Please see the following baseline information regarding the new charter school course offerings.  Course offerings and additional information is below:

• Current 7 and 8th grade RMS and RHS students are welcome to take these courses.
• Courses are also available for homeschooled and out-of-district students — just ask what options are available.
• All courses are a two-period block, and students must take the entire block.
• Current students taking these courses will be enrolled as charter school students for two periods only, maintaining their current status as a student at RMS or RHS.
• Current students have been invited to lunchtime meetings to explain what the courses will look like.

Questions?  Reach out to Josh Illig at josh.illig@ronank12.edu, or 406-528-7518.

New Offerings Through Ronan Charter Academy!

Beginning January 20th, 2026

Grade 7 and Grade 8 Offerings

Middle School Plant and Animal Science

• A focus on the structure, function, and classification of plants and animals.
• Study cells/cell structures through the use of microscopes and other studies.
• Lessons in plant and animal anatomy, including dissections of worms and other organisms.
• Start a small garden to study the plant life cycle.
• Start and hatch chicken eggs to study life cycle, cell growth, etc.
• Keep data on temperature and humidity.
• Relevant local field trips will occur throughout the semester.

Middle School Horticulture

• A focus on the four areas of horticulture: fruits, vegetables, landscape, and floriculture.
• Introduction to gardening, garden design/planning.
• Focus on seed to table.
• Students grow food from seed utilizing a greenhouse, hydroponic gardening, and outdoor garden spaces.
• Cooking, canning, and fermentation of food will take place in the classroom.
• Relevant local field trips will occur throughout the semester.

All courses are a two-period commitment to allow time for both curriculum work and hands-on training.

High School Offerings

Auto Mechanics

• Established a partnership with Don Aadsen Ford of Ronan to provide curriculum and workforce training aligned with pathways to advanced certifications.
• Formed a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Ronan to secure access to an auto body shop space where students can complete supervised, hands-on learning.

Small Engines

• Curriculum provided, which leads to small engine certification through the Equipment
  and Engine Training Council.
• Hands-on learning on campus.

Auto Restoration and Body Repair

• Basic repair and replacement of damaged parts.
• Learn to identify and order the correct parts, and repair accordingly.
• Hands-on work to be completed at the Boys and Girls Club.