Pennsylvania school opens largest educational aquaponics facility in nation

Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), a Pennsylvania public cyber charter school, officially unveiled Tuesday its educational aquaponics facility, the largest such facility in the country, at its Capital Campus in Harrisburg.

CCA will use the 6,100-square-foot facility, called AgWorks at CCA, to teach about and train students for careers in various fields including agriculture, environmental science and trades through curriculum and partnerships with local businesses.

Students, under the guidance of teachers and horticulture experts, will grow and maintain nearly 3,000 plants and approximately 400 fish, while learning about aquaponics, hydroponics, and aeroponics. Students also will also conduct scientific experiments in areas such as genetics and culturing tissue in the facility’s three labs.

“For 15 years, CCA has been innovating learning experiences for K-12 students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Maurice Flurie, CEO of Commonwealth Charter Academy, said. “CCA is committed to inspiring our students to become productive citizens, and AgWorks at CCA gives us another platform for them to learn as we support their journey.”

AgWorks at CCA is open for other schools, universities and nonprofit organizations to tour and participate in a variety of educational activities. The produce harvested at AgWorks at CCA will be donated to feed local communities or sold to retailers and restaurants.

The AgWorks at CCA facility is a sustainable, zero-waste ecosystem. It uses fish to fertilize plants and bio-controls in place of pesticides. Solar panels on the roof of CCA’s Capital Campus supply 100 percent of the energy required to power the AgWorks at CCA facility.