For students at PS 84 on West 92nd Street, the classroom extends outside.

"I love it," first-grader Avah screamed. "I love it!"

Last month, the school opened a roof garden, complete with apple trees, herbs and classroom space. It has been more than a decade in the making.

"There was this huge space that was not being used and it was just an area that was underutilized," explained parent Sherri Sandfortsemon. "And, we said one day, 'wouldn't it be cool if we had a roof garden for all the kids.' And 11 years later, here it is."

Sandfortsemon first got the idea for the roof garden while on a tour of the school.

It wasn't long before she convinced administrators and fellow parents that it would help students learn about nature.

But it took time to get the approvals - and the money - a total of $2.3 million - from politicians like Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and City Council member Helen Rosenthal, who represents the area.

"It's important to reserve spaces, green spaces, so that children really understand how important and precious nature is, and gardening is," principal Evelyn Lolis said.

Students take care of a variety of plants and learn, for instance, how caterpillars turn into butterflies.

They're also being taught about the broader concept of respecting the environment.

"You don't want to squish the bees," Avah enthusiastically explained. "They pollinate, which makes our food ripe."

Gardening programs have long been part of PS 84's curriculum. This garden - on an enclosed second floor roof - allows the programs to expand even further.

"So much work went into this, with so many different people," Sandfortsemon said. "It wasn't just one or two people. It really took a whole village, a whole community for it to happen."

Even though the school year is wrapping up Wednesday, the garden will be cared for over the summer by one of the gardening teachers. The hope is that students will eventually come in and take care of the plants themselves.