Summer Program
During the summer, Horizons at SFFS operates a six-week learning and enrichment program for students who attend K-8 public schools in the Mission District. A summer at Horizons combines academic instruction, enrichment activities, swimming classes, and social-emotional support to give students a well-rounded experience and expose them to a variety of new interests and activities. As of 2021, 96% of parents said their children got to try new things at Horizons. Take a look at the video below to see a Horizons summer in action!
A Horizons summer is…
Academics
Students spend at least 2.5 hours each day on reading, writing, math, and science instruction led by experienced independent and public school teachers.
A 5-to-1 student-teacher ratio and 2 reading specialists ensure that each students receives individualized support and attention.
Bilingual classrooms build upon the work that many of our students are doing in their immersion classrooms during the year, and a Curriculum and Instructional Lead ensures the delivery of quality literacy-focused instruction.
Student receive specially designed curriculum that prioritizes project based learning, builds upon the California Common Core Standards and incorporates the rich cultural context of the Mission District
Enrichment
We know the importance of learning outside the classroom. That's why Horizons at SFFS students are exposed to a wide variety of enrichment opportunities that build upon the knowledge they're gaining and introduce them to new experiences.
Elective classes in previous summers have included photography, coding, dance, and studio art.
Field trips also expand our students’ horizons. In previous years, students have kayaked in the Bay, done walking tours of Mission murals, and visited the Exploratorium, the Academy of Sciences, and Point Bonita.
We encourage you to reach out if you are based in the Bay Area and would be interested in teaching an elective or hosting a field trip for our students.
Swimming
Most students come to the program as non-swimmers. Joined in the pool by their classroom teachers, they learn trust and build self-esteem – qualities which carry over into the classroom. Horizons students in all grades receive 2-3 swimming lessons per week thanks to our partnerships with Mission Pool, La Petite Baleen, and the Don Fisher Clubhouse.
Swimming is a core aspect of our programming which:
Transforms a feared challenge into a favorite activity
Teaches resilience and strategies to overcome fears and obstacles
Inspires a healthy lifestyle
Introduces a competitive sport
Teaches skills for summer employment
Is FUN: it’s the overwhelming favorite activity among our students!
Social-Emotional Learning
We believe in nurturing the whole child to ensure our students thrive not only academically, but also emotionally and socially.
A Horizons summer gives students the opportunity to stay connected to their classmates and make new friends. Students also form close and trusting relationships with teachers and staff members. By retaining many of the same teachers from year to year, we allow these connections to grow and develop.
Horizons teachers are trained in trauma-informed and non-punitive classroom management strategies that focus on restorative justice. We also employ two full-time Wellness Coaches during the summer, who provide students with one-on-one social and emotional support. As of 2019, 100% of staff reported seeing students develop their social skills.
Read about Horizons at Home to see how we adapted to distance learning in 2020!