Talent is equally distributed.
Opportunities are not.
Growing up in Westport, Ashley Freeman realized early that she had many opportunities.
From the Learning Community through Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools, and on to Staples High’s Class of 2002, she took advantage of many of them.
Courses like Dr. Gerry Kuroghlian’s “Shakespeare”; field hockey and softball teams; a community that honored education, and offered a wide variety of activities — she was grateful for them all.
At Franklin & Marshall College, Ashley took pre-med courses. She wanted to be a veterinarian.
But after college, traveling to Australia, she reflected on what made her feel fulfilled.
It was helping young people, through the science of learning.
Ashley Freeman
Freeman returned to the US, and earned a master’s in elementary education at Fairfield University. She did her student teaching at Bridgeport’s Six to Six Magnet School, and was a 1st grade assistant teacher at Greens Farms Academy.
In the summer, she taught in GFA’s Horizons program.
She found excellent mentors at those schools. She sought advice from former Staples teachers too, like Kuroghlian and Jen Giudice.
Those experiences — including seeing the gaps in resources between the Westport private school, and the magnet school in Bridgeport — solidified Freeman’s belief in the importance of opportunity for all.
“I always thought all 6th graders could read,” she says. “But they can’t.”
She got a 6th-year degree from Southern Connecticut State University in remedial reading. She did not want to teach the subject — but she wanted to learn more, to make an impact on students in all areas.
Then Horizons asked her to oversee Greens Farms Academy’s middle school instruction.
Horizons is a multi-year program that each summer provides academic and social-emotional support to students attending underserved Bridgeport schools. Its research-based programming inspires joy for learning, prepares students for high school, and provides strong bridges to post-secondary success.
Then Horizons’ companion program, at Sacred Heart University, offered Freeman a role as full-time academic director. She would help expand educational opportunities for students from pre-K kthrough high school.
But she would have to leave the classroom.
“I know in my soul that Horizons was the place for me,” Freeman says.
She found her “true home” there.
Horizons students love to read.
Horizons SHU includes 322 students, in 23 Bridgeport K-8 schools. There are 4 full-time staff members, 1 part-time, and nearly 90 summer staffers.
“These kids get what all children deserve: enriching experiences, so they can continue to learn, and love learning,” Freeman says.
It works spectacularly well. The retention rate is 97%.
The 6-week summer program is augmented throughout the year with after-school activities. They include a chess tournament, STEM clubs, fencing, art classes, tutoring, mentorships and community events.
Many summer staff members are former Horizons students.
A recent back-to-school breakfast featured a book truck, with multi-lingual volumes.
The application process is rigorous. Parents must make a 12-year commitment to Horizons.
They take their role seriously. When asked about a policy for smartphones, parents recommended a device-free program — including headphones.
The 8th through 12 graders on the advisory council agreed.
Horizons has had “a profound effect” on Freeman. She appreciates her opportunity — one that many educators do not have — of watching youngsters grow and develop over a number of years.
Horizons’ Sacred Heart University summer program group photo.
“A teacher plants seeds, provides water, then at the end of the year they send their students to the next grade, with hopes they’ll succeed,” she says.
“I see children all the way through. I get to watch them bloom.”
One child from Six to Six Magnet School wanted to become a teacher. He’s now pursuing his master’s in education at Sacred Heart – tuition-free. “Horizons helped me find my calling,” he says.
Repeating again her mantra — “talent is equally distributed; opportunities are not” — Freeman proudly adds, “Horizons removes those barriers.”
Of course, providing educational and recreational opportunities are expensive. Horizons will raise $1.8 million this year, from donors, grants, and a benefit fundraiser and golf outing.
The only expense for students is $30 enrollment. Even that fee is waived, when necessary.
Horizons’ recreational activities are important too.
Frreman credits much of her joy in her current role to her experiences growing up in Westport.
“It’s a community that embraces the arts and athletics. It supports its youth. Now I’m proud to be able to do this for more children, outside of Westport.
“Education is about more than reading, writing and math. It’s finding out what you love, how to take care of yourself, and how to explore it all.”
In other words: how to expand your horizons.
(To learn more about Horizons’ Sacred Heart University program — and donate — click here.)
Murals created by Horizons students.
