Oak Farm Montessori Middle School students are getting an additional place to learn. And it's a place they helped design.

The students conducted a groundbreaking ceremony on May 4 for the construction of a new barn on the Oak Farm Montessori School campus this summer.

The barn is the result of many months of research and vision development by the students and middle school staff begun in the fall of 2009, as part of the school's continuing steps to fulfill Maria Montessori's vision of the "Erdkinder" (translated from German as "land children") adolescent program. The program focuses on students age 12 through 18 with high level academics, meaningful and engaging work, and learning key components of business through a micro-economy experience.

Oak Farm Montessori Middle School students started their research by visiting local barns to learn about the different types and uses of barns. From this, they identified their needs and began considering and planning the best options for their own barn. Structure sketches, land surveys, and animals research were all part of the process. Additionally, the students considered costs and benefits for timber versus metal fabricated buildings, construction, and maintenance factors. At the conclusion, a group of student representatives presented their plan to the Oak Farm Montessori School Board of Trustees. The board overwhelmingly approved the students' project, and area architects and builders submitted estimates to complete the job.

"This project is an excellent example of how students become actively engaged in learning at Oak Farm Montessori School," explains Judith Cunningham, head of school at Oak Farm. "The building is much more than a barn to house animals and provide additional learning opportunities for students - it shows exactly what students are capable of achieving, given guidance and support."

Construction of the new barn is expected to be completed over the summer months and ready for use by the school's opening day of classes in the fall of 2010.

Oak Farm Montessori School is located on 54-acre campus in Avilla. The vast property allows the students to explore in a variety of environments and benefit from the true Montessori approach to learning and development. The school opened in January 2000 and currently serves 168 students.