On Academics and Work Ethic:
Alex: "This school taught me to have a work ethic."
Alex: "I want to learn more than what is on the SOL (Standard of Learning) test…You learn more than what is required here [at the Farm School]."
Bronte: "I shadowed recently at a private school in Hagerstown, Maryland. I went to Geometry, Spanish, and Biology. The things they were learning I pretty much already knew."
Alex: "I learned the true meaning of education...This school taught me the value of an education…Even when things are hard, you just have to get over it. Things aren't going to be handed to you – you need to work hard…This school taught me to appreciate what educators do for us…This school brought out the joys of childhood and learning. You actually like to go to school…It is everything that is good for you and what you like all mixed into one."
On Sports:
Amanda: "I was in the best shape of my life at the Farm School…I appreciated gaining confidence in myself playing speedball, or canoeing, or hiking Old Rag – doing things I didn't think I could do."
Jimi: "At the Farm School we had more activity – not sitting at a desk for an hour and half at a time."
Alex: "Now [at a traditional high school], by the end of the day you have to hold my legs down because I am so fidgety."
Clayton: "I thought about going to public high school in 9th grade because I am a sports fan and wanted to play sports. But then I realized that at the Farm School we get to play speedball, or soccer, or softball for about an hour every day all year, in the rain, snow, whatever. We play hard in these games. They are intense. In public school I would have to sit most of the day, then if I did play a sport it would only be for a few months, for a little bit of time after school."
To Sum it Up:
Alex: "I think the landscape influences the experience you have. Every year is different."
Jimi: "There will be a new challenge [at the Farm School] every year.
Amanda: "And that is the way it is supposed to be."
