Sunny Skies Ahead: What’s on the Horizon at Graland This Summer

As we look ahead to warmer days, excitement is building for the return of the Horizons Graland summer program. Entering its second year, the program is growing in both size and scope as it continues its mission to provide joyful, enriching summer learning experiences that support academic growth, social-emotional development, and a love of discovery.

Launched in 2024, Horizons Graland is an affiliate of Horizons Colorado, part of a national network that partners with independent schools to offer tuition-free academic and enrichment opportunities to public school students. At its core is the belief that every child deserves access to high-quality learning experiences—and the chance to feel confident, curious, and successful in school.

Horizons Graland is growing. This summer, the program will expand from 25 to 45 students, allowing us to open a third classroom and serve a broader range of learners. Students will be grouped by age into three classes: Kindergarten-Grade 1, Grades 2-3, and Grades 4-5. Each classroom will be led by a team of educators that includes a lead teacher, a support teacher, and an intern, maintaining a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio and ensuring every child continues to receive personalized attention and support.

We’ve also made exciting curriculum decisions. The academic program will feature “Really Great Reading,” a research-based literacy curriculum grounded in the science of reading. Our skilled teachers will also design tailored math lessons for each grade level, incorporating projects and engaging activities that strengthen foundational math skills and build confidence.

In addition, this summer’s enrichment theme, “Adventure and Exploration,” will guide three hands-on learning blocks that span multiple disciplines. In the “Ocean Explorers” block, students will dive into marine biology and learn about whales and other ocean animals. The “Artists and Innovators” block will blend engineering, robotics, and visual arts to inspire creativity and problem-solving. In “Culinary Creators,” students will explore food systems, try out new recipes, and connect with fresh ingredients through cooking and marketplace-themed activities.

This summer, the Horizons Graland program will welcome back several dedicated educators and familiar faces. In addition to Lead Teachers Olympia Frascone-Stefanski and Heather Stevens, who were instrumental in launching the program, a talented team of Graland faculty, staff, alumni, and volunteers will bring their skills and enthusiasm to support students.

In the classrooms, Grade 1 Teacher Brice Keefer, Support Teachers Jackie Ammons and Tate Given, and Graland alumna Charlotte Frampton will guide and support students through daily learning and activities.

Enrichment classes will be led by Lower School Innovation Specialist Elizabeth Leddy, Grade 1 Support Teacher Elizabeth Duncan, After Care Staff Patty Haenny, and Pre-K Support Teacher Dina Farag.

Providing program-wide leadership and support are Lower School Science Teacher Elise de Geus, who serves as the Horizons Graland program manager, and Middle School Counselor Tara Lavizzo, who will return to support students’ social-emotional growth throughout the summer.

Adding to the strong sense of community in the program, Graland alumni Johanna M., Cate W., and Marcela N. will return this summer as interns, stepping back into a familiar role to mentor and assist younger students. They’ll be joined by a group of Graland-affiliated Middle School and High School volunteers, whose energy will help enrich the experience for all participants.

Learning at Horizons goes well beyond the classroom. Students will swim three times a week at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) through a continued partnership with Camp Shai—two days will include swim instruction, and one will be reserved for free swim. Weekly field trips will provide additional learning experiences, with planned destinations including the Downtown Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, and Three Pond Park on the Highline Canal.

Back on campus, Sodexo staff will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day to keep students fueled and ready to learn. Special assemblies—including a magician, musical guests, and Freedom Service Dogs—will bring joy, inspiration, and community connection. And, of course, no summer would be complete without popsicles on warm afternoons.

As Horizons Graland continues to grow, we’re excited to be developing a new partnership with Altura Elementary School in Aurora. In addition, we’re working toward licensure as a Neighborhood Youth Organization, a step that will help strengthen the program’s long-term impact and reach. Horizons Graland is guided by an 11-member advisory board, including liaisons from the Graland Board of Trustees, who help shape its vision and ensure its sustainability.

Graland’s strategic plan calls on the school to build meaningful partnerships beyond its campus—and Horizons is a powerful example of that mission in action. Through this growing collaboration, we are extending Graland’s commitment to student-centered, purpose-driven learning to a broader community of learners.

We can’t wait to see what this summer has in store.

Stay tuned for updates—and don’t forget to support Horizons Graland on Horizons Giving Day, happening Wednesday, May 14! 

Learn more about Horizons Graland at horizonsgraland.org.