We are delighted that you are interested in joining the Horizons summer staff as a Teaching Assistant (TA). This role carries significant responsibility and requires a genuine interest in helping children achieve their fullest potential. TAs work closely with children in the classroom and as a part of other enrichment experiences serving as positive role models and caring members of our Horizons community. The majority of our staff returns each summer which means there are limited opportunities to hire new instructors. Once we have confirmed returning staff we will offer jobs to new hires.
Please read the information below before you continue with this application.
What is the Horizons Summer Program
Horizons Summer Program based at New Canaan Country School serves close to 300 children in grades K-9 living primarily in Stamford and Norwalk. This six-week Summer Program provides academic classes in reading writing and math as well as a wide range of creative and fun enrichment activities like swimming art music and field trips. Each class has ten to twelve students one Lead Teacher and one Teaching Assistant.
When will the Horizons Summer Program start and end
We are planning to hold an in-person orientation for new staff on June 18 2026 and an in-person full-day orientation on June 20 2026 for all staff. The Summer Program will begin on June 22 2026 and end on July 31 2026.
Can I still work with Horizons if I cant work full-time or the full six weeks
Teaching Assistants must commit to the full six weeks of our program which runs daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Because we only have 28 days with our children we need the staff to be a consistent presence in the full program.
What is the role of the Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistants support the Lead Teacher in providing educational enrichment activities to a group of ten to twelve children. TAs shepherd students to special programs and classes assist with snack and lunch setup and supervise field trips etc. TAs are active participants in the afternoon swim program helping students in the pool with instructional and recreational activities.
When will I know if I have been accepted
Announcements will be made in late March to early April. We have to find out who is returning before we know what positions are available.
Do I qualify for the TA position if I am not yet sixteen years old
In order to get a full-time paid position at Horizons you need to be at least sixteen and at least a junior in High School.
Recommendation & Parent/Guardian Consent Form
If applying please download the Recommendation Form and ask your recommender to send the completed form to
If you are under 18 your parent/guardian will need to complete the Parent and Guardian Consent Form and send it to
(Do NOT apply through the Apply link at the top right of this page.)
Required Experience:
Junior IC
New Canaan Country School is an independent, co-educational day school for students from Age 3 to Grade 9 from Fairfield and Westchester counties.