Horizons is a transformational, community-centered program proven to close the achievement gap and minimize summer learning loss. Horizons AustinTrinity is one chapter in a national network of 51 local programs across 17 states that offer a high-quality learning experience outside of the traditional school year, supporting academic achievement and healthy youth development.

All children deserve the opportunity to succeed. But it’s harder than ever to find a path out of poverty without a college education or technical training.

• Low-income students are six times more likely to drop out of high school and fewer than one-third of them will enroll in college.

• A sixth grade student who misses more than 20% of class, whose teacher reports poor behavior, or who fails math or English is 70% more likely to drop out.

• The current high school dropout rate is a primary contributor to stagnating U.S. economic mobility and results in over $300 billion in lost wages, taxable income, and health care, welfare and incarceration costs.

• While states and the nation are trying to produce workers with skills to master new technologies and adapt to the complexities of a global economy, school budgets have become tighter than ever.

• Summer learning loss is a primary cause of the persistent academic achievement gap. Without programs like Horizons, low-income students experience a substantial and cumulative erosion of reading and math skills that can ultimately leave them years behind their peers.

Students attend a 6-week summer program on the campus of an independent school, college or university, and they receive additional support throughout the year. In small classes led by professional teachers, students dive into a rich curriculum with a focus on reading, STEM and art. Swimming and other confidence-boosting activities break down barriers to success and expose children to new opportunities.

Horizons AustinTrinity focuses on students in early elementary school who are performing at or below grade level. The program leverages a diverse group of highly trained educators along with about 50 student volunteers. With a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, kids get personalized attention to help them flourish. The relationship with each student and family continues year after year until high school, building lasting connections and developing life skills essential for success. 

• Small class sizes with a 5:1 teacher-student ratio with expert teachers coming from Trinity Episcopal School and AISD partner schools, including an on-site reading specialist. With small class sizes, differentiation is the norm at Horizons AustinTrinity. 

• Children develop and enhance literacy and numeracy skills through project-based learning and STEM-focused activities.

• Weekly field trips connect and build on what is being learned in the classroom.  

• Students enjoy art, theater, technology, music, athletics and other cultural enrichment.  

• Each child learns to swim, developing confidence that transfers to increased academic success.

On average, students learn the equivalent of 8 to 12 weeks in reading and math curriculum over each 6-week session. So they not only avoid summer learning loss — they actually make gains. Of all participants in the program, 99% graduate high school and 91% attend college or other post-secondary training. Horizons programs become anchors of positive support in the community, retaining 84% of students and families year to year. 

With a network of support behind them, Horizons students embrace a more expansive view of what’s possible. The program transforms the way students see themselves and their future. Their reading and math skills improve significantly, and they minimize learning loss that can occur during the summer months. The students return to school excited to learn. Horizons students develop life skills like commitment, persistence and the desire to contribute to their community. With the tools to navigate their world, Horizons students embrace a more expansive view of what’s possible, and find a path of success.

• Consistent gains of 8 to 12 weeks grade equivalence in reading and math over each 6-week summer session

• High school graduation rate of 99%

• Increased school attendance and improved self-esteem

• A remarkable 91% of Horizons students attend college or other post-secondary training.

• Horizons programs become anchors in the community: we retain 84% of students and families year to year.