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.
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
DRAFT 2022/23 Alternative Schedule - Muirhead Farm Site:
| Mondays |
Tuesdays |
Wednesdays |
Thursdays |
Fridays |
| 9:30 - 3:00pm |
9:30 - Noon
12:30 - 3:00pm
Optional
academic
support
|
Asynchronous
learning from
home
|
9:30 - 3:00pm |
9:30 - Noon
12:30 - 3:00pm
Optional
academic
support
|
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
DRAFT 2022/23 Alternative Schedule - Muirhead Farm Site:
|
Mondays
|
Tuesdays
|
Wednesdays
|
Thursdays
|
Fridays
|
|
9:30 - Noon
12:30 - 3:00pm
Optional
academic
support
|
9:30 - 3 pm
|
Asynchronous
learning from
home
|
9:30 - Noon
12:30 - 3:00pm
Optional
academic
support
|
9:30 - 3 pm
|
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, Math - Statistics
DRAFT 2022/23 Alternative Schedule - Muirhead Farm Site:
|
Mondays
|
Tuesdays
|
Wednesdays
|
Thursdays
|
Fridays
|
|
12:30 -3 pm
Volunteering/
Community
Service
OR
Asynchronous
learning from
home
|
12:30 - 3 pm
In-Person
Learning
|
12:30 - 3 pm
In-Person
Learning
|
12:30 -3 pm
Volunteering/
Community
Service
OR
Asynchronous
learning from
home
|
12:30 - 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:
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. We are also working with the Olympia School District on a transportation plan to make sure transport to the farm is not a barrier for any student.
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 that application, program staff will be in contact to schedule an interview on the farm this May. After the interview, students will be contacted to finalize the schedule and best block-class placement based on student interests and credit needs.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact your OHS school counselor or the following program instructors:
Luke Duerre: [email protected]
Cindel Tobias: [email protected]