recommended replicating the Horizons model in more locations.
Horizons National was formed in 1995 to establish Horizons sites in new communities. The program has now grown into a national movement with over 70 sites in 20 different states around the country.
We are proud to continue the work and legacy of the Stevens family here at Westminster. Our program opened its doors in 2018 with our inaugural class of 15 first grade students. Each summer, we have added a new grade and will continue to do so until the summer of 2025 when we reach our program's maturity. From that point forward, Horizons at Westminster will provide academic enrichment to 135 students in Grades K through 8.
In 1964, George Stevens (father of Westminster faculty member, Scott Stevens) and Headmaster of New Canaan Country School had the bold idea, in an uncertain time in history, to make good use of the summer months and open his school campus to local students. He created the Horizons program to inspire students through hands-on, project-based academic experiences, and by making a long-term commitment to every child. He created a summer community where children felt they belonged, and that enriched its students by providing meaningful academic support and cultural experiences.
In 1981, Dr. Edward Zigler (and his team of Yale University graduate students and faculty) studied the program and found that participation in Horizons reversed summer learning loss. As a result of their study, Dr. Zigler and his team recommended replicating the Horizons model in more locations.
Horizons National was formed in 1995 to establish Horizons sites in new communities. The program has now grown into a national movement with over 70 sites in 20 different states around the country.
We are proud to continue the work and legacy of the Stevens family here at Westminster. Our program opened its doors in 2018 with our inaugural class of 15 first grade students. Each summer, we have added a new grade and will continue to do so until the summer of 2025 when we reach our program's maturity. From that point forward, Horizons at Westminster will provide academic enrichment to 135 students in Grades K through 8.
