Horizons is a national network of community-centered programs that aim to advance educational equity by building long-term partnerships with students, families, communities and schools. Horizons programs, which are tuition-free, support youth in building social-emotional and academic skills through experiential, project-based learning opportunities, confidence building activities and whole-child teaching practices.

Horizons Tower Hill

The inaugural class included 14 rising first graders in the summer of 2023. The students were engaged in an intensive, six-week learning and enrichment program that provided a culturally inclusive and responsive curriculum while incorporating social-emotional and whole-child teaching practices.

The summer of 2024 welcomed back 13 rising second grade students, along with a new class of eight rising first graders. Horizons Tower Hill is an opportunity for growth-growth for our Horizons students, our student volunteers and our community. 

Meet Horizons Tower Hill Executive Director 

Gemelle John M.Ed, M.S.Ed

Mrs. John has been serving students her entire career—directly as a Spanish Teacher, Tutor, Reading Specialist and Teaching Artist, in Wilmington and the greater Delaware community, and indirectly through multiple roles with the Summer Collaborative (most recently as Director of Program Evaluation) and past work with The Philadelphia Education Fund and The Exploration School EXPLO summer programs in Wellesley, MA and Bronxville, NY. 

Mrs. John holds a B.A. in Spanish Education from the University of Delaware, an M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from Wilmington University, and an M.S.Ed. in Urban Teaching from the University of Pennsylvania. If you have questions about working with, supporting, or enrolling in Horizons Tower Hill please contact her at [email protected]. 

About Horizons National

Since its start more than 25 years ago, Horizons has expanded to 74 sites across the country and has engaged over 10,000 students from prekindergarten through high school, who return to the program each year for project-based literacy, art and STEM learning, field trips, swimming, healthy living and community building in a joyful, supportive environment.

Horizons sites ensure students experience the joy of summer (and beyond) infused with diverse, new learning experiences. Horizons' hallmark is an intensive six-week summer learning and enrichment program. In small classes led by professional educators, students dive into a rich, culturally inclusive and responsive curriculum, and benefit from the incorporation of social-emotional and whole-child teaching practices. Throughout the school year, Horizons programs maintain the connection with students and families by offering Saturday programming, special events and community reunions.

Horizons works with students and families to help transform the way students see themselves and their future. Their reading and math skills improve significantly. They return to school excited to learn. They graduate from high school and go on to attend college or other post-secondary training. With a network of support behind them, Horizons students embrace a more expansive view of what’s possible.

Horizons Tower Hill is a 501(c)(3).