Altario Agriculture Academy

The Altario Agriculture Academy began as a modest plan to create a school and community garden in an effort to celebrate the area's strong and successful agricultural heritage. In the fall of 2016, the old outdoor skating skating rink was transformed into a community/school garden, and 150 tulip bulbs were planted. A few months later, students, staff and many community members met to re-imagine Altario. Out of that meeting came the recurring theme of the importance of celebrating the agricultural heritage of the area and ensuring students had the opportunity to understand the incredible importance of agriculture as a rewarding career choice.

Since that time, and operating as a student led farm, the opportunities available to Academy students have increased considerably with the addition of a specially designed barn, various livestock, partnerships with research and local organizations. Recently, the operation was further expanded with a small retail arm selling farm products and other items made by the students themselves.

Building on its strong and successful agricultural heritage, the Altario school community developed a unique program to further foster the understanding of agriculture and its essential role for all humanity. In addition to completing the standard Alberta Curriculum, students actively participate in running the school farm and its retail arm by assuming various leadership roles and overseeing production. Students are provided with numerous opportunities to actively explore and gain an understanding of not only the diversity of agriculture, but also its significance.

With academics taking priority, Academy students complete the regular core courses needed for a high school diploma in the morning each day. Afternoon classes are strictly agricultural focused as students take part in school farm operations, daily work routines, off site visits, speakers, and other learning activities.