Simsbury A Better Chance
See this video capturing the first 40 years of Simsbury ABC
Simsbury A Better Chance offers a unique setting for our scholars. Students experience the independence of being away from home, yet at the same time there are supervised study hours, family meals and a Resident Directors who monitor daily the well-being of each student.
Students and staff live in a spacious home in the center of Simsbury, CT within walking distance to stores, churches, parks, bike trails, restaurants and school. The full kitchen is managed by a part-time cook who prepares healthy dinners on week nights. Meals are served family style around a large dining room table with students, Resident Directors and the Resident Tutor.
Also on the first floor, there are quiet study areas and a library equipped with computers and printers. The Resident Tutor supervises evening study hours and provides academic help. The goal is to create a warm and trusting family atmosphere. The students’ rooms are upstairs and include desks and study areas. Students share a bathroom, which has private showers.
Academic guidance is integral to our program. The academic progress and personal needs of our students are both closely monitored by the Resident Directors, Resident Tutor and Academic Advisors. Our goal is to ensure that every student’s efforts allow him to exceed the program’s grade point average requirement and earn admission to the college of his choice.
Also key to the program are the ABC Host Families. Each ABC student is linked to a host family for the four years they are in Simsbury. The host family has a son in the same grade as the ABC scholar. Scholars have the opportunity to participate in the family life of their host families during one full weekend and one evening each month with their host families.
The keystone of our program is Simsbury High School, which is among the leading public high schools in Connecticut. Simsbury High School’s mission is to help each student realize his/her potential by learning the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that promote both personal fulfillment and civic responsibility. Simsbury High School is led by Principal Maggie Seidel and is generously supported by the Town of Simsbury and its Board of Education. Simsbury High School is closely involved with the ABC Program. Other current and retired high school teachers and staff are also on the Board.