Everyone’s favorite summer session returned this year thanks to Horizons Atlanta. Serving 270 students ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade, this annual educational experience caters to the diverse needs and interests of PBSA’s young scholars, ensuring both academic growth and personal development throughout the summer.
“Horizons is special because we plan to meet the needs of the whole child,” says Tiffany Smith, site director for Horizons Atlanta at Purpose Built Schools. “We help them grow academically, challenge themselves to learn new things, and experience the world around them in ways not possible during the school year. You get to see teachers and students at their best: filled with joy and excitement each day.”
This summer’s theme, “Horizons PBSA Takes Flight: Launching Full STEAM into Learning,” kicked off with an inspiring aviation event, including special visits from an actor portraying Bessie Coleman and real-life pilots from FedEx and American Airlines.
Engaging Daily Activities
A cornerstone of the program each year is the emphasis on daily reading and small group instruction, fostering literacy and personalized learning. Complementing this academic focus are daily enrichment classes, offering students the chance to explore various interests and develop new skills. Choices include culinary arts, cheer/dance, flag football, basketball, and African drumming, ensuring every child finds a passion to pursue.
The daily STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) classes provide hands-on learning experiences, promoting critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, a partnership with the YMCA enables all students to receive at least 45 minutes of swim instruction each week, ensuring physical activity and improving safety skills.
Exciting Field Trips and Unique Experiences
Weekly field trips add a layer of excitement and real-world learning to the program. This summer, students visited a variety of locations, including the World of Coke, Center for Civil & Human Rights, Urban Air, Billy Beez, Sparkle Fun Center, Regal Cinema, Southern Belle Farm, White Water, and the Alliance Theater. These excursions provided enriching experiences beyond the classroom, broadening students’ horizons.
Horizons also collaborates with the Boys & Girls Club for aftercare from 3-6 PM, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for students throughout the day.
Focused Middle School Programming
This year, Horizons enhanced the middle school programming to value students’ voices and needs. Students engage in Units of Study with embedded reading and math, choosing from options like Blooming Beauty (cosmetology), I Love Me!!! (self-love and empowerment), A Day in the Life of a Social Media Influencer (content creation and monetization), and Be Real, Be You! (authenticity and passion exploration).
Middle School Mondays are a highlight, featuring special treats like donuts and juice, a parfait bar, smoothies, and Chick-fil-A. Students also have the freedom to select their enrichment and STEAM classes, fostering autonomy and engagement.
Fun Fridays and Celebrations
Fun Fridays bring joy and friendships, with activities like an ice cream sundae party, water day, and a vibrant Juneteenth celebration. This year’s Juneteenth event included a BBQ, line dancing, card playing, painting the Juneteenth flag, and more, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation.
Showcasing Achievements
To wrap up an enriching summer this year, students showcased their hard work and creativity with performances of poems, dances, plays, and sports scrimmages in basketball and flag football. The event highlighted the transformative impact of this special program.
Exciting Moments at Horizons PBSA: Launching Full STEAM Ahead into Learning
