A public charter school for students in grades K-12. K-4 starting Fall 2019
www.afsahighschool.com
651-209-3910
AFSA High School opened its doors as the Agricultural and Food Sciences Academy in the fall of 2001. Students started attended classes in a small rented portion of a Roseville school building which was sponsored by Northeast Metro 916. Within a short two years, AFSA grew from having 39 students in grades 9 and 10 to over 150 students in grades 9-12! In 2005, the AFSA Building Company constructed the current facility and AFSA moved to its permanent home in Vadnais Heights. In 2008 the school name was changed to emphasize science, with hopes to help people in the Metro area understand the breadth of the Agricultural/Science industry. Another change that year was a move to sponsorship (now Authorizer) by Audubon Center of the North Woods. In 2011 the school expanded by adding grades 7 and 8. Currently, the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture (AFSA High School) serves 300 7-12 grade students from over 25 different MN school districts.
AFSA’s mission is to engage students in academically rigorous, student-centered learning experiences and leadership opportunities within a science and agricultural context. To that end, AFSA offers core curriculum that meets or exceeds state standards. Unique to AFSA, specialized courses are offered in the areas of Plant Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Environmental Science and Engineering. AFSA proudly partners with major agricultural/science entities in the Metro area including CHS, Cargill, General Mills, Land O’Lakes, Boston Scientific, the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC), and the National FFA Organization. AFSA currently works with the University of Minnesota to offer nine different “College in the Schools” classes to its students.
Becky Meyer, who is a licensed MN Principal and Superintendent, began her journey with AFSA in 2002 as the Assistant Director and became Director the following year. She has been with AFSA through most of the growth and changes so far as AFSA has developed into the school it is. Becky has a background in Agricultural and Science Education, an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin River Falls, and a Master’s degree from Purdue in Educational Administration. Nancy Schultz has been with AFSA since 2008 and is an accomplished charter school business manager. Several staff members have been at AFSA for 8 or more years.
In 2001, AFSA had six licensed teachers on staff, and a total of nine employees. In 2013 there are 28 licensed teachers serving AFSA students. Employee numbers have risen to 65 including teachers, office staff, support staff, bus drivers, cooks and custodians. Staff development takes place annually for all categories of employees, and teachers are a part of the Q-Comp program which is funded through the Department of Education. Teachers are licensed in the area which they are teaching.
As it enters its thirteenth year of operation, AFSA has garnered over $1,000,000 in donations and grants from state, federal and local sources, including a $500,000 federal charter renovation grant. For the past five years, the average annual corporate and private donations total $100,000.
AFSA’s curriculum is based on Minnesota state standards and incorporates hands-on and project-based learning where ever possible. Each year, Students in all grades are required to complete an independent research project. As a member of the Minnesota State High School League, AFSA has a comprehensive athletic program, and has a wide variety of after school clubs and organizations. Opportunities include FIRST Robotics, FFA, athletics, Dance Club, Jazz Band, Choir, Cooking Club, and more.
AFSA can proudly share that its students are consistently accepted into the colleges of their choice and over 33% of our graduates go on to agriculturally-related careers. Students have received state and/or national recognition through the National FFA, Youth in Government, World Food Prize, World Savvy, and FIRST Robotics. Students have been given amazing opportunities! Students have met with the President of Cargill, shown their science fair projects at General Mill’s in-house Tech conference, managed a giving garden with employees at Land O’Lakes, and mingled with corporate board members at our agribusiness partner’s annual meetings. Others have presented their FFA debate topic to Amy Kloubuchar, studied on an Eco-tour to Costa Rica, and are some of the very few charter school students who have won Scholars of Distinction awards from MDE and Research Internships in China.
The AFSA School board has always included community members, with representatives from many of our agricultural partners over the years. Our current school board consists of 3 teachers, 3 parents and 3 community members. They meet monthly and develop the long term strategic plan, develop policies and goals and evaluate the school’s director.
The next step in AFSA’s journey is to add 5th and 6th grade and a second location. AFSA is committed to small class sizes and small communities. Each location would have a maximum of 300 students to ensure a community where everyone can know everyone. Target class size remains at 25 or less, with aims of lower numbers in the younger grades. AFSA students, families and staff have a strong sense of community and many activities are done for the purpose of developing strong relationships and a sense of caring. Parents and students share stories of a caring environment where their children are safe, how they fit in, have friends, and how they are accomplishing more than they thought possible in a caring environment.
The Academy for Sciences & Agriculture engages learners in academically rigorous, student-centered learning experiences and leadership opportunities within a science and agricultural context.
Our focus is on the development of life-long learners who have high skill levels, care for others, and are prepared to thrive in a diverse, global, and changing society. Family involvement, community support and partnerships with agribusiness and educational organizations will be emphasized.
The Academy provides a nurturing environment that:
• Prepares students for post-secondary education;
• Develops, evaluates and continuously improves student learning experiences;
• Integrates projects into the curriculum;
• Meets individual needs;
• Clearly defines high expectations for student performance; and
• Respects differences.
