The Horizons program began in 1964 as a grassroots effort on the campus of one independent school in Connecticut, where educators saw an opportunity to turn unused summer classroom space into something powerful: a place to advance educational equity through continued learning and growth throughout the summer months. What started with just a handful of students there has since grown into a national network of over 70 programs across the country, all united by a shared mission to foster a lifelong love of learning. Today, Horizons programs serve thousands of students annually, offering a proven path to closing opportunity gaps and preparing children to succeed in school and beyond.

Horizons at Ashley Hall began in 2018 as part of the school’s commitment to empowering girls and fostering educational equity. The program offers a six-week, tuition-free academic and enrichment program each summer to girls from the Charleston area. The program is built on a long-term commitment: once a student enters as a first grader, the goal is that she will return each summer through 8th grade, developing strong relationships, academic skills, and a deep love of learning along the way. 

Hosted on the Ashley Hall campus each summer, the program brings together students and educators from the Charleston community, as well as Ashley Hall faculty and student volunteers, to provide a safe and inspiring environment for girls to learn, grow, and explore. It blends academic instruction in literacy and math with enrichment activities such as swimming, art, dance, and field trips, ensuring that summer is not a time of learning loss, but one of growth and possibility. “These girls come back summer after summer, returning to a place where they feel seen, supported, and deeply connected,” shared Horizons at Ashley Hall Executive Director Molly Rathbone. “It’s a joy to witness the lasting relationships that have formed over the years, with such a strong sense of community between the teachers and students.”

The structure of the Horizons program is grounded in research-based best practices that demonstrate consistent, long-term engagement dramatically improves educational outcomes. By working with students year after year, Horizons builds confidence and academic growth. Students not only maintain their skills over the summer, but they also return to school in the fall ahead of where they left off. Small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a joyful learning environment all contribute to making this possible.

As Horizons at Ashley Hall celebrates close to a decade of impact, its results speak for themselves: girls who begin the program in the first grade are growing into confident, capable young women ready to thrive in high school and beyond. This summer, Horizons at Ashley Hall celebrated a special milestone: the first class of students who joined the program in first grade in 2018 graduated from the program on July 24, and are headed for high school. It was an emotional day, one full of pride and excitement for what comes next. When asked if she planned to return as a Horizons Assistant Teacher (or a HAT, as they’re known), eighth grade graduate, Aniya, responded with a resounding yes and a huge smile. “It was always the plan to be a HAT,” she said.  

The program is not just a summer initiative—it is a long-term investment in the future of our young people, and a shining example of what can happen when a community commits to equity, education, and opportunity for all.

Please click here to learn more about Horizons at Ashley Hall.