The doors to education are opening wide at Academy at the Farm in Pasco County. The charter school, which was formed in 2002, is marking completion of a major expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony today.
Academy at the Farm, Inc. (AATF) is a non-profit a charter school located in Dade City. AATF has been in existence since 2002 and serves pre-K (40 students) to 8th grade (443 students) and serves the rural communities of Dade City and unincorporated area of Pasco County, Florida.
Since school year 2005-2006 AATF has been an "A" rated school. Due to its excellent reputation in the community and its outstanding results, the school is in high demand and has a waiting list with approximately 500 potential students. AATF used a $4,050,000 USDA Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan to purchase and install 3 modular buildings to be used as classrooms, labs, and administrative space; purchased adjacent 9.8 acres to construct a new parking lot and storm water management and to refinance debt to make project feasible. The expansion will increase the school capacity to 570 students and provide more space/facilities for existing students.
“USDA Rural Development is committed to providing resources to rural communities to aid in the education of its young people,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Richard A. Machek. “Academy at the Farm board members, teachers, parents, and community leaders are to be commended for their vision and perseverance in securing these funds.”
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.