School is officially back in session for New York City students next week, but who says learning only takes place in a traditional classroom?

Edible Schoolyard NYC is a partner with New York City Public Schools to transform children's relationship with food through hands-on cooking and gardening education.

Fabian Moreno is a kitchen teacher at one of the 22 program sites, and News 12 was there as he prepared fattoush, the first recipe he will share with students next week. It’s one of the many diverse dishes students will learn to make this year.

"We try to introduce students to foods that they might have never heard of, or seen or tasted in their lives," says Moreno.

The interactive cooking classes get integrated into kids' school day.  Sometimes it’s right in their classroom - with vegetables and herbs grown right outside the door.

Moreno says it’s more than a cooking class.

"We are teaching life lessons for students. When the students come into the kitchen, and are able to cook a full recipe, they gain confidence,” he says.

Moreno says he's excited about the new school year, and says he wants the garden to be secret to no one.