Who is eligible to apply?
Students attending Bridgeport public schools currently in grades preK-8 are eligible to apply. Each year we admit eight pre-K students, eight kindergarten students, and four first grade students. We also fill spaces in upper grades if any occur. We accept students of all ability levels; approximately two-thirds of an incoming class performs at or below grade level. Horizons serves families at lower income levels; proof of income is a requirement in the admission process. Unfortunately, we are not able to serve children with serious learning or behavioral issues due to limited space and resources.
My child is in kindergarten and will be in 1st grade in the fall, should I apply to kindergarten or first grade?
Students enter the Horizons summer session in the grade they are in when they apply. In other words, to apply for the kindergarten class, the student must be in kindergarten at the time of application.
How do I apply for my child?
The next open admission period opens will be November 2017 through January 2018. The application is online only. It does not matter when you apply between these dates, admissions are not on a rolling basis. However, if your application is not complete by the deadline, your child will not be considered for admission. Please note: submitting an application to us does not mean your child is in the program, they must be admitted to the program.
How are admission decisions reached?
Students with completed applications will be assessed for eligibility. If the student meets all eligibility requirements, we will set up an interview with the student and family in our Bridgeport office at a mutually acceptable time. All applicants receive careful consideration. The next step is to invite applicants to a Saturday Academy session. Admission decisions are released following the Saturday Academy visit.
When will I know if my child has been accepted?
Final decisions are released in April. Families are strongly encouraged to have back-up options lined up for their students as Horizons at GFA each year receives more applications than spaces available.
How much does the program cost?
Horizons is a scholarship program. Families pay a $30 registration fee. You pay this fee only if you are notified that your child is accepted into the program. There is no charge for applying to Horizons at GFA.
What are the dates and hours of the Horizons summer session?
The program runs for six weeks from the last Monday in June through the first Friday in August. Program hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. During the school year, Saturday Academy is held on five Saturdays during the fall and on six Saturdays during the spring. Saturday Academy hours are 8:30 a.m. until 12 noon.
Where is the program held?
The PreK-8 Program takes place on the campus of Greens Farms Academy, located at 35 Beachside Avenue in Westport. GFA is located just off exit 18 on I-95.
The mailing address is Horizons at GFA, P.O. Box 998, Greens Farms, CT 06838.
Phone: 203-256-7579
Fax: 203-256-7574
Email: Horizons@GFAcademy.org
Do you provide transportation?
Yes. School buses pick up students at pre-assigned bus stops at three locations in Bridgeport, transport them to Greens Farms Academy, and take them back to the bus stop at the end of the day. Our bus stops are at Madison School, Central High School, and Black Rock School.
Do you provide meals?
Yes. We provide a nutritious breakfast and lunch every day.
What is the attendance policy?
We have a very strict attendance policy. Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to attend every day for the full six weeks as well as the fall and spring sessions of Saturday Academy. If you have summer plans that would prevent your child from attending all six weeks during the summer, and you are not willing to change your plans, you should not apply to the program.
Who is eligible for the High School Program?
All PreK-8 program graduates are eligible for the Horizons High School Program. The High School Program operates for the most part during the school year. Each student is assigned to an academic coach for subject help and curriculum planning. Our High School Program operates out of our Bridgeport office, located at 240 Fairfield Avenue, 3rd floor.