I should also add, unless you have a student that is an accomplished RC pilot you should contact local clubs to have an experienced pilot look each model over before flight for safety and have him actually fly the plane.
Also, not mentioned, Center of gravity is very important on a model. if it is too far off it will be difficult to impossible to fly.
PS: let us know how it goes, post a picture every now and then. I would be very interested to see this develop. and feel free to come back and ask questions as they come up.