Horizons at Carolina Day School - A Promise Fulfilled
Posted on by Bill Hansen, Development and Communications Manager
When Horizons at Carolina Day School (CDS) opened its doors in 2018, fifteen bright rising first graders stepped into a classroom filled with promise and possibility. What began as a bold vision to create greater educational equity has blossomed into a thriving program serving 135 students each summer—and soon, Horizons at CDS will celebrate its first graduating class. In 2026, those same students who began their journey as six-year-olds will move on to high school, marking a powerful milestone for both them and the program that has supported their growth every step of the way.
The idea for Horizons at CDS began in 2015, when community leaders and education advocates Swati Patel and Himanshu Karvir learned about the national Horizons model. They saw the need for new ways to bridge opportunity gaps in Asheville—gaps that often prevent children from accessing the kinds of enriching, high-quality learning experiences that spark confidence and success. Their determination, coupled with the partnership of Carolina Day School, turned that vision into reality.
Under the guidance of founding Executive Director Monica Antonazzo and the first teaching team, Bess Bryan and Christy Buchanan, Horizons at CDS launched with a commitment to excellence and community connection. Early partnerships, including with Ms. Elinor Earle of Youthful Hand, helped identify and enroll the first group of students—laying the foundation for the trusted relationships that continue to sustain the program today.
Since that first summer, Horizons at CDS has become a place where learning feels joyful and empowering. Students return year after year to a six-week Summer Academy that blends reading, math, STEM, art, swimming, and enrichment—all led by professional and caring educators. The results speak for themselves: students gain 6–10 weeks of academic growth each summer and build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning that lasts all year long.
As Horizons CDS prepares to begin serving high school students by 2026, its story is one of collective impact—a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in opportunity and nurture potential, helping every child learn and grow.