Dear Friends of Horizons at Harley,
Last week, we shared the importance of play in children's development and how our Fall Saturday Program creates opportunities for students to build friendships, develop confidence, and experience the simple joy of being kids. This week, we want to celebrate something else that makes Horizons at Harley so special: the beautiful green spaces of The Harley School campus and the opportunities they provide for our students to thrive. Each Saturday, our students have room to run, explore, invent games, and connect with one another in the fresh air. Whether they're racing across the grass, enjoying the playground, or simply spending time outdoors with friends, these moments are about much more than having fun. They are opportunities to grow physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. For our students, access to Harley's outdoor spaces is an important part of the Horizons experience, and one we never take for granted.
Research increasingly tells us that where children play and learn matters just as much as how they spend their time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes that access to green spaces supports children's physical activity, mental health, and social development. Exposure to nature has also been associated with lower stress levels, improved attention, and stronger cognitive development. In fact, a 2022 systematic review of 28 studies found that 79% reported an association between access to green space and improved developmental outcomes for children. Other research suggests that natural environments can help children restore their attention, regulate emotions, and develop the concentration and self-regulation skills that support classroom learning. While the evidence linking green space directly to academic test scores is still developing, the connection between children's well-being and their readiness to learn is compelling. At Horizons, we know that academic success doesn't begin and end with reading and math instruction. It is nurtured through movement, exploration, relationships, and the opportunity to experience the world beyond classroom walls.
Access to safe, welcoming green spaces should not be a privilege reserved for some children. Yet across our community, children have vastly different opportunities to experience nature, outdoor recreation, and the freedom to play. Through Horizons at Harley, we are helping bridge that gap, welcoming Rochester students onto a campus where they can learn, explore, build relationships, and experience the many benefits of time outdoors. Combined with our commitment to swim safety, academic enrichment, and social-emotional development, these experiences help us nurture healthy, confident, curious young people who are better prepared for success in school and in life. When you give to Horizons at Harley, you're investing not only in a child's education, but also in their health, happiness, and future. And when our children thrive, our entire Rochester community grows stronger. Thank you for helping us make these opportunities possible.
With gratitude,
Claire
