Celebrating Growth from Kindergarten to High School: Horizons at Westminster Expands Program for Hartford Students

SIMSBURY/HARTFORD, CT — Now in its 8th year, Horizons at Westminster School is a tuition-free, six-week summer program that offers a space for Hartford public school students to learn and grow. The program is designed to prevent summer learning loss by providing academic and enrichment opportunities in addition to offering year-long programming held on the campuses of Westminster School in Simsbury and Moylan School in Hartford.

On August 1st, Horizons at Westminster hosted its first-ever 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony marking a significant milestone for both the students and the program. The ceremony, which featured student speakers and family shout outs, celebrated the achievements of the program’s inaugural cohort as they prepare to enter high school. The majority of the 8th Grade class started as first graders when the program launched in 2018, including Lilyana who shared in her speech, “over the years, I have formed special bonds with all my peers, counselors, and teachers, so when I say Horizons is my second home, I mean it with my whole heart.”

As these students move forward into high school, Horizons at Westminster is excited to announce the expansion of its programming to include high school support. The high school program will provide year-round academic mentoring, college and career readiness, enrichment opportunities, and personalized support through high school graduation.

“It is such a pleasure to watch our students grow inside and outside the classroom, make new connections, and foster a life-long love of learning,” said Kelly Wosleger, Program Director. “Our students grow to become confident leaders and we look forward to the impact this will have in the years to come.”

Horizons at Westminster remains deeply grateful to its donors, volunteers, and local partners for helping turn this vision into a reality. The support Horizons receives from the community ensures that every student has the skills, relationships, and opportunities to succeed.

“This expansion is a natural next step for Horizons at Westminster,” said Patrick Owens, Executive Director. “Our program is committed to addressing educational equity and long-term partnerships, so we are now able to work with our students and families along their educational journey from kindergarten through high school.”

For more information about Horizons at Westminster and how to support its mission, visit www.horizonsatwestminster.org or reach out to Katie McKinney, Director of Development and Community Relations, at kmckinney@westminster-school.org.