Students at Creo Farm run their own small business (name to be determined). The business is divided divisions based on student interest and ideas. A Farm division, for example, would be responsible for all products derived from the farm, such as produce, items made using the produce, and products from the beehives. A Hospitality division, on the other hand, would oversee a specialty coffee and tea business. 

 

Students play specific roles within the divisions, as well, such as managerial, finance, marketing, and production.

 

Biweekly, students give business reports at a council meeting. It is here that students bring problems to the group, vote on issues, report on work that has been completed and work that needs to be completed in the future. Students collectively decide on products to produce, pricing, and packaging. They also work as a group to determine how to spend the money earned and vote on large expenditures for the business. 

 

Focus classes are occasionally offered to further develop business and entrepreneurial skills. Resume writing, finance, branding, marketing, and product development are examples of concepts that are explored through focus classes.

 

As part of this program, older students spend multiple weeks during a year as interns at a local business. They work side-by-side with willing business owners and employees and work to creatively solve one of the business' challenges, create a new marketing plan, or develop their own business plan for a similar business.

 

This "micro-economy" provides students with ample opportunities to develop vital 21st century skills such as problem-solving, leadership, creative thinking, and collaboration. 

 

In keeping with Montessori's vision for adolescence, this economic independence lays the groundwork for greater social and emotional independence. It also provides a meaningful framework in which academic studies in science, humanities, language, and math can find real-life applications.