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East Hill Farm School

farm school at east hill farmEast Hill Farm Educational Mission:
To provide a hands on educational experience which incorporates the theoretical
and practical applications of farm related tasks. To provide an awareness and
appreciation of the importance of agriculture to our individual existence and global sustainability.

East Hill Farm School provides middle school students with a meaningful, hands on farm experience. Students will learn life long skills related to animal husbandry, sustainability, and farm-to-table concepts throughout their stay. School groups visit the farm for a 2 to 4 day immersion experience completing necessary farm chores and attending workshops, all while having fun and furthering their academic success. Through our school program, students will help us run the farm from milking the cows to fixing fences to helping manage the fields and surrounding woodlands. By caring for the animals and gaining a stronger appreciation for environmental stewardship, the farm will begin to feel like a home away from home.

Follow this link to learn about our Farm School program through the eyes of students from The JP Manning School in Jamaica Plain, MA.

Farm Work
On our 150 acres, we raise heritage breed cows, goats, and pigs along with horses, sheep, chickens and other farm animals. Students work with the farm staff to accomplish morning and afternoon chores including cow and goat milking, cleaning stalls, grooming and feeding the animals.  There is also basic farm maintenance such as fence repair, wood stacking, feeding chart development, basic animal medical care, and breeding chart development. Activities that get the students into the woods and fields are part of the work day.

Activity Choices
Free time is incorporated into the schedule allowing time for students to take a break and enjoy a variety of activities including swimming in our indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hiking, playing basketball, crafting, and candle making.  Please indicate any activity preferences when inquiring about a visit.

Farm School Workshops
Teachers work with the Farm School Director to choose the specific workshops that students will participate in.  The workshops are for all students and include Butter and Cheese Making, Pond Ecology, Farm Sustainability and Mushroom Mycology along with many others.  See Workshop Summaries and Standards for details of each workshop.

Some Helpful Information:
Farm School students and teachers will typically be housed in our Trailsend building.  Each room has either a queen bed or two twin beds and a bathroom.  Teachers will be responsible for supervising students during time in lodging.

A General Packing List is provided. Please note that depending on time of year, packing list may be modified.  Students and teachers will be working hands on at the Farm, so pack clothes that can get dirty as well as solid foot wear.

How do we get to East Hill Farm?  Click here for Driving Directions.

The food at East Hill Farm is all homemade, fresh and supplied to us as locally as possible.  Click here for a Sample Menu for Farm School.

Farm School for Homeschooled Students:
Opportunities abound for homeschool families to experience life on the farm. Join us for a 2 to 4 night stay for Farm School students (ages 10-17) and their families. Farm School students will participate in farm work and workshops while their families enjoy special time together on the farm. Homeschool groups, call to set up your week on the farm!