Our Mission
As a regional affiliate of Horizons National, our mission is to promote educational equity in the New York metropolitan area by implementing critical summer and out-of-school programs that serve systemically under-resourced communities. We focus on a sustained commitment to our students to ensure they have the opportunities, skills, and confidence to fulfill their potential in both school, and life.
Our Impact
By inspiring learning, building community, and nurturing joy, Horizons encourages students to discover a love of learning and reach their goals! While academic success is key, it’s only one aspect of their growth.
As a national network, Horizons has a long history of program evaluation, demonstrating that our programs not only mitigate learning loss but also empower students to have…
+ Higher scores on elementary math and science testing
+ Higher GPAs during transitional years into high school
+ More course credits earned in 9th and 10th grade
+ Increased high school graduation rates
+ Lower rates of chronic absenteeism
+ Fewer incidents of repeating a grade
+ Fewer disciplinary referrals
+ Increased self-confidence and motivation
+ A greater willingness to try new things
Macy Stockton, our Executive Director, joined NY1 to discuss the role Horizons plays in mitigating learning loss.Program Model
The hallmark of Horizons is our six-week, tuition-free summer program that goes far beyond a typical summer camp experience. In partnership with host schools, we implement a culturally-responsive curriculum and data-driven methods to combat summer learning loss while fostering social-emotional growth.
Each summer, K-8th grade students attend the Horizons program and return year after year to build on their progress. Through year-round family engagement events, students and families are able to sustain the strong community networks they create each summer, ensuring ongoing support and connection.
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A typical summer program day begins with students learning together in 15:2 classes led by professional faculty, who follow a project-based learning curriculum. Students spend the morning focusing on literacy and mathematics, and the afternoons rotating between enrichment subjects such as swimming, art, dance, drumming, science, chorus, and movement. Weekly, students participate in a field trip to a local destination!
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Both a core tenet of the Horizons model and a student favorite is learning to swim! For many students, summers at Horizons are their first experiences in the water, and as they return each year they steadily progress swimming levels. Swimming is not only a fun way to be active – it is a critical life-saving skill that everyoneshould have access to learning. Participating in an unfamiliar, and sometimes daunting, activity like swimming helps students build confidence and encourages a growth-mindset that will last a lifetime.
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Students come to Horizons with a broad range of academic skills. Classes typically include one-third of students learning at or above grade level, and two-thirds learning below grade level. Prioritizing a classroom of diverse learners fosters peer-to-peer support in an encouraging environment that ultimately results in academic success for every student.
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All Horizons programs utilize Renaissance Learning’s STAR test to evaluate literacy and math levels of each student pre- and post-program. Learning specialists at each Horizons program then use pre-program results to implement specific learning targets for students who need the most support, and post-program results reveal an average 8.8 weeks of learning gains across all students.
Our Students
Horizons students come from diverse backgrounds and academic levels, but one thing remains common: discovering the joys of learning together! With our emphasis on annual participation, learning gains cumulate year after year and ultimately set every student up for long-term success.
Horizons students…
+ Qualify for free/reduced school lunches based on Federal guidelines
+ Have just completed grades Kindergarten - 8th
+ Have parents/guardians who understand the annual commitment
+ Learn at various academic levels
Staff & Leadership
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A native of Monroe, Louisiana, Macy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Centenary College of Louisiana and her Masters of Social Work degree from Fordham University. With former experience at Advocates for Children of New York and Options Center at Goddard Riverside, Macy is excited to lead HNYC in the next phases of regional growth. Macy currently serves as an adjunct professor at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service, and resides in Brooklyn with her husband and son. Macy’s career has been dedicated to ensuring that all students in New York City have equitable access to education.
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Emily joined Horizons in 2019 as an AmeriCorps VISTA and has since transitioned into the role of Regional Program Director. With a background in Political Science and Philosophy from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, Emily brings a passion for civil and human rights to her work. Drawing from her upbringing in a family deeply connected to education, Emily is dedicated to fostering a more equitable society for all. Her role involves direct engagement with students and staff, empowering them to create meaningful change within their communities.
Board of Directors
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2021-current | Former Board Chair of Horizons National and Horizons NCCS
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2021-current | Retired teacher and Headmaster
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2021-current | Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Property Management YMCA of Greater New York and Horizons alum
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2023-current | SVP, Strategy and Senior Advisor, Dalio Center for Health Justice, New York-Presbyterian
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2022-current | Community Volunteer and Horizons alumna
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2024-Current | Consulting Engagement Leader with PennPAC, Chair of CPTA School District STEM Committee, Formerly with Novartis, Deloitte & Microsoft
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2024-current | Horizons at St. David's Program Representative and St. David's School Headmaster
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2022-current | Principal & Chief Administrative Officer at True North Management Group, Former Board Chair of Horizons at Rumson Country Day, and Former Horizons National Board Member
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2023-current | Former Board member of Horizons National and Horizons NCCS
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2023-current | CAO, Global Cash Equity Trading at Citigroup
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2023-current | Executive Director, Horizons New York City
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2020-2024 | Retired Former Chancellor of NYC Public Schools
Board of Advisors