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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.  What kinds of students are enrolled in the Agricultural Education Program?

Our program enrolls students from all different backgrounds and experience levels within the field of Agriculture. Some students come from strong farming backgrounds but most are just interested in the career pathways we have to offer; such as Animal Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Aquaculture, Ag Engineering, Food Science or Biotechnology. Students who are successful in our program are students who are interested in are career pathways and are 'willing to work'. Our students are 'question-askers', hands-on learners, leaders and team players. Many of our students pursue a career in Agriculture after high school but for those that don't it becomes a life long interest or hobby. Students who are dedicated to their studies and are passionate about an aspect of agriculture are encouraged to apply. The expectations of our program require students and parents to be committed to the program for the student to be successful.  

2.  What does a career in the Agriculture Industry look like?

Agriculture is the largest industry in the United States.  It is estimated that 1 in 11 jobs are related to the agriculture and only a very small percentage (2%) are those directly involved in Production Agriculture, i.e. farming. Our goal is to prepare students for success in career and college readiness in any of the fields related to agriculture which includes; lab sciences, research, environmental protection, communications, animal care, food processing, entrepreneurship, engineering and many others. 

3.  What level are the classes offered in the Ag-Ed Program?

All classes are weighted as College Prep classes, with the exception of UConn Early College Experience courses, which are weighted the same as Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  Classes that are offered in the Ag-Ed Program through the UConn ECE Program include: Introduction to Horticulture, Floral Design 1 & 2, Nursery Landscape, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, and Introduction to Companion Animal Care.  Students who earn a "C" or higher in these courses will be awarded credit to UConn, which can be transferred to most other colleges.  

4.  How is Ag-Ed Scheduled? 

Ag-Ed is an elective course.  During the freshmen year all students are scheduled for the same exploratory course that meets for one period every other day (1 credit).  During the sophomore year, students will select two introductory courses in the two pathways most interesting to them. They are scheduled for Ag class every day and can earn a total of 2 credits.  During their Junior and Senior years, students enroll in one specialized course in their pathway of choice and will earn 1.5 credits each year.

5.  Who pays for students to attend the Agricultural Education Program at KHS? 

There is no cost to the parents of students for tuition and transportation.  The sending town pays the tuition, which is set by the State of Connecticut.  The sending town must provide transportation to KHS according to state statue. 

6.  Can my child be involved in other sports, clubs, and electives at KHS? 

YES!!!  Once your child is accepted into the Ag-Ed program, they are a KHS student.  Students are able to take any available elective courses, join clubs, and participate in sports that KHS offers.  Some things we have students currently participating in include: Band, Marching Band, Wrestling, GSA, Drama Club, Field Hockey, Chorus, Golf, National Honor Society, Softball, Basketball, Chemistry Club, Football, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Redline Staff (school newspaper), Soccer, etc. 

7.  How does Ag-Ed impact my GPA? 

Most Ag Ed courses are weighted as College Prep courses and some are Early College Experience courses which are weighted as Advanced Placement (AP) classes. This means that our curriculum is developed for students who intend to pursue college or other post-secondary education. Many Students in the Ag Ed Program are high achieving; each year we are represented in the 'Top 10' and in years past we've had Ag Ed students identified as valedictorians or salutatorians at graduation.

8.  What scholarships are available to Ag-Ed students? 

There are many scholarship opportunities for our students.  Our FFA Parents & Alumni group and the Ag-Ed Department each provide scholarships to seniors, totaling over $15,000 each year.  The National FFA Organization has scholarships sponsored by agricultural businesses nationwide that many of our students are eligible to receive.  We also have several a unique scholarships that are awarded through trusts, families or local organizations that are intended specifically for seniors in the Killingly Ag Education Program who intend to pursue Agriculture-Related Majors at the collegiate level.

9.  How does agricultural education help students become college and career ready? 

Our courses are rigorous and include extensive laboratory experiences in all of our content areas.  We have facilities and equipment to allow our students to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-world situations.  The Supervised Agricultural Experience offers students the opportunity too reinforce the classroom content through placement in an ag-related business or not-for-profit, starting a small business, conducting a research project, and exploring career choices.

10.  What opportunities does the FFA (student leadership organization) provide?

The FFA Mission is to "Make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for Career Success, Premier Leadership and Personal Growth through Agricultural Education." The FFA is intra-curricular student organization; all students are members of our local chapter, State FFA Association and the National FFA Organization.  Each level provides students with opportunities for competition, leadership development, scholarships, travel opportunities, and career exploration.  

11.  What colleges have our graduates attended?  

Our graduates have attended the following schools: 

  • The University of Connecticut (UConn)
  • Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, UConn
  • Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Quinebaug Valley Community College
  • Manchester Community College
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • SUNY - Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY
  • The University of Rhode Island
  • Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
  • Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI
  • Unity College, Unity ME
  • New England University, Biddeford, ME
  • University of Maine - Orono, ME
  • Mitchell College, New London, CT
  • Clark University, Worcester, MA
  • Becker College, Worcester, MA