Penn Farm

Basic Information

Grade Level: 9-12
Address: William Penn High School 713 E. Basin Rd. New Castle, DE 19720 Attn: Brian Erskine
Person of Contact: Brian M. Erskine, Ed.D. Supervisor of School Reform
Phone Number: 302.323.2800 x2402

Action Shots

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Additional Information

Student Size: 2500
Hours/Week: 20
Funding: Sales, Grants, Public
Gardens (Sq. Feet): 160,000
Program Highlights:

School farm supplies fresh vegetables and herbs to the school's Culinary Arts program. Also, the students operate a 30-member CSA. There are opportunities in the year for the public to visit the farm, engage with students and take home some fresh produce.

Mission Statement:

Every student college & career ready…

Program History:

The Penn Farm Program was initiated in 2011. 2012 will be the first full year of operation.

Volunteer Participation: The project is joint venture supported by Delaware Greenways, Inc. and the Trustees of the New Castle Common, both volunteer organizations.
Program Information:

 Under the leadership of Dr. Brian Erskine, and the Agriscience Department, we are launching a new effort to bring students onto the farm.  There high school students will learn the practical aspects of modern food production, high tech science in a variety of disciplines and have a “hands on” experience with business that will prepare them for higher education and a demanding employment market. In short we are bringing back William Penn’s idea of farmland in support of the prosperity of an urban center. And we all thought the trends of local food, supporting local agriculture, and linking farms to community were something new we had thought up! Not really – these ideas are more than 300 years old! There will be good, fresh food for the residents of New Castle coming from land preserved in common for their benefit. People can once again walk (or ride bicycles) out to the Penn Farm, talk to those farming the land, enjoy the views – and take home dinner!