Rocky View Schools has announced that The Farm program will be ending at the end of this school year and will no longer be available to RVS after this June. Approximately 50 students in Grades 9-10 currently attend the program, which was launched in 2019 to offer agricultural-based programming.  

"Given the specific land, services, specialty spaces and equipment required to make The Farm possible, RVS will not be able to offer the program to students in 2023/24," RVS wrote. 

According to RVS, the school division considers many factors when making decisions on optional programs, such as student needs, enrollment numbers, government funding, space and facilities available, special resource requirements, staffing, costs and others.

"RVS appreciates the opportunity we have had to explore a new educational offering for students on the property. We are taking this time to explore the needs of our students across the division more broadly to consider what a new program might include in the future."

Students currently enrolled in The Farm will be automatically registered with their designated high school for next year and can work with their school on finding other opportunities that appeal to their interests and passions.   

“We applaud the hard work of the teachers, students, families and community members who brought this program to life,” said Greg Luterbach, RVS Superintendent of Schools. “We hope to harness that creative, innovative spirit to continue to offer unique programming in the future that supports student learning.”  

RVS underlined that they continue to offer several other programs of choice, including Building Futures, a program where Grade 10 students learn how to build a house from the ground up.

"The Mechanics Training Centre, in partnership with Airdrie’s Cam Clark Ford, provides another unique opportunity for students interested in automotive mechanics to learn skills to help them on that career path."

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