The 5th-grade students of Carrollwood Day School were thrilled to visit JA (Junior Achievement) Biztown, a simulated town designed to teach young people about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and civic responsibility. BizTown creates an unmatched experience where students not only discover the intricacies of being a professional and member of the community, but also discover the abundance of opportunities available within their city. The key concepts of Biztown are to inspire and empower students to believe in themselves, showing them that they can make a difference in the world and achieve their own American Dream.

Our CDS Patriots students completed an application, created a resume, and interviewed for the positions that they filled at BizTown. They then were divided into groups and assigned various jobs, from CEOs to sales associates, as they learned how to run a business. They worked together to create business plans, make decisions about pricing, and market their products or services.

CDS students were surprised to discover how challenging it was to run a business, but also how rewarding it could be. They learned important lessons about teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all while having fun.

In addition to running their own businesses, the students also had the opportunity to explore the various aspects of a thriving community, such as a bank, a city hall, and a news station. They gained an understanding of how all the different parts of a community work together to create a successful and sustainable environment.

As they left JA Biztown, the students were filled with a newfound sense of confidence and knowledge. They had experienced the world of business firsthand and were eager to apply what they had learned to their own lives. Visiting JA Biztown had been an unforgettable experience, and one that they would cherish for years to come.