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 GFA serves students from families at lower income levels; proof of income is a requirement in the admission process. Unfortunately, we are not able to serve children with significant 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 admission period is December 1 through January 31 each year. The application is online only. It does not matter when you apply between these dates, admissions are not on a rolling basis. However, your application must be complete by the January 31 deadline for your child to be considered for admission. Please note: submitting an application 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. All applicants receive careful consideration. We invite a limited number of eligible students and their families to participate in an interview at our Bridgeport office. Successful applicants are then invited to two spring Saturday Academy sessions. Final admission decisions are released following the second Saturday Academy visit.
When will I know if my child has been accepted?
Applicants for whom we do not have space will be contacted by March 15 or earlier. Families are strongly encouraged to have back-up options lined up for their students as Horizons GFA receives more applications each year than spaces available.
How much does the program cost?
Horizons is a scholarship program. Families pay a $30 registration fee only after being notified that their child is accepted into the program. There is no charge for applying to Horizons GFA.
What are the dates and hours of the Horizons summer session?
The program runs for six weeks, generally 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 GFA, 35 Beachside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Phone: 203-256-7579
Email: Horizons@GFAcademy.org
Do you provide transportation?
Yes. School buses pick up students at pre-assigned bus stops at four 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 Black Rock School, Central High School, Madison School, and Luis Munoz Marin 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 and College Success Programs?
All PreK-8 program graduates are eligible for the Horizons High School and College Success Programs, which operate out of our downtown Bridgeport office during the school year. Each student is assigned an academic coach who provides mentoring, guidance, social-emotional skills training, and subject tutoring.