YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Flying Trees Academy marked a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its growth from a small pilot program into a full private school ready to welcome more students.
Founder Dr. Jaelyn Farris says the academy was intentionally launched on a small scale to ensure its educational model was effective before expanding. With new classroom space, flexible learning environments and secure facilities, the school is entering its next phase.
At the heart of the academy is the Farris Method, a research-based teaching approach developed by Farris during her academic career. The method focuses on how children’s brains learn and grow, using flexible groupings based on student ability and movement-based classrooms that keep students engaged.
Farris describes the model as a modern, research-driven evolution of Montessori-style education, designed for today’s world. Rather than focusing only on memorization, the academy emphasizes teaching students how to learn, fostering curiosity, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning.
The ribbon cutting also coincided with the opening of applications and an open house, giving families and community members a firsthand look at the academy’s unique approach.