Work is underway in Liberty Township now that the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and Akiva Academy have broken ground on a new middle school in Liberty Township.

A ceremony on Monday marked the start of the $1.5 million expansion at 520 Gypsy Lane, the former Allen’s PharmaServ building, which will include four classrooms, office spaces and a multi-purpose area designed for Shabbat services. 

The project will allow Akiva Academy to double its current enrollment within the next five years, according to a news release. The new middle school will serve students in fifth through eighth grades.

Akiva Academy offers a blended secular and Jewish education for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school aims to develop students’ cognitive, creative, social and emotional capabilities.whic