Agricultural Learning Center

It is time we get back to our roots. MSA’s new and innovative Sustainable Agriculture program celebrates the school’s history and ushers in its exciting future.

Head of School, J. Michael Drude, remarked: “While a course like this is forward-looking in today’s educational landscape, it is simply getting back to our roots at MSA.” 

Founded in 1878, Miller School of Albemarle is one of the nation’s first co-educational boarding schools. For much of its history, the school had a robust farming operation that included a dairy, pigs, chickens, sheep, and a wide variety of crops. The farm provided provisions for faculty and students as well as the local community. Students spent the morning in the classroom learning traditional academic subjects and the afternoons actively working the farm.

Mr. Drude explained MSA’s unique agricultural roots: “For much of its history, students learned the techniques of modern agriculture on the school’s working farm. This was no small-scale operation. In 1884, the school grew 150 acres of corn and oats, and kept one hundred and eighty acres in pasture for its herd of cattle to graze upon. The school also owned sixty hogs, several vineyards, and large apple, pear, and peach orchards. Additionally, it had a 40-colony apiary where students studied bee culture.” 

MSA’s new program has one foot in its rich history and another in its exciting future. “MSA prepares students to be thought leaders and innovators. Our Sustainable Agriculture students have an opportunity to utilize their knowledge to reimagine farming around the world. Getting back to our roots as a school with this program provides greater opportunity for discovery and reflection for our students,” remarked Mr. Drude.