The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and Akiva Academy will break ground on March 3 on a new middle school in Liberty Township, officials announced Tuesday.

The $1.5 million expansion at 520 Gypsy Lane, the former Allen’s PharmaServ building, will include four classrooms, office spaces and a multi-purpose area designed for Shabbat services. The groundbreaking is scheduled for 9:15 a.m.

The project will allow Akiva Academy to double its current enrollment within the next five years, according to the 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.