About Horizons at Cristo Rey
Educational Equity | Academic Enrichment | Social-Emotional Learning
Launched in 2021, Horizons at Cristo Rey offers tuition-free, high-quality academic and enrichment programs for K-8 students in North Philadelphia. Entering its fourth year, the program serves over 70 young people from the area.
Each summer, new rising first grade students join, returning annually through eighth grade for a six-week program whose curriculum covers STEAM, literacy and math. Through partnerships with local mission-aligned organizations like the YMCA, ArtWell and STEMSpark, we are able to offer enriching classroom and in-field experiences that promote growth and holistic well-being. Horizons at Cristo Rey is unique within the national network for its after-school option during the academic year.
Our work aims to prevent summer learning loss, foster social-emotional development, and provide crucial after-school support. This aligns with Cristo Rey's mission to advance educational equity and prepare students for the future, including admission to high-quality high schools like Cristo Rey Philadelphia.
Swim Lessons at the Y
Swimming lessons are a central element of the six-week Horizons summer program. Horizons at Cristo Rey partners with the Columbia North branch of the YMCA to provide weekly lessons for every student. Cristo Rey provides transportation to and from the YMCA, as well as swim gear including swimsuits, goggles, swim caps and towels.
In addition to teaching a life-saving, confidence-building skill, Horizons National cites the following benefits of learning to swim:
•Transforms a feared challenge into a favorite activity;
•Encourages attention to detail and commitment to a goal;
•Teaches resilience and strategies to overcome fears and obstacles;
•Inspires a healthy lifestyle by introducing a competitive sport;
•Teaches skills for summer employment;
•Is FUN – it’s the overwhelming favorite among Horizons students!
Instruction: $10,800
Cost Breakdown
The YMCA Columbia North Branch provides two instructors per swim session, which can accommodate around 30 students. The YMCA estimates the cost for instruction at $12 per-student.
Transportation: $2,200
Cristo Rey Philadelphia provides transportation to and from YMCA Columbia North multiple times per week. The cost of a single hour for a bus driver with a CDL is $27 per hour.
Swim Gear: $2100
Horizons at Cristo Rey provides students with swimsuits, caps, goggles and towels each summer.