Previous slide
Next slide
Impacting Greenwich for 11 Years!
Horizons at Brunswick School works every day to advance educational equity in Greenwich. We serve K–8 Greenwich public school boys from under-resourced communities who perform at or below grade level upon kindergarten entry. Our program inspires the joy of learning with high-quality academic and cultural enrichment and builds nine-plus-year community relationships between students, teachers, families, and schools.
The Good We Do
Our Mission
For Greenwich public school boys in Grades K through 8 who qualify for federal free or reduced-price lunch and perform below or at grade level, Horizons at Brunswick School provides opportunities for students to develop the confidence, knowledge, and skills they need to build their own successful futures. Through a balance of academics, enrichment, swimming, recreational sports, and confidence-building strategies, the program cultivates in each boy a love of learning, skills for success, and inspiration to pursue his dreams. Four differentiating factors distinguish Horizons at Brunswick School:
- Enrollment – Greenwich Public School boys performing at or below grade level
- Nine Year Relationships – Academic continuity throughout the summer months
- Earlier – A Kindergarten start when summer learning has great impact
- Goal – Readiness for the next grade each fall at their own school
Why We Do It
The Challenge
The Problem
Nearly 7% of Greenwich residents live below the poverty line, and 20% of Greenwich public school students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Research shows on average, students are 4-5 months behind in reading and math as a result of the pandemic. These challenges are multiplied for students from communities experiencing educational inequity. Two-thirds of our students enter our program performing below grade level.
The Opportunity
With input from the Greenwich Public Schools, we identify and address the needs of our students* to help close the opportunity gap in our community. (*During the school year, our students largely attend Julian Curtiss, Hamilton Avenue, New Lebanon elementary schools and Central and Western middle schools.)
The Result
Students improve in reading and math scores over the course of our six-week summer session. Schools see an increase in attendance. Students gain a love of learning, a basic understanding of water safety and swimming skills, and improved self-esteem.
Current Students Served
0
Learn to Swim
0
%
Cost per Family
$
0
year commitment
0
How We Do It
Our Program
Six-Week Summer Program
The six-week Summer Program is full-day and includes a healthy breakfast, lunch, and two snacks plus transportation from partner school locations. Students begin the day in academic classes that include reading, writing, math and STEAM. Later in the day, students participate in music, art, and technology classes as well as sports, field trips and swimming instruction. The curriculum is designed to support the Greenwich Public School’s academic goals and aligns with best practices of both the Greenwich Public School system and Brunswick School. The focus is on experiential learning, building confidence, developing problem-solving skills and enhancing academic self-esteem.
Students are recommended by their teachers and are re-enrolled for consecutive summers, starting after their Kindergarten year and continuing through middle school. The student teacher-ratio is 5:1, and classes are led by veteran public and private school teachers who work alongside assistant teachers and classroom assistants. The enrollment fee for families is $35 per summer and preference is given to siblings. Our program began with two classes of 15 Kindergarten and first-grade students in the summer of 2014. We now serve 137 boys Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Students are recommended by their teachers and are re-enrolled for consecutive summers, starting after their Kindergarten year and continuing through middle school. The student teacher-ratio is 5:1, and classes are led by veteran public and private school teachers who work alongside assistant teachers and classroom assistants. The enrollment fee for families is $35 per summer and preference is given to siblings. Our program began with two classes of 15 Kindergarten and first-grade students in the summer of 2014. We now serve 137 boys Kindergarten through 8th grade.
School-Year Saturdays for Students and their Families
Horizons at Brunswick School holds six monthly Saturday morning programs during the school year with continued academic enrichment for students enrolled in the summer program. The goal of the Saturday program is to maintain a relationship with the Horizons students and their families between September and June.
At the same time, parents attend bilingual educational workshops led by teachers and industry professionals. Topics include school-year success, nutrition and health, safety, finance and core parenting skills.
At the same time, parents attend bilingual educational workshops led by teachers and industry professionals. Topics include school-year success, nutrition and health, safety, finance and core parenting skills.
Leadership
Board of Directors
- Jeffrey Pribyl, Chair
- Angelique Bell, Vice Chair
- Frank Carroll, Treasurer
- Kirsten Riemer, Secretary
- Nancy Better
- Robert Blanch
- Gretchen Bylow
- Jill Bayer Ciporin
- Lisa Errico
- Patrick Fels
- Ellen Flanagan
- Sally Mann
- Lourdes Marti
- Lisa G. Matthews
- Amy McGrath
- Jill Oberlander
- Betsy O'Reilly
- Suzanne Peisch
- Angela Riera
- Jeanne Savitt
- Charles M. Shaffer III
Ex Officio:
- Marianne Ho Barnum, Executive Director *
- Thomas Philip, Head of Brunswick School
- Kathleen Harrington *
- Thomas Murray *
- Kathleen Signer *
- * non-voting member
Advisory Council:
- Jamie Better
- Terry Boyd
- John & Jill Coyle
- B. Cort Delany
- James DeNaut
- Maryellen & Ed Feeley
- Carlos Hernandez
- Alexandra Marks
- Robert Taylor
- Dee Winokur
