OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL
FREEDOM FARMER ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS
Education that Grows Community
Who We Are:
Building off of the success of the OHS Freedom Farmers, we are expanding alternative, experiential block-class programs for Olympia High School students.
Our hands-on, outdoor and community-based educational model is for students who thrive when they can apply academic learning to relevant community and environmental issues.
Link: Statement of Understanding
We currently offer 3 Block-Class Options:
THE FREEDOM FARMERS BLOCK-CLASS 1
(9th Grade – 6 periods)
Utilizing a beautiful farm owned by the Olympia School District, participating students engage in the production of fresh vegetables for the district cafeterias, the Thurston County Food Bank, Safeplace, and the City of Olympia SKIPP free lunch program. While leading community food work, students earn credits in the following subjects:
English (9th), Social Studies (World History), P.E./Health, Math (Algebra 1), Science (Agroecology) and CTE Sustainable Agriculture
FF-1 2022/23 Alternative Schedule - Muirhead Farm Site:
| Mondays |
Tuesdays |
Wednesdays |
Thursdays |
Fridays |
|
9:30 - Noon
(AG/Science)
|
9:30 - Noon
(Math/ELA/
Social Studies)
|
Asynchronous learning
from home
|
9:30 - Noon
(Ag/Science)
|
9:30 - Noon
(Math/ELA/
Social Studies)
|
THE FREEDOM FARMERS BLOCK-CLASS 2
(10th / 11th Grade – 6 periods)
Students continue critical community food work on our farm and in the community with emphasis on perennial fruit, berry, and medicinal plant production. Furthermore, students engage in learning about native ecosystems and the relationships indigenous tribes forged with those ecosystems. Environmental restoration work on our farm and in the community is also a focus area in partnership with the City of Olympia and the Thurston Conservation District. Students earn credits in the following subjects:
English (10th/11th), Social Studies (American Studies), P.E., Math (Geometry), Science (Ethnobotany), and CTE Farm Management
FF-2 2022/23 Alternative Schedule - Muirhead Farm Site:
|
Mondays
|
Tuesdays
|
Wednesdays
|
Thursdays
|
Fridays
|
|
12:30 - 3:00pm
(Math/ELA/
Social Studies)
|
12:30 - 3 pm
(Ag/Science)
|
Asynchronous learning
from home
|
12:30 - 3:00pm
(Math/ELA/
Social Studies)
|
12:30 - 3 pm
(Ag/Science)
|
THE FREEDOM FARMERS BLOCK-CLASS 3
(11th / 12th Grade – 4 periods)
For older students interested in engaging in community work beyond food security, our new social justice program will provide students opportunities to work on issues related to economic security, community organizing, and social justice. Our new class will include partnerships with relevant local organizations and governmental programs to provide students with real life training in community work. This is a shorter block-class option that provides flexibility for students interested in taking courses on the main campus, New Market Skills Center, ORLA, or other alternatives. Students earn credits in the following subjects:
English (11th/12th), Social Studies (Ethnic Studies/Civics), Applied Art
FF-3 2022/23 Alternative Schedule - Muirhead Farm Site:
|
Mondays
|
Tuesdays
|
Wednesdays
|
Thursdays
|
Fridays
|
|
1 pm - 3 pm
Volunteering/
Community
Service
OR
Asynchronous
learning from
home
|
1 pm - 3 pm
In-Person
Learning
|
1 pm - 3 pm
In-Person
Learning
|
1 pm - 3 pm
Volunteering/
Community
Service
OR
Asynchronous
learning from
home
|
1 pm - 3 pm
In-Person
Learning
|
LOCATION:
Students will primarily meet and work at our district farm site off-campus from Olympia High School – 4800 Siskiyou Street SE Olympia, WA 98501.
We also will schedule service learning field trips in partnership with local community organizations and programs.
TRANSPORTATION:
At this time, we are not able to provide school bus transportation to and from our farm site. Students are responsible for getting to the farm on their own. Our farm site is conveniently located on a city bus route (#68). Students are also welcome to drive themselves or be dropped off by parents/guardians. Please let us know if consistent transportation to and from the farm is a barrier and we can work together to figure out a plan.
APPLICATION:
To be considered for our program, students must complete the following on-line application form.
2022 OHS Freedom Farmers Application
Following the successful completion of the application, program staff will be in contact to schedule an interview/ try on day at the farm. After the interview, students and OHS counselors will be contacted to finalize schedules and best block-class placement based on student interests and credit needs. If you want to join our program in the fall 2022, please fill out an application and contact your counselor at OHS and Cindel Tobias (one of the program instructors, email listed below). Some cohorts may have a couple spots available or we can put you on our waitlist.
Please contact Cindel Tobias via [email protected] for any questions or interest in the program.