FAQ

1.  What kinds of students are enrolled in the Agricultural Education Program?

Agriculture is the largest industry in the United States.  It is estimated that 1 in 11 jobs are related to the agriculture industry!  Our goal is to prepare students for success in career and college readiness in the agricultural sciences.  Students who are dedicated to their studies and are passionate about an aspect of agriculture are encouraged to apply!  The expectations of our program require students and parents to be committed to the program for the student to be successful.  

2.  What level are the classes offered in the Ag-Ed Program?

All classes are weighted as College Prep classes, with the exception of UConn Early College Experience courses, which are weighted the same as Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  Classes that are offered in the Ag-Ed Program through the UConn ECE Program include: Introduction to Horticulture, Floral Design 1 & 2, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, and Introduction to Companion Animal.  Students who earn a "C" or higher in these courses will be awarded credit to UConn, which can be transferred to most other colleges.  

3.  How is Ag-Ed Scheduled? 

Ag-Ed is an elective course.  During the freshmen year students are scheduled for one period every other day (1 credit).  During the sophomore year, students are scheduled for an Ag class every day (2 credits).  Finally, during their Junior and Senior year, students will earn 1.5 credits each year in one of their majors.  

4.  Who pays for students to attend the Agricultural Education Program at KHS? 

There is no cost to the parents of students for tuition and transportation.  The sending town pays the tuition, which is set by the State of Connecticut.  The sending town must provide transportation to KHS according to state statue. 

5.  Can my child be involved in other sports, clubs, and electives at KHS? 

YES!!!  Once your child is accepted into the Ag-Ed program, they are a KHS student.  Students are able to take any available elective courses, join clubs, and participate in sports that KHS offers.  Some things we have students currently participating in include: Band, Marching Band, Wrestling, GSA, Drama Club, Field Hockey, Chorus, Golf, National Honor Society, Softball, Basketball, Chemistry Club, Football, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Redline Staff (school newspaper), Soccer, etc. 

6.  How can Ag-Ed help my GPA? 

Because our courses are weighted as College Prep classes and Early College Experience courses are weighted as Advanced Placement (AP) classes, agricultural education courses can help improve a students GPA.  The Ag-Ed Program has had numerous valedictorians and salutatorians at graduation over the years.  

7.  What scholarships are available to Ag-Ed students? 

There are many scholarship opportunities for our students.  Our FFA Parents & Alumni group and the Ag-Ed Department each provide scholarships to seniors, totaling over $15,000 each year.  The National FFA Organization has scholarships sponsored by agricultural businesses nationwide that many of our students have received over the years.  We also have a unique scholarship in the Laura Pike-Rowe Scholarship.  This scholarship goes to students who want to major in horticulture or forestry in college and may be renewed each year the student is in college.  

8.  How does agricultural education help students become college and career ready? 

Our courses are rigorous and include extensive laboratory experiences in all of our content areas.  We have facilities and equipment to allow our students to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-world situations.  The Supervised Agricultural Experience offers students the opportunity too reinforce the classroom content through placement in an ag-related business or not-for-profit, starting a small business, conducting a research project, and exploring career choices.

9.  What opportunities does the FFA (student leadership organization) provide?

All students are expected to become members of the FFA as it is intra-curricular in our program.  Your dues makes you a member of the local chapter, State FFA Association and the National FFA Organization.  Each level provides students with opportunities for competition, leadership development, scholarships, travel opportunities, and career exploration.  

10.  What colleges have our graduates attended?  

Our graduates have attended the following schools: 

• UConn
• Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, UConn
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Quinebaug Valley Community College
• Manchester Community College
• Western Connecticut State University
• SUNY- Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY
• University of Rhode Island
• Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
• Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI
• Unity College, Unity ME
• New England University, Biddeford, ME
• University of Main- Orono, ME
• Mitchell College, New London, CT
• Clark University, Worcester, MA
• Becker College, Worcester, MA