East Haddam, Connecticut — Franklin Academy has been awarded a grant from the Rommel Wilson Memorial Foundation to support the continued growth of the school’s innovative Anthrozoology and Farm Program. The funding will enable Franklin Academy to expand hands-on learning opportunities in Farm Science and Anthrozoology that help neurodivergent students develop critical executive functioning, social development, and independent living skills while participating in a rigorous college-preparatory education.
“We are deeply grateful to the Rommel Wilson Memorial Foundation for their continued partnership,” said Alexander Morris-Wood, Head of School. “Their support has helped transform In the Presence of Animals into a mission-defining program that allows our students to learn through responsibility, connection, and meaningful real-world experiences.”
At Franklin Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Students practice skills in real time across academic coursework, residential life, extracurricular activities, and signature programs. This integrated model allows students to build independence, self-awareness, and confidence in authentic environments, reinforcing skill development and long-term readiness for college and life.
According to the Farm Director and Instructor, “The farm is a powerful way for students to learn how to read their environment. For example, understanding that keeping voices and movement ‘low and slow’ is not just good for the animals, it’s good for humans too.”
Support from the Rommel Wilson Memorial Foundation has also enabled Franklin Academy to deepen its collaboration with Ray of Light Rescue Farm, a key partner in the development of the school’s Anthrozoology and Farm Program. What began as the initiative In the Presence of Animals has since grown into a cornerstone of Franklin Academy’s interdisciplinary curriculum.
Today, students engage in a wide range of farm-based learning opportunities, including Farm Sciences, Farm Operations, and immersive intersession courses. During the 2025–2026 academic year, approximately 43% of Franklin Academy students participated in farm-based programming, reflecting the growing impact of the program across the student body.
The grant funding will support several key program initiatives, including:
- programming and partnerships with Ray of Light Rescue Farm, including internships, coursework, and faculty professional development,
- operational needs of the Franklin Farm, including feed, bedding, veterinary care, and infrastructure maintenance,
- curriculum development and interdisciplinary instructional materials, and
- enrollment and scholarship initiatives related to animal sciences.
According to Morris-Wood, this funding “…helps us offer a limited number of Animal Sciences Scholarships for students who demonstrate a strong interest in working with animals and exploring nature.” He added that the scholarship recognizes applicants who show “curiosity, compassion, and commitment in areas such as animal husbandry, conservation, wildlife care, and related fields.”
The Franklin Farm currently supports 30 animals, including laying hens, roosters, mini-Nubian goats, and a duck. Through daily animal care, farm operations, and product development, students gain hands-on experience while learning responsibility, stewardship, and applied scientific thinking. As the program continues to grow, Franklin Academy remains committed to creating learning environments where neurodivergent students can develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.
