Chronic absenteeism in DC outpaces the national average. Exacerbated during the pandemic, It disproportionately impacts families who are already furthest farthest from opportunity. Horizons reverses this trajectory for over 400 students annually, providing a safe learning environment for those who cannot otherwise access out-of-school-time programming due to cost, language barriers, or lack of transportation. Saturday and summer programming engages K-8 students in small classes, where teachers use games and puzzles in math class, introduce local artists for creative inspiration, and offer opportunities like mock trial, journalism lessons, and even swim instruction. Learning specialists work individually with struggling students, ensuring every child receives the support they need to build academic confidence. Horizons students are 2 ½ times more likely than their peers to attend school regularly: when learning is supportive and fun, it can be transformative.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 3; MD-Montgomery County; Children served attend school in:; Ward 1 of the District of Columbia; Montgomery County in Maryland; The program operates in:; Woodley Park (DC); The Palisades (DC); Bethesda (MD)

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Latino/Hispanic; Other

Population(s) Served: Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members

Schools They Work In: HD Cooke Elementary; Bancroft Elementary; Rock Creek Forest Elementary; Maret School; St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School; Norwood School


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) your organization serves annually:   230
  • Hours of tutoring, mentoring, or class-time you provide annually:   228
  • Number of books (textbooks, school supplies) distributed/donated annually:   500

Awards & Recognition

n/a

Press

  • Summer Learning Program Seeks to Close Opportunity Gap
    Mon Jul 25 2011, The Washington Post  
    Horizons was featured in the Washington Post in an article, which examined summer learning loss among low income children.
    connect here

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Horizons Greater Washington is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Horizons Greater Washington you might also like



This organization collaborates with