THE OPPORTUNITY GAP

All students deserve the opportunity to succeed.

But unfortunately, opportunity isn't equal. Across our country, additional support during and outside of school is not accessible to many students and families. COVID-19 thrust summer and out-of-school learning into the spotlight, with many students experiencing what is now called the COVID Slide - an erosion of academic, social, and emotional skills due to disrupted schooling caused by the pandemic, particularly for students in communities most affected by school closures.

Horizons National 2023 Results 

In 2023, the percentage of students at/above grade level at pretest significantly rose. Despite this 
increase, the percentage of students at/above grade level is still below pre-pandemic levels. Though the percentage of students at grade level continues to stay below pre-pandemic levels, student growth increased and remained within the 6-10 week range. Students in grades K-1 gained 9.6 weeks on average, with students below grade level gaining 12.4 weeks on average in Early Literacy. In reading, students in grades 2-8 grew 8.8 weeks, with students below grade level gaining 9.5 weeks on average. In Math, students in grades 3-8 gained 8.1 weeks, with students below grade level gaining 9.7 weeks on average.   

Learn More About How Horizons is Bridging The COVID Divide

 

Especially during the summer, out-of-school programs may be costly or offer limited options for transportation and activities, leaving many families unable to participate. These opportunity gaps all contribute to students experiencing summer learning loss - the cumulative loss of academic skills over the summer months, which, over time, can leave students years behind in school, contributing to chronic absenteeism and high school drop-out rates. On average, a student who does not experience enriching summer activities can lose up to 2 months in academic skills. Albuquerque Public Schools currently reports that 70% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, while the four-year high school graduation rate of students is 76%. 

Horizons Albuquerque is committed to changing this reality. Our program supports students who might otherwise experience significant learning loss during summer, ensuring every child has opportunities to learn and grow. By the end of each summer session, Horizons students have typically gained at least 6-10 weeks of grade equivalence in reading and math, reversing summer learning loss and sending students back to school feeling confident and ready!