Learning is still growing — literally — at a school in Medford, despite students being out for summer vacation.

Tremont Elementary School students left behind a thriving farm courtyard that will continue to flourish while they’re away, ready to welcome them back in the fall.

STEM Coordinator Ms. Lepre says she first introduced the courtyard as a therapeutic space for students.

The project has expanded over the past few years through partnerships with several organizations and their local Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school.

Together they have helped build the space with flower beds, vegetable gardens and even a chicken coop.

The Patchogue-Medford school is now the first district on Long Island, and the eighth in the country, to join the Emeril Lagasse Foundation program. Beginning this fall, the initiative will integrate gardening, nutrition and culinary skills into everyday learning.

A new kitchen will also be installed at the school this fall as part of the expansion to bring hands-on culinary education directly into the classroom.