News & Resources

Helping Students with Learning and Developmental Disabilities Transition into Independent Living: The Role of Horizons School

As students with learning and developmental disabilities reach adulthood, the transition into independent living can be a daunting prospect. However, with the right support and resources, it can be a smooth and fulfilling experience. The Horizons School is dedicated to helping its students successfully make this transition, empowering them to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

At Horizons School, we understand the unique challenges that students with learning and developmental disabilities face when transitioning into independent living. Our specialized curriculum is designed to address these challenges, equipping students with the skills they need to live on their own. From financial management and household tasks to personal hygiene and social skills, our students receive comprehensive training in all areas of independent living.

One of the key components of our program is community-based instruction. This involves taking students into the community to practice the skills they have learned in real-world situations. This hands-on approach allows students to experience the challenges and rewards of independent living in a safe and supportive environment.

In addition to our curriculum, we also provide personalized support to each student. Our team of experienced educators works closely with each student to develop an individualized plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. This includes providing support with finding employment, housing, and community resources.

At Horizons School, we believe that all students with learning and developmental disabilities deserve the opportunity to lead fulfilling and independent lives. Our program provides students with the skills, support, and resources they need to transition into independent living with confidence. We are proud to play a role in empowering our students to achieve their full potential.

In conclusion, the transition into independent living can be a challenging process for students with learning and developmental disabilities. However, with the right support and resources, it can be a fulfilling and empowering experience. The Horizons School is committed to helping its students successfully navigate this transition and achieve their goals.

October 2022 Family Update

October 25, 2022


Dear Horizons Families:


Thank you for participating during 2022 Parent and Family Weekend. It was an amazing event with opportunities to play and learn as a family. We value the contributions from each family and the hard work of our students, who served as evening hosts and hostesses! Several asked about reinforcing what students have learned at Horizons during term breaks. Let us encourage students to maintain their clean residence, help to select, purchase and prepare family meals, wash and dry clothing and linens. Students may also plan with you a shared social activity. Each student benefits from mentoring by university graduate students during the fall term. Parents may encourage weekly physical activity and healthy eating during holiday and term breaks. We recommend emphasizing individual preventive practices for all family members:

  1. 1. regular hand washing
  2. 2. sneeze and cough in tissues and then discard
  3. 3. frequently disinfect commonly used home items and surfaces
  4. 4. use face coverings when in public
  5. 5. obtain booster COVID-19 vaccine
  6. 6. vaccinate for seasonal flu

  7. Our student Hearts for Horizons Civitan Club is hosting a Holiday Food Drive benefiting the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. All are encouraged to contribute non-perishable and non-expired foods to be distributed to needy families. Our Civitan Club generously supported women seeking shelter and vocational training opportunities at the Love Lady Center. All will help to cook the School Community Thanksgiving Dinner that will be enjoyed by students and staff before the holiday break. The school office will be closed for the holiday from Nov. 21-25, 2022. Students resume classes on Nov. 28, 2022. Looking ahead – 2023 Spring Tuition is due on Dec. 30. Our staff wishes each of you a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

    Brian F. Geiger, EdD, FAAHE

2022-2023 Horizons School Academic Calendar

The Horizons School 2022-2023 Academic Calendar


Fall Trimester 2022


September 05 Labor Day – Office closed
September 08 First-Year Registration and Orientation
September 09 Second- and Third-Year students return to campus and register
September 12 Fall classes begin
October 19 Board of Directors meets
October 21-22 Parent and Family Weekend
November 19 Students depart by end of day for Thanksgiving holiday
November 21 – 25 No classes; School office closed
November 28 Classes resume for students
December 12-16 Final exams
December 14 Board of Directors meets
December 17 Students depart by end of day for term break
December 19 Staff professional development and workday
December 24 – 31 Christmas and New Years holiday; School office closed
December 30 Spring 2023 tuition due


Spring Trimester 2023


January 08 Students return
January 09 Classes resume
January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday; School closed
February 15 Board of Directors meets
February 20 President’s Day; School closed
March 19 Student depart by end of day for spring break
March 31 Summer 2023 tuition due
April 03 Classes resume
April 06-21 Student and Parent Conferences
April 09 Easter Sunday
April 15 Deadline for priority consideration of financial aid
April 15 Board of Directors meets
April 24 – 28 Final exams
April 29 Students depart by end of day for term break
May 01 2023-2024 Tuition Deposit due
May 01 Staff professional development & workday


Summer Trimester 2023


May 21 Students return
May 22 Classes resume
May 29 Memorial Day; School office closed
June 17 Board of Directors meets
June 19 Juneteenth Federal Holiday – no classes, office closed
June 23 Deadline for new student applications for admission
July 04 Independence Day; School office closed
August 04-09 Final exams
August 11 Graduation & Reception
August 13 Students depart by end of day
August 15 End of lease term Terrace Court Apartments
August 16 Staff professional development and workday
August 16 Board of Directors meets
August 31 Fall 2023 tuition due


NOTES:
STUDENTS IN PAID JOBS FOLLOW WORK SCHEDULES AS DETERMINED BY THE EMPLOYER, WHICH MAY
DIFFER FROM HORIZONS SCHOOL’S ACADEMIC CALENDAR.
STUDENTS WHO ARE ALSO ENROLLED AT JEFFERSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL FOLLOW THAT
ACADEMIC CALENDAR TO ATTEND COLLEGE CLASSES.
CALENDAR DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOLLOWING GUIDANCE FROM GOVERNMENT AND HEALTH
OFFICIALS.
Approved Mar. 02, ‘22 by the Board of Directors.