VILLA HILLS, Ky. — Private schools are looking at creative ways to learn during the pandemic while thinking outside the school building.

“So we have this beautiful outdoor classroom that really is a result of one of our seniors who graduated last year who did this as an Eagle Scout project,” said Pamela McQueen, the executive director of Villa Madonna Academy and High school/Junior High principal.

The academy is using its resources to expand classrooms outdoors.

“If you look around our campus, we have, right here, 60 acres that we will be able to utilize because we realize it’s important for the students to be able to step outside, get fresh air, take masks off, maintaining social distancing,” McQueen said.

While social distancing, students at Villa Madonna Academy can come outside with devices to study.

“We have areas all over the campus that we will be using. We have courtyards, we have areas in front of the gym. We have beautiful green space on the other side of the main building here, and that’s all going to be a part of our learning as we return to campus,” McQueen said.

Since June 2, Villa Madonna’s task force has been busy getting ready for the first day of school, set for Aug. 19.

For now, the academy is offering non-traditional instruction (NTI) and in-person classes for its student body.

The school is part of the Diocese of Covington which includes 28 elementary schools and nine secondary schools, serving almost 9,600 students in the Northern Kentucky region.

This week, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) recommended all school districts start the year with distance learning and delay in-person classes until at least September 28.