Penn Farm
2025 Harvest - 31,967 lbs. | 2024 Harvested - 20,112 lbs.
Total Harvested since 2015 - 178,154 lbs.
Colonial's unique Agriculture Degree program is further set apart through a partnership with the Trustees of the New Castle Common. Students will practice their knowledge learned in class on a living farm, Historic Penn Farm, which is adjacent to school property. The District leases land from the Trustees for its community-supported, student-focused operation, Penn Farm.
Agriculture students work directly with other students in other STEM programs and also work closely with our Culinary Program students and Nutrition Services in our “farm to school to table” program. Each student, upon graduation and completion of the pathway in Agriculture, will receive a related industry-recognized certification(s).
The study of Agriculture at William Penn High School focuses on three fundamental areas: plant science, animal science, and environmental science.
Plant Science applies the principles of agriculture, biology, and chemistry of plant life.
Connecting to our Environmental Science program, students combine economics, policy, and ecology to study ecosystems and natural resources.
Our Animal Science program emphasizes animal nutrition, care, and how animals interact with our food systems.
Farmers Market
Penn Farm this year will not be at any public markets but will have produce available to the public on Tuesdays, 12 pm – 5 pm at The Farm Stand on Frenchtown Rd. E.
Community Supported Agriculture
We have our Summer CSA Program (June-September). Pick up is on Tuesdays, 12 pm – 5 pm at the Farm Stand located on Frenchtown Rd E. (Rt. 273).
Farm to School
At Penn Farm, students will practice the knowledge learned in the classroom on a living farm, adjacent to school property. Students learn each aspect of farming in real time from seeds to harvest.
Agriculture students work directly with culinary students and Nutrition Services in our “Farm to School” program. Vegetables grown on the farm are utilized by the District’s Nutrition Service.
In addition to Penn Farm, students at most of the District’s Elementary Schools and Middle Schools have the opportunity to grow fresh vegetables in their school gardens. Produce grown by students is harvested and incorporated into the school meal program! This is made possible through a partnership with Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids, a non-profit organization specializing in school gardens in Delaware.
Colonial School District Summer Food Program
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides healthy meals and snacks to children when school is not in session. The SFSP is a federally funded program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is managed locally by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE). The goal of the SFSP is to ensure that children receive the nutrition they need to continue to grow, learn, and play throughout the summer months!
A Special Thanks to those who have donated this year or in the past!
