Zero Waste Farm

In cooperation with Sweetwater Union High District’s Nutrition Services department, various state grants, the CPA Eco Engineering program, the health department, and the USDA, we have developed a sustainable farm to grow and sell produce, striving to become a pioneer and model school for the Farm to School initiative. Through our partnership with Wild Willow Farm, students are provided workshops to educate them on the importance of sustainable farming practices, and the importance of the Farm to School program. As part of the eco-engineering curriculum, students operate, care for, and maintain a field, greenhouse, chicken farm, and garden, gaining valuable agricultural experience and skills.

We believe that good health and nutrition can heal communities. By repurposing under-utilized land at our school to supply locally produced, organic foods we are accomplishing our goal. Through hand-on learning, our farm allows students to develop leadership skills and learn valuable lessons on the practicality of farming, composting, and service. To ensure the maintenance of the farm, we offer community service to students who choose to volunteer during Saturdays. During breaks, students are tasked with designing a calendar to maintain the farm. We also host community outreach efforts to teach our community members about the importance of sustainable practices, and do frequent collaborations with Nestor Elementary and the special education department. The produce we generate is sold to our community, employing the funds we generate to support the Academy and our efforts to promote STEM education.

Campus Projects

We have planted several water-conserving plants around the campus, such as dragon and passion fruit trees.

Greenhouse

Outside of our greenhouse, we have raised garden beds to grow smaller produce. We grow watermelons, chili, and strawberries. Students may choose to help maintain this farm during Saturday school by meeting with either Ms. Rettenmund in Room 1111 or Mr. Leaf in Room 1137. The produce is sold to our community.

Chicken Coup

We hold a California Egg Handler permit, complying with rigorous safety regulations. Our chickens coups can house as much as 400 birds, producing on average 10-12 eggs a day. These eggs are sold to the district’s Nutrition Services department for use in school cafeterias or distributed to our community. To promote sustainability, our chickens are fed our food scraps, making the most out of the waste we generate. Plans are underway to build an ADA accessible pathway.

Farm Field

Our newest addition to the farm, students have plowed and installed an irrigation system for a large-scale field. We are growing larger crops and increasing our produce yield. So far, we have collected cabbage, carrots, beets, and brocoli. Students are given training to operate BCS mini tractors.