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Academy of Environmental Science

Our Story

Welcome to The Academy of Environmental Science

 

Welcome to The Academy of Environmental Science, a close-knit and vibrant public charter school community where passion for the natural world meets academic excellence. Situated on the beautiful Salt River along Fort Island Trail in Crystal River, Florida, our unique waterfront campus serves as a living laboratory. Here, students, educators, and families collaborate to foster a deep sense of environmental stewardship, curiosity, and mutual support, preparing young minds to become the eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow.

Why AES is the Best Choice for Students

 

The Academy of Environmental Science is the premier choice for freshmen and sophomores seeking a highly personalized, immersive education that moves far beyond the traditional classroom walls. With a small, dedicated student body, AES offers an environment where no one gets lost in the crowd and every student receives individualized attention from passionate subject-matter specialists. By blending rigorous honors and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework with real-world applications, we give students a competitive academic edge while keeping learning deeply engaging, meaningful, and connected to the unique coastal ecosystems of Citrus County. Through our partnership with Citrus County School District, students will be able to seamlessly transition to a number of amazing programs at our area high schools, including International Bureaucracy at Lecanto High School, Withlacoochee Technical College, Dual Enrollment with The College of Central Florida, or Traditional high school honors courses—all of this while still having the ability to participate in extracurricular activities through our area high schools in Citrus County.

Professional portrait of Richard Crowley, Principal of the Academy of Environmental Science

Principal Richard Crowley

Welcome to The Academy of Environmental Science!

Whether you are a returning family, a prospective student, or a curious community member, we are thrilled to welcome you to our digital home.

At AES, we believe that education should extend far beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of scientific thinkers, environmental stewards, and innovative problem solvers. We don’t just study the ecosystem—we actively participate in it (which means occasionally getting a little mud on our boots is just part of a typical school day).

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our unique programs, upcoming field excursions, and student-led environmental initiatives.

Thank you for your continued support of our school and our shared planet. Let’s make this year an extraordinary adventure in learning!

Warm regards,

 

Richard Crowley

Principal, The Academy of Environmental Science

Key Programs, Extracurriculars, and Initiatives

What truly sets AES apart is our robust commitment to hands-on, field-based learning and distinct community initiatives.

  • AES Logo Bullet Waterfront Exploration: Students explore local estuaries, rivers, and protected wetlands first-hand utilizing the school's own fleet of kayaks and canoes.
  • AES Logo Bullet SCUBA Certification Program: In a unique partnership with local dive centers, students have the incredible opportunity to earn their open water scuba certification directly through their curriculum.
  • AES Logo Bullet Community Engagement: Environmental initiatives such as student-led beach and river clean-ups and interactive Astronomy Nights actively bridge classroom lessons with public stewardship and community education.

 

Points of Pride and Achievements

 

The Academy of Environmental Science boasts a long legacy of high achievement and community recognition:

  • AES Logo Bullet Top-Tier Rankings: AES is consistently ranked among the top 50 Best Charter High Schools and Best Magnet High Schools in Florida.
  • AES Logo Bullet Academic Excellence: Our students regularly outpace state averages in state math and reading assessments as well as with exceptional proficiency rates in science.