In-Person 2021 Summer Program Completed
Horizons at Brunswick School:
In Greenwich, the pandemic has further widened the opportunity and achievement gaps for young children. Horizons at Brunswick School works to advance educational equity for K-8th grade under-resourced Greenwich public school boys.
Summer 2021 was back in person for our students who patiently spent last summer and the past school year in our remote programming. And, we are so proud to have held our first-ever graduation. Our Horizons graduates are now positioned for success at Greenwich High School. Our school-year Saturday program kicked off this fall with great attendance from students and their families.
With our first class of 8th graders this summer, we are proud to now have a fully enrolled program serving 130 deserving Greenwich public school boys who perform at or below grade level when they enter our program in Kindergarten.
Impact Greenwich!
Inspiring. Building. Transforming.
Horizons at Brunswick School, a nine-year academic and enrichment program serving under-resourced K-8 Greenwich public school boys performing at or below grade level upon entry, is dedicated to reducing our community's achievement gap and advancing educational equity.
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 at or below grade level, Horizons at Brunswick School works to improve educational outcomes and help change life trajectories. 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. Three differentiating factors distinguish Horizons at Brunswick School: an early start in Kindergarten, academic continuity through summer, and a nine-year commitment to every student.
Our transformative program is a powerful testament to the impact of Greenwich Public Schools and Brunswick School uniting as community partners to improve educational outcomes of Greenwich boys in need. With a long and strong commitment to the Greenwich community, Brunswick School generously provides use of its facilities and resources, but no direct financial support. All other expenses are funded entirely through private philanthropy.
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 that low-income students experience a “summer slide,” a substantial and cumulative erosion of math and reading skills that can ultimately leave them years behind their peers. 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 achievement 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.)Â
The Result
Students improve in reading and math scores over the 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.
How We Do it
Our Program
Six-Week Summer Program
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 with 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 130 boys Kindergarten through 8th grade.
School-Year Saturdays for Students and their Families
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
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Jill Ciporin, Chair
Angela Riera, Vice-Chair
Jeffrey Pribyl, Vice-Chair
Frank Carroll, Treasurer
Angelique Bell
Nancy Better
Gretchen Bylow
B. Cort Delany
Lisa Errico
Ellen Flanagan
Kathleen Harrington
Sally Mann
Lourdes Marti
Lisa G. Matthews
Amy McGrath
Thomas Murray
Suzanne Peisch
Kirsten Riemer
Jeanne Savitt
Charles M. Shaffer III
Kathleen Signer
Deanne Winokur
Ex Officio:
Marianne Ho Barnum, Executive Director
Thomas W. Philip, Head of School, Brunswick School
Advisory Board:
Jamie Better
Terry Boyd
Jill and John Coyle
Maryellen and Ed Feeley
James DeNaut
Carlos Hernandez
Alexandra Marks
Robert Taylor
