Our History

 

The History of Horizons at Lancaster County Day School

 

Founded in 1964 and expanding nationally since 1995, Horizons is a national network of high-quality, tuition-free, immersive, academic, and enrichment programs for children impacted by educational inequity.  

The first Horizons program was launched in 1964 in New Canaan, Connecticut, to serve children impacted by educational inequity in lower Fairfield County. Horizons National grew from the original program’s desire to serve more children by replicating the model at other schools. Currently, Horizons has programs at over 71 independent schools and universities in 20 states nationwide.

 

In 2015, Horizons at Lancaster Country Day School held its first 6-week summer program with 15 kindergarten from Elizabeth Martin Elementary School in the School District of Lancaster. Adding a new kindergarten class each summer, the program reached full capacity in 2023, providing summer learning opportunities for 135 students in grades K-8. In 2017, George Washington Elementary School was added as a second partner school. In 2023, Horizons High School at LCDS was launched as a secondary program offered under the Horizons umbrella, which provides school-year support, tutoring, and post-secondary school visits for graduates of the K-8 program.