Impact Greenwich!
Inspiring. Building. Transforming.
Horizons at Brunswick School – a nine-year, year-round 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 opportunity gap and advancing educational equity in Greenwich.
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 throughout the summer months
- Our 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.)
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
- 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
- Betsy O'Reilly
- Suzanne Peisch
- Kirsten Riemer
- Jeanne Savitt
- Charles M. Shaffer III
- Kathleen Signer
- Deanne Winokur
Ex Officio:
- Marianne Ho Barnum, Executive Director
- Thomas Philip, Head of Brunswick School
Advisory Council:
- Jamie Better
- Terry Boyd
- Jill and John Coyle
- James DeNaut
- Maryellen and Ed Feeley
- Carlos Hernandez
- Alexandra Marks
- Robert Taylor
