“Ever felt the pull of a community with global reach?” Here at Horizon North County, that’s precisely what you’ll find. Horizon North County has roots tracing back to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and Pastor Chuck Smith.
Pastor Chuck founded Calvary Chapel in the late 60s. Traditional churches often turned away the younger generation then. They didn’t like the long hair and counter-culture lifestyle. Pastor Chuck reached out with love and understanding. He did this without compromising Christian principles.
Pastor Mike MacIntosh, an assistant to Pastor Chuck, felt led to begin a home Bible study. This started in San Diego in 1973. By the summer of 1976, Horizon Christian Fellowship officially started. In 1993, a Horizon church plant started in San Diego’s North County. It began at the Del Mar Hilton.
Initially, there were less than 60 people. Pastor Mike handed the pastoring to Bob Botsford. With the completion of the current facility in Rancho Santa Fe, the church has taken off. Horizon North County ministers to over 3000 people weekly.
Horizon Christian Fellowship supports many missionaries and mission organizations. The impact of God’s work through Horizon is of global proportions. Horizon Prep first opened in 2000. It was then known as Horizon Christian Preschool.
Horizon Church in Rancho Santa Fe, California ran it. Pastor Bob Botsford led the church. They wanted to provide an academically excellent education based on the Bible. The Lord provided vision and resources to expand Horizon Prep.
By 2003, the Horizon campus grew. It included an additional 20 acres of land. Additional classrooms came with the space. More grades, athletic facilities, and a greater educational impact came too.
Today, Horizon Prep serves students with a Christ-centered classical education. This is for every age. Preschool through 12th Grade are included. Horizon Prep is known as a loving nurturing environment. It has high academic standards.
Standardized test scores are in the top 97th percentile nationwide. Horizon Prep students receive instruction in core subjects. They also learn Latin and Spanish. Bible, Art, Music, Library, Technology and Physical Education are taught as well.
Horizon Prep has been honored as ‘Best Preschool’ in North County San Diego. This recognition comes from the readers of Ranch and Coast Magazine. It has received this honor for over 10 years. Horizon Prep has steadily grown over the past 20 years. This includes the physical campus and the grades available.
It also includes the ways that students are served. Horizon Prep’s milestones include several key dates. In 2000, Horizon Preschool started. By 2003, Horizon Prep grew. It included Grammar School Grades. Logic School Grades were added in 2004. The Lion’s Den Gymnasium had its grand opening in 2011.
The Rhetoric School launched in 2013. Horizon Prep’s First Graduating Class was in 2017. In 2017, Horizon Prep was granted CIF Accreditation. Horizon Prep Rhetoric School’s inaugural Israel Trip was in 2018. The HP Tennis Courts had a ribbon cutting in 2019. There was a groundbreaking of a New School Entrance in 2023. An Office Building and Grammar school Classrooms were also added.
Horizon Prep’s mission is clear. It educates the whole student. This occurs within a Christian context. Spiritual, social, mental, and physical development are included. As an extension of the ministry of the Church, Horizon Prep helps students. It helps them cultivate a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Horizon Prep encourages students’ gifts. It inspires each student to realize his or her full potential. This is for serving God in spirit and truth. Horizon Prep envisions preparing a generation. It prepares them to be spiritually mature and academically advanced. They should be physically equipped and socially developed. This is for a life of opportunity and service to the glory of God.
Horizon North County continues to impact lives locally and globally. From its humble beginnings to its current expansive ministry, it remains committed. It is committed to its foundational principles. It also provides a nurturing, Christ-centered environment for all.