Press Release

Colorado Academy's Horizons Program Reaches Out To 50 Students From Knapp Elementary

June 18, 2001

Beginning this morning and for the next six weeks, 50 students from Knapp Elementary School will climb aboard a bus bound for an ongoing chance to squeeze the most learning and growing from their summer break at Colorado Academy.

For four years now - the program has added a new group of 12 kindergarteners each year - the students have made the trip from their west Denver neighborhood to Colorado Academy, a private school in Jefferson County, under this special outreach program.

The program was launched nationally 36 years ago in Connecticut and has taken firm root in the Knapp-Colorado Academy connection.

"Horizons offers an incredible opportunity for the community," said Knapp principal Kathy Adolph, pointing particularly to the program inviting back students over an eight-year stretch. Even students who move out of Knapp's attendance boundary (Knapp is located at 500 S. Utica St.) may continue to attend.

The program boasts a 91 percent retention rate and an attendance rate over 95 percent.

"The opportunities that children will have in Horizons are unparalleled to other programs. It's just an opportunity for extended lifelong learning. That sounds like a cliché but in this case, it isn't," said Adolph.

Comprehensive reading, writing, science and math work are combined with regular field trips and - every student's favorite feature - regular swimming lessons to build confidence and self-esteem.

"This is a chance for these students to connect to worlds that are different than the ones they live in," added Adolph. "It's full day and the swimming offers something that many of our children would not otherwise have an opportunity to learn."

This year, Horizons program director Jenny Leger said she will combine the planting and care of a garden with learning about the settlers of the western United States and life on the prairie. "All of the classes, kindergarten through third grade, will be participating in planting a garden and learning about plants and bugs and how the settlers depended on making things grow," said Leger, who is also a teacher at Colorado Academy and director of its pre-school. Field trips will head to the Botanic Gardens and Four Mile House.

"This is definitely an academic program," said Leger. "Unlike most summer programs, academic enrichment is what we seek to provide the students by introducing new skills and supplementing skills they have received throughout the year."

What does Colorado Academy get out of opening their campus and offering their educators for the program? Leger's answer comes quickly. "We get a lot out of this. The main thing is being able to give back to the community. Colorado Academy likes to share. It's a pleasure to be able to bring the children in."

With four instructors, four assistant teachers, and three interns, the 48 students enjoy a personalized approach to learning.

"They all come to us hungry for knowledge, ready to learn," said Leger. "Sometimes it gives them time to dream about something new. Kids are suddenly opening their eyes and thinking - I can do anything."

Precisely what a "horizon" is intended to provide.

Colorado Academy is situated on 75 acres of beautiful Colorado countryside just southwest of Denver.

Founded in 1900, CA is an independent, co-educational school serving approximately 760 students from pre-school through high school. The school offers dynamic, outstanding academic programs combined with an abundance of opportunities in the arts, athletics, experiential and service activities, and community life.