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Overview.
The academic program of Horizons School offers the knowledge
and skills which will permit students to pursue education
in the future.
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A large portion of the academic day is devoted
to reading, communications (writing, speaking,
listening, computer literacy), science, mathematical
concepts, critical and analytical thinking, and
acquiring the skills instrumental to personal
and professional success. Each student is encouraged
to progress at a rate which will challenge his
or her capabilities, efforts, and interests.
New students are carefully assessed to determine
their skill levels. Tests, previous records, student
interests, and careful classroom observation by
the staff are synthesized to form an individualized
education plan for each student.
Based upon this analysis and upon continual updating,
instruction is used to strengthen areas of weakness,
to accelerate in areas of competence, and to explore
areas of special interest or aptitude.
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Some of the most frequently asked questions
about the Horizons high school community are answered
here by Horizons students Stephanie Bethel, Erin Klank,
Alex Trouteaud and Celia Washinglon, Class of 1997:
What makes this school different?
Horizons is a community which gives today's young people
an opportunity to shape our learning environment. Students
are exposed to a variety of different beliefs and cultures.
Additionally, Horizons is a small school. This allows
students' needs to be met individually, a benefit which
may not be possible at larger schools.
Why do people go to Horizons?
The answer to this question is different for every student
at Horizons. Many people come here because they are looking
for a place where they can learn at an individualized
pace. No matter how diverse people's needs are, Horizons
tries to address them all. We encourage all prospective
students to spend a day with us and to answer this question
for themselves.
What has the student body
accomplished?
Horizons high school students have accomplished a great
deal. High school students have been greatly involved
in building our three largest buildings-the main building,
the Arts Studio, and the gym. We have owned and operated
a deli and organized a political prisoners' arts exhibit
which ran in our Arts Studio during the summer of 1996.
Currently, we manage and operate the Arts Studio at Horizons
School. We have pursued and received numerous grants to
fund projects at our school and will continue such projects
as a way of making our school and its uniqueness known.
In what activities are all
students required to participate?
Students and staff meet on Fridays at our normal elective
period to talk about issues. Generally, the agenda is
open and the topics can range from issues specifically
related to our school, to social justice issues, to planning
activities and setting goals for what we want to accomplish
during the school year. Also, all high school students
are required to participate in "Short Term"
(a three-week period right before Winter vacation). During
this time all students participate in seminar classes
in the morning and in the afternoon are involved in "theater
groups" in which we create and later perform a play
on social justice issues.
What are the responsibilities
of a senior at Horizons?
When students become seniors at Horizons, we take on many
responsibilities. The younger students in the high school
look to the senior class for support, leadership and motivation
throughout the year. During the elective period, Monday
through Thursday, all seniors meet in what is called senior
seminar. This is a meeting that is mandatory if a senior
wants to participate in commencement exercises. In this
meeting, we talk about what we have to accomplish that
year and graduation issues and undergo college counseling.
We also discuss and plan senior projects including leadership
during short term and Paco Kaj Justeco (an anthology on
social justice produced by previous senior classes). As
a senior it is very important to demonstrate leadership
abilities and skills necessary to get along with the group.
Being a senior at Horizons is a very rigorous but rewarding
experience.
What colleges accept Horizons
students?
Horizons students have attended colleges throughout the
United States. In fact, over 95% of Horizons graduates
attend college. Some of the many colleges which have welcomed
our students include Vassar, Fisk, Bowdoin, Barnard, Boston
College, New York University, Spelman, Tulane, Sarah Lawrence
College, The University of Georgia, The University of
Virginia, Washington University, and Bennington.
What are the easiest transitions
for students to make when coming to Horizons?
When we asked the student body, responses included: "Finding
friends is not a hard thing to do because there are so
many different groups to fit into," and "Students
feel welcome, like I did."
Even though we are a group small in number, we are very
diverse. This provides a comfortable atmosphere for any
student. We also have students entering our community
throughout the year, so greeting new faces is something
we look forward to.
What are the most difficult
transitions for students to make when coming to Horizons?
Students have to go through many transitions when coming
to Horizons. Some are easier than others. Transitions
which students have mentioned as being more difficult
include learning to work as a community and being actively
involved in the improvement of it, taking responsibility
for one's actions, and getting used to the increased attention
from teachers. Students who have already been through
these transitions successfully are very supportive and
understanding with students trying to adjust.
How is Horizons preparing
you for the future?
We feel that in our society one needs to be responsible,
confident, open-minded, and ready to express oneself in
any situation. At Horizons we stress all of these and
expect them from every student as a way of showing what
the real world is like. We also encourage "people
skills" through our work program, small class projects,
and our annual short term. Most students from the senior
class go on to higher learning, and many come back to
share their experiences with us. We do our best here to
assist students who have high aspirations and to challenge
all students to reach our full potential. |
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