CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took a trip to Charlottesville High School to see what students are doing in their outdoor classroom.

The Charlottesville High School students built 90 percent of the urban garden at the school, which piqued the interest of the EPA. Adam Ortiz, an administrator of the EPA in the Mid-Atlantic Region, says he’s impressed.

“Charlottesville High School is doing it right here. So, we have this beautiful outdoor classroom behind me. But, not only is it a chance to learn and there’s dozens and dozens of students who participate in the farm here but they’re also providing healthy food to other students here and to the community,” said Ortiz.

The EPA reached out and wanted to tour the urban farm to know more about what the class is teaching. The project started nearly 10 years ago and has blossomed into a full-time class with more than 70 students participating each year.

Andrew Cullinan says he’s taken these skills home and got his parents on board.

“I convinced them to start some kale on our back porch,” said Cullinan.

“That’s why I’m doing it. I mean this is all for the kids. I think it’s just amazing to see their growth and their interest in it,” said CHS Urban farm teacher, Peter Davis. 

“So some of the things that stand out here is that there’s so many little pieces working together. We have sustainable energy sources in the solar panels, we have chickens creating a source of protein in the eggs, we’ve got all sorts of vegetables and fruits growing here so we’re covering a lot of food groups as well. Students are working together, they’re learning from each other and they’re using compost as a way to feed the soil, then sharing the food with others in the community,” said Ortiz.

He says he hopes to see more successful urban farms like this.