Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, CT serves nearly 500 students in grades 9-12, representing 35 cities and towns. 98% of their most recent graduating class went on to higher education, and with a strategic theme of ‘Inspired Learning,’ Notre Dame intends to promote learning that fosters a love for wisdom and truth, and prepare students for a life of leadership and service.
Notre Dame’s partnership with Horizons has already had a tremendous impact on the school community. Many Notre Dame High School students are spending the summer volunteering in the Horizons program, supporting the teachers and students – not only providing a great learning opportunity for the high school students, but also providing Horizons students with mentors and role models. Horizons at Notre Dame’s Site Director Frank Skawinski, a teacher at Notre Dame, has invested in the involvement of the school community, recruiting volunteers and involving other school staff members in assisting with the program. It is wonderful to see a quiet high school campus become such a joyful learning environment for young students during the summer months, and it is clear that the community forming around the Horizons program will be strong and thoroughly championed for years to come.
“Providing students who are at a financial and academic disadvantage by factors that are out of their control with the tools to learn, grow and succeed is a pretty powerful idea. The need is there. The Horizons mission is a strong one and the data and personal stories proves that it works. I love that Horizons literally impacts one student at a time and in such a powerful and meaningful way. The more we can do to provide all students with the tools for success in life, the better off our local communities and our nation will ultimately be. I am so proud that Notre Dame is now part of this amazing Horizons network and can't wait to see all the good that should come from it.” – Chris Cipriano, Principal, Notre Dame High School