Everything about the landscape of Chicago from it's soil, but most especially it's location contribute to Chicago's place within the Agricultural Community. As such, it almost has a duty to it's community, it's history, and the nation to further the industry.
A unique feature in the Chicago Public School system is something many school districts cannot conceive of. This would be known as Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. This completely public school is a 39-acre working farm. It is the second school in the nation of its kind. NPR recently did a segment of the school's one of a kind curriculum.
The school of about 600 students has a daily agenda of raising cows, running a fish farm, growing corn, apples and pickles. Much like Southern California's Pierce College, the school runs it's own farm, selling the goods it produces. Of course the school isn't solely concerned on the products the farm will turn out, it is also concerned with the same areas of studies as other schools across the country. This school is a way to create a new and revived interest in a self sustaining community. What better way to prepare teens for the real world then to have them work the farm, learn sound business practices in the comfort of an environment that is set up and invested in their success. In many other places in the world, such as college or the work field there is not an investment in one's success.
The school's website states:
"The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences is being looked at as a model for schools of this kind in other cities across the country. Our school serves as a
model not only for its innovative curriculum, but also for dropout prevention and exceptional student motivation. We combine an academic learning environment with hands-on practice in a way that maximizes student success."
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