It all started with one woman who saw a need, and her determination to see that need met.
In 1978, in North Olmsted, Ohio, Mary Smith noticed that her children’s friends were returning to empty homes after long school days. They would come to be known as latchkey kids, letting themselves in, only to be supervised by a console television set.
Mrs. Smith was troubled by this trend, as well as a lack of art programs in her community. So, she set out to do something about them both. Before long, Horizon Afterschool Center was born.
Today, 14 Horizon Education Centers span Lorain and Western Cuyahoga Counties and represent some of Greater Cleveland’s premier and top-rated early childhood educational programs.
Every location is highly-rated under Ohio’s Step Up to Quality rating system, ensuring every Horizon child has a qualified teacher, established, proven curriculum, dedicated family engagement, routine developmental screenings and parents have electronic access to their children’s learning material.
Through the years, we’ve built strong partnerships throughout the metropolitan area. We are proud to have flourishing relationships with Pre4Cle, Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), PNC Bank, Starting Point, Art House, Music Settlement, Cleveland Public Library and the Cleveland Food Pantry. In Lorain County, Horizon is a proud partner with United Way, Lorain County Community Action Agency, the Department of Jobs and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, ServeOhio, and the Nordson Corporation. Each of these affiliations are vital to our core mission and help join us to other Cleveland-area charitable organizations, all united to meet the needs of children and youth in Northeast Ohio.
For 46 years, Horizon has been at the forefront of providing the best care and education, significantly shaping children’s lives for generations. Today, David H. Smith leads Horizon as Executive Director of our nonprofit organization, continuing his mother’s legacy and upholding her example as our inspiration and commitment to excellence in everything we do for our children and our communities.
It all started with Mary Smith’s compassion and vision. And 46 years later, these values are our enduring mission.
Happy birthday, Horizon!
Our Mission: To provide high-quality early childhood education, care and youth development programs.
Horizon Offers Many Benefits to Enrolled Students, Including:
Step Up to Quality top-rated programs
Curriculum linked to state standards
Individualized learning plans
Year-round learning
Degree-holding lead teachers
State-of-the-art facilities
Large indoor and outdoor moto skills areas
Homework assistance and educational programs
Clubs and field trips
Availability when school districts are closed
Financial assistance and scholarship opportunities
Community support and family engagement
