Horizons recognizes high school is an important time for growth and offers students freedom and the opportunity to explore. Studies are driven by interest and a desire to learn. Teachers act as resources to nurture self motivation in a supportive community. Our students express their individuality and stretch their boundaries.
Academic Schedule
The school week at Horizons High School consists of two two-day schedules, an “A” day schedule that is followed on Monday and Thursday and a “B” day schedule that is followed on Tuesday and Friday. Most classes meet twice a week, although some classes, such as humanities and mathematics, meet daily. Wednesdays are spent on short-term learning projects and experiences, such as community service and field trips, as well as open campus lunch and community meeting.
Horizons School operates on the semester system, which generally follows the Atlanta Public Schools system calendar. The high school has a “Short Term” between Thanksgiving and winter holiday during which students take seminars on various topics. Short Term is an important component to Horizons’ holistic approach to education. Seminars teach additional life skills not taught in the year’s academic curriculum. Seminars are developed based on student and faculty interest and topics in the past have included personal finance, improvisational comedy, sewing, driver’s education, public art, drumming and nonviolence theory and practice.
Grades
Standard grades (A-F) are assigned in kindergarten through seventh grade. For eighth to 12th grade, students are evaluated using a competence-based measure. Students mastering at least 80% of the material will receive a “B”; students mastering 90% or more of class material will receive an “A.” Students not mastering the material in the course will receive a “NC” (not competent). An “NC” rating does not mean failure. Students are expected to spend additional time and study with the subject matter and skills, until a minimum of 80% mastery is achieved. Staff help is available during classes, labs, after-school study sessions, or by appointment for achieving the student’s goals. We also encourage students to study with peers, parents and other adults.
Sycamore Education School Software
Horizons utilizes Sycamore Education school software. Parents and students have online Sycamore accounts with which they may access the student’s grades, assignments and general academic progress.
Faculty and Staff
Our faculty brings its ample store of personal, professional and educational experience to share with our students. In our small classes, faculty and students get to know each other and develop a relationship of trust and respect. The staff at Horizons embraces the title of “teacher” and, working with the whole child, mentors our students’ development intellectually, socially and emotionally.
In addition to our full-time staff members, Horizons also utilizes the talents of part-time teachers and volunteer parents and community members who bring their rich professional experience and skills to the classroom.
Honor Code
Students are expected to subscribe to the school’s honor code. The Honor Code commits a student to practicing responsibility, honesty, respect and cooperation in the Horizons community and is signed upon acceptance to the school.