VISION AND HISTORY
In August of 1996, a cadre of individuals graduated from the Teton Science School in Jackson, Wyoming as Professional Residents in Envioronmental Education. They had spent a life-changing year together honing their visions, preparing for the work ahead as they trained to become Directors of Education Centers. Several have gone on to start and direct centers in Colorado, Central America, Utah and (you guessed it) North Carolina. Screech Owl's founder was among these graduates.
Screech Owl Farm School officially opened in August of 1998 at the request of a small group of parents. While the vision of the school had driven Cecelia Carver's choices and research for 10 years, and her work in Wyoming planned towards a center in Chatham County, it was this request which served as the catalyst to begin offering programs.
Today, Screech Owl Farm School is a Community Education Center open to the public through enrollment in programs. We focus on bridging the rural world and the 21st century. In the rural world, we identify the confluence of agricultural and environmental understanding through Farm Ecology. We teach life skills related to rural living, and use these as the way across the bridge to the future.
" Practicing Farm Ecology to cross the Bridge."
During the school year we are available to implement Afterschool Science Enrichment programs in Chatham County schools. We have a history of offering excellent programs and an established curriculum. Sessions are student-centered, relevant to every day life and completely hands-on.
Also throughout the year Screech Owl offers field trips for adults on local conservation land held under the stewardship of Triangle Land Conservancy.
In the summer, Screech Owl Farm School offers one-week Farm Ecology Camps for children. Each day a different farm hosts the students. They have a chance to work side-by-side with the farmer, participating and helping in farm-life. Again, small teams and intensive preparation by educators ensure the highest quality learning experience for participants.