MN Taxidermy School?

[Ailie L.]

Hello! I am a 13 year old girl that wants to either go to a taxidermy or art high school. Is there such a thing as Taxidermy High School in Minnesota?

Thanks! 

[pir^2h]

For the record, I am no expert on the requirements of high schools in your state.  All I know is what I read and since requirements vary from state to state, your best bet may be to contact the Minnesota Department of Education with any additional questions.  I taught in Illinois and Tennessee.  Illinois did have some good vocational programs when I was there but I never heard of a taxidermy program.  Tennessee's trend is to get away from vocational altogether in many districts (including the one where I teach) and I can tell you the state does not even recognize taxidermy as a class option.    In order for a full taxidermy program such as what you want to exist, it would not be in a regular high school.   It would have to be at a vocational high school and there would have to be a sufficient number of students pursuing this career field to put such a program in place.  Keep in mind that even at vocational high schools they still have the state required number of credits for core classes such as math, English, science, etc, so you will not be getting out of these classes by doing taxidermy!

I did do my own search with the Minnesota Department of Education http://education.state.mn.us/mde/index.html .   

http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/CareerTechEd/documents/Spreadsheet/014215.pdf

On page 4 of this PDF file it indicates that this course is a "Career and Technical Education Program" and not for high school graduation requirements. 

This is only a thought and you would have to be very lucky for this to occur.  Check with the teachers in the high school you are attending and see if any of them happen to do taxidermy.  Maybe if there if sufficient interest they may consider starting a taxidermy club or maybe the teacher may take you under their wing to help you get started.  It isn't a taxidermy school but it is better than nothing!  Be advised that this teacher is giving up their time for this club and don't expect the training you get to be the same as a seasoned professional. 

I know this isn't the answer you were hoping to hear and for that I am sorry.  Stick to you dream to learn taxidermy.  Get a couple videos and some basic supplies and go to it! 

I do wish you the best of luck. 

Vic

[Old Fart]

Minnesota used to have a Taxidermy program at Pine Tech in Pine City. That was part of the vocational school  system and not a high school program. Last I heard they moved it to Eveleth or Hibbing. I don't know if is still in existence.