The State Board of Education recently postponed its decision for the Equestrian Academy Charter School and asked for more information prior to its meeting February 16th. Additional data requested included whether or not students and parents are interested in having this school available. The Board said it only had 20 charters it could authorize, and this would be #8. So founders need to trot out their support. They have posted a interest survey and application online.

In 1996, the horse industry contributed 112 billion to the US economy: this booming industry involves hundreds of careers. But to date students with equine interests have no high school offering this vocational program. New Hampshire would be well on track by giving our youth career programs that support and grow equestrian and small farm industries in our state.

The Equestrian Academy Charter School proposal combines college-prep core academic courses with technical training in equine studies and business management. If approved, 15-30 students will be accepted for September 2005 with full enrollment planned at 120. The horse industry component of the school will be self-supporting through entrepreneurial business ventures, e.g. boarding and training horses, riding clinics, and programs for the whole community.

The mission of the Equestrian Academy Charter School is to “create a choice, middle/high school program combining a quality college preparatory education with career-oriented equestrian studies.” The academic program meets state graduation requirements in all basic subjects—math, science, world language, etc. At the heart of the Equestrian Academy Charter School are college level academic courses, individual programs, and college/career plans for each student.

Equine studies are in addition to core academics and are designed in skill-based modules. Safety is the initial training followed by units in farm design, management, and horse training. Several expert equestrians have offered to work with this unique school, including members of Olympic equestrian teams.

No other comparable high school has been located, so founders believe the Equestrian Academy Charter School will be a signature charter public school for this state.

Charter schools are open enrollment public schools of choice, operated by an independent Board of Trustees. Charter applications lay out a business plan with goals, ages/grades of students served, and operational details. Students from all over the state may apply for state-funded space without paying tuition. Transportation services to choice schools are not required in the law. Typically parents and students organize car or bus pools and other needed arrangements.

The new purpose for state-approved charter schools reads “to encourage the establishment of public charter schools that meet the needs and interests of pupils, parents, communities, regions, and the state as a whole” (RSA 194-B:2, effective June 11, 2004).

The Equestrian Academy’s founders are reaching out statewide to identify businesses, residents, and students who support a college/career academy with an equine flavor. More information, an interest survey, a student application, and the charter proposal are available at www.nhschoolreform.org or www.nhequestriancharterschool.org.

For specific information, contact 224-0366 or write info@nhschoolreform.org.

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