Teachers / Guidance Counselors
Welcome, Public School Partners!
Thank you for helping us identify students for our Horizons Summer Program! Students must be referred by a teacher or other professional who is familiar with the child's academic level and behavioral needs. Below you will find a link to a form we will need from you once the parent has demonstrated interest in the program by returning the Program Invitation Letter—found below.
About Horizons Hampton Roads
Horizons Hampton Roads offers a summer academic and enrichment program for students in grades K–8 across Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Students typically gain two–three months in reading and math instead of losing ground to summer learning loss. Each student is tested at the beginning and end of our five-week program using STAR assessments, and those who need extra help receive individualized academic support. Additional information can be found throughout this website.
Our Program Features
- Focus on reading and math
- Weekly field trips
- Swimming lessons
- Art, music, and STEM enrichment
- Two nutritious meals daily
Our community partnerships make this well-rounded experience possible.
Long-Term Impact
Horizons encourages students to return each year through grade 8 and continue in our high school and volunteer programs. Nationally, long-term Horizons participants have a 97% high school graduation rate.
Thanks to our donors, families only pay a $25 registration fee per child.
How School Staff Can Help
1. Identify Students
Select students who:
- Demonstrate readiness to learn
- Have few or no discipline referrals
- Are consistently present and a parent is accessible
- Respect authority and property—In short, model good citizenship within your school.
2. Share Program Info
Give eligible students a flyer and the Program Invitation Letter. Ask them to share the materials with their parents or guardians and return the completed form to you as soon as possible. Please also consider texting or emailing the parents, letting them know to watch for the flyer/letter from their student/s.
Please note that the invitation letter is not an application. This form is to help school staff identify families who are interested in the program and obtain permission to share their information with us. The form can be discarded upon completion of the recommendation form.
Families must complete the online application using the link or QR code on the flyer to be considered for the program. We can also email them the flyer or link and offer to answer any questions they may have.
3. Complete the Recommendation Form – Needed before students can enroll
Once the form is returned, please fill out the confidential student recommendation form using the appropriate link below.
Your feedback helps us serve the students who will benefit most.
NORFOLK STUDENT RECOMMENDATION FORM
PORTSMOUTH STUDENT RECOMMENDATION FORM
VA BEACH STUDENT RECOMMENDATION FORM
Contact Information
For questions or additional support, please reach out to:
Dr. Velvet L. Smith
Executive Director
velvet.smith@horizonshamptonroads.org
757-967-7434