SCH summer enrichment program stems learning loss

Posted 5/9/24

As students across the nation continue to grapple with the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) is taking proactive steps to address learning loss through its Horizons summer enrichment program. The initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to provide high-quality, hands-on learning experiences to students from neighboring Philadelphia public schools.

This summer, over 60 rising first, second, third, and fourth-grade students will participate in the tuition-free, six-week program on the SCH campus. The experience includes a variety of robust …

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SCH summer enrichment program stems learning loss

Posted

As students across the nation continue to grapple with the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) is taking proactive steps to address learning loss through its Horizons summer enrichment program. The initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to provide high-quality, hands-on learning experiences to students from neighboring Philadelphia public schools.

This summer, over 60 rising first, second, third, and fourth-grade students will participate in the tuition-free, six-week program on the SCH campus. The experience includes a variety of robust learning opportunities and enrichments, such as field trips, hiking, instructional swimming, and meals at no cost to the families.

Horizons at SCH is one of 70 national programs designed to combat learning loss and accelerate academic gains in reading and math during the summer months. The program has proven to be particularly effective for students from communities experiencing educational inequity, where the challenges of the pandemic have been multiplied.

Staffed by seasoned educators and supported by student volunteers, primarily from SCH's Upper School, the program relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to cover its annual operating expenses. The Chestnut Hill community's support is crucial to ensuring the program's continued growth and success.

Emily Hawkins, an SCH parent and Horizons of Greater Philadelphia board member, played a key role in launching the program at the school four years ago. "Supporting this important opportunity for growth for students within a few miles from here isn't just a one-time gesture; it's an investment in the future of our community," she emphasizes.

Horizons Giving Day, on May 15, offers an opportunity for the community to contribute to the program, with giving incentives such as providing books to a Horizons scholar for just $50. To learn more about the program, make a donation, or visit during group activities on Fridays this summer, please visit sch.org/horizons or contact Kenyatta Patterson, Horizons at SCH site director, at kpatterson@sch.org.