Commonly Asked Questions

How do I enroll in the program?

Students interested in applying to the Stamford Agriscience Program must have completed the 8th grade in Stamford, or one of our sending towns (See question 5), fill out an application, complete an interview with agriscience staff, be accepted into the program, and register for enrollment.

What is the criteria for acceptance?

Acceptance to the Stamford Agriscience Program is based on Merit. The agriscience staff will review a number of factors including 8th grade transcripts, a personal/teacher/guidance counselor recommendation, 8th grade attendance, Agriscience Interest essay, interview responses, and Agricultural Experience. The most emphasis is placed on a student’s Agricultural experience in an organized setting (Example: Volunteer at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Participating in a middle school gardening project, attending SoundWaters Summer Camp).

I am districted to Stamford High School, can I apply to the Stamford Agriscience program?

Yes! The Stamford Agriscience Program can accept students who are districted to any Stamford Public Schools high school.

If I am districted to Stamford High, will I have transportation to Westhill High School?

Yes! You will be able to take a school bus to Westhill High School.

I’m districted to Norwalk, Greenwich, Darien, New, Canaan, Weston, Wilton, or Ridgefield, can I apply to the program?

Yes! The Stamford Agriscience Program can accept students from any of our sending towns. Sending towns include Norwalk, Greenwich, Darien, New, Canaan, Weston, or Ridgefield.

If I live in Norwalk, Greenwich, Darien, New, Canaan, Weston, Wilton, or Ridgefield, how will I get to school?

Yes! Your sending town will provide a school bus to transport you to Westhill High School.

Can I enroll in the Agriscience Program and attend a high school other than Westhill High School?

No, in order to enroll in the Stamford Agriscience Program students must enroll as a full-time Westhill High School Student.

Can I play sports, or participate in other extracurricular activities at Westhill High School?

Yes! As a full-time Westhill High School student you will be able to participate in any extracurricular activities offered at Westhill High School.

How many Agriscience classes do I have to take?

Students at Westhill High School have a total of 8 periods in their A/B Block schedule. Freshmen in the Agriscience program are required to take 1 Agriscience class their first year. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Agriscience Program are required to take 2 Agriscience periods each year. Agriscience is a STEM elective, with the exception of Nursery & Landscape Design and Floral Design. These two courses can be counted as visual and performing arts credits.

How many SAE hours do I need to complete each year?

Freshmen (first year students) need to complete 50 hours outside of class time for the year. First year students will learn about SAE during class time, with their teacher and by the end of quarter 1, will make an SAE learning plan in class. They will have the rest of the school year to earn their 50 hours outside of class time. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors must complete 100 hours outside of class time for the year (this includes the summer months!).

How do I apply?

Go to https://www.stamfordagriscience.com/application-process

Can I apply as a junior, or Senior?

The Agriscience Program is a 4 year program. Unless you are transferring from another Agriscience program, we do not accept juniors and seniors, but we do take applications from current 9th graders!

Can I apply as a sophomore?

Yes, however you will be required to start the program in the freshmen course, Agriscience and Technology 1 during your sophomore year.

How many students apply and how many are accepted each year?

We receive anywhere from 65-90 applications each year. In 2022-2023 we received 82 applications. We accept 45 incoming student each year.

When is your application deadline?

We have no application deadlines as we have rolling admissions and take applications throughout the year and into the summer. It is ideal to get your application in by January 1st so that you can be considered for the first round of interviews and acceptances in January/February. We complete a second round of interviews and acceptances in March/April. You can still apply at any time as we often have openings throughout the year, and have even accepted students from the waitlist during the first week of school.