Horizons Graland: A Summer of Growth and Discovery

opportunities that extended Graland’s mission of student-centered learning to a wider community. With the support of a dedicated advisory board and generous donors, the program proved once again that when academic rigor meets creativity and care, every child can thrive and discover the joy of learning in the process.

This summer’s success was driven by a clear goal: to keep students learning and growing while preventing summer learning loss. All students completed STAR assessments at the beginning and end of the program, enabling teachers to tailor instruction to individual needs. The results spoke for themselves—71% of students improved in reading and 86% in math, with especially strong gains in reading for Grades 4-5 and math for Grades 3-5.

Every day started with academic classes, maximizing focus and time for learning. With a 5:1 student-to-adult ratio, every classroom included lead teachers, assistants, and interns who provided personalized support and built meaningful relationships.

Students developed their literacy skills through Really Great Reading, a research-based curriculum grounded in the science of reading. Weekly library visits inspired young readers, resulting in 491 books checked out, while Reader’s Theater performances boosted fluency and confidence. In math, teachers incorporated projects and manipulatives that made problem-solving hands-on and fun.

Afternoons brought a new kind of excitement, as enrichment blocks sparked curiosity through three themes under “Adventure and Exploration.”

Ocean Explorers invited students to dive into marine biology, studying everything from whale diversity to ocean ecosystems.

Artists and Innovators blended engineering, robotics, and art, with students especially proud to see their LEGO® creations come to life.

Culinary Creators mixed learning and flavor, connecting students to food systems through cooking and marketplace activities—pancakes quickly became the crowd favorite!

Learning didn’t stop when lessons ended. The children participated in swimming lessons at the Jewish Community Center, setting personal goals, conquering fears, and celebrating their progress together. Weekly field trips to places including the Downtown Aquarium and the Children’s Museum of Denver offered new experiences and lasting memories, while assemblies filled with sing-alongs and magic shows brought the whole community together in laughter and joy.

Even mealtimes became a community highlight. Graland’s Sodexo team created a warm, welcoming atmosphere where students could share stories and connect over delicious food. And on Fridays, the week ended on a sweet note with popsicles from the custom Horizons cart designed by Graland Middle School students.

Horizons Graland is more than a summer program; it is a year-round commitment to students and families. This year, the program will host three Super Saturdays: an Ice Cream Social, a Fall Fest, and an Earth Day Celebration in the spring.

Looking forward, Horizons Graland aims to expand enrollment by 15 students, deepen its affiliation with Altura Elementary, and create even more ways for Graland families, educators, and alumni to get involved throughout the year.