Barnesville, Ohio — Olney Friends School, a small Quaker boarding and day school in Barnesville, Ohio, has received a 10-year USDA organic certification for its 350-acre working farm, maintaining standards for both crop production and livestock management.
The certification recognizes the school’s commitment to organic farming practices that have been part of its educational approach since 1837. Students in grades 9-12 participate in farm operations including planting, harvesting, and livestock care as part of their curriculum.
“Students participate directly in planting, harvesting, and caring for livestock,” says Farm Manager Don Guindon. “They’re not just learning about agriculture — they’re developing skills you can’t get from a textbook.”
USDA Organic Farm Supports Hands-On Learning for High School Students
Olney Friends School operates with a 3:1 student-teacher ratio and a rigorous academic curriculum. The 350-acre organic farm serves as a living classroom where students learn agricultural practices, environmental stewardship, and responsibility through daily farm work.
The USDA organic certification requires farms to meet federal standards for organic production, including restrictions on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Olney’s farm produces organic crops and raises livestock according to these standards while providing educational opportunities for students.
Alternative Boarding School Education in Eastern Ohio
Located in Barnesville, Ohio, near the Pennsylvania and West Virginia borders, Olney Friends School serves students seeking alternatives to traditional school environments. The school’s Quaker values emphasize equality, peace, integrity, and community.
Head of School Christian Acemah, an Olney alumnus from the class of 2001, notes that prospective students often recognize Olney as the right fit during campus visits.
“Families know instinctively that their children can be themselves at Olney — they’ll find a sense of belonging here,” Acemah says.
The school enrolls students from across the United States and internationally, including:
- Students seeking smaller school environments with individualized attention
- International boarding students seeking community-focused education
- LGBTQ+ students looking for inclusive school environments
- Experiential learners who benefit from hands-on educational approaches
About Olney Friends School
Olney Friends School serves students in grades 9-12. The school offers rolling admissions and financial aid.
For information about admissions and campus visits, go online to www.olneyfriends.org/admissions or call 740-425-3655.
Website: www.olneyfriends.org
Location: Barnesville, Ohio (Belmont County, Eastern Ohio)
Grades: 9-12
Type: Quaker boarding and day school
Special Programs: USDA Organic Farm, Agricultural Education, Experiential Learning
