Student Handbook

Introduction to Horizons Academy

In 2006 the Nelson County Board of Education, with the direction and guidance of the district superintendent, director of secondary instruction, and other key district personnel, approved the plans to create an alternative school in Nelson County.

A horizon is a line in which the sky and earth appear to meet; it is also defined as a range of one’s knowledge, experience, or interests. We plan to equip our students with the tools and skills so they will be prepared for what is on the next horizon of life.

As a small group that has been given a large task, we, the faculty at Horizons Academy, will strive to make this new undertaking a great success, to help students understand their importance, and to help ensure they understand their importance into the next horizon of their life. We will do this by working together as a team by being persistent in the daily awareness of each student’s needs and by communicating these needs with each other. We will take pride in our work ethic and we will look beyond our own horizon to see what a difference we can make in each student at Horizons Academy.

Horizon Academy Mission Statement

Our goal is to foster a therapeutic environment that promotes educational, social, and emotional growth for students who are having difficulties in the comprehensive school setting and to teach each student to reach for brighter horizons.

Vision Statement

Helping Students Reach for Brighter Horizons

Horizon Philosophy

We believe…

In the uniqueness of each student
That all students can learn
In the importance, dignity, and respect that should be given to each person
That each student deserves a positive educational experience
In creating a non-threatening, needs-fulfilling learning environment for each student
In preparing each student to become a successful member of society