Entrepreneurship (7th–12th Grade)
Class Overview
This Entrepreneurship class is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of starting and running a business. Throughout the year, students will learn practical business skills including idea development, budgeting, marketing, customer service, and basic financial management.
The focus of this class is real-world learning. Students will explore how businesses actually operate by discussing real examples, working through practical scenarios, and building their own small business ideas from the ground up.
We will talk about what makes a business succeed, what challenges entrepreneurs face, and how hard work, creativity, and problem-solving all play a role in building something from nothing.
Students will also learn that entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money. It’s about serving others well, taking responsibility, and developing the character and discipline needed to follow through on ideas.
My hope is that students leave this class with a better understanding of how businesses work and the confidence to pursue opportunities of their own in the future.
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Coursework + Work at Home
At Ethos Academy, we use a hybrid learning model, which means students will occasionally complete small assignments at home to support what we learn in class.
Students may be asked to work on things such as:
• Brainstorming business ideas
• Simple budgeting exercises
• Marketing or logo concepts
• Short planning activities related to their business idea
Most weeks this will take 30–60 minutes, though some weeks may require less time depending on the project.
The goal is not busywork, but giving students time to think through ideas and develop them more fully.
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Understanding Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is both creative and practical. It requires good ideas, but it also requires planning, persistence, and the willingness to learn from mistakes.
In this class students will explore topics such as:
• Identifying problems that businesses can solve
• Creating and refining business ideas
• Understanding basic costs and profits
• Learning how marketing influences customers
• Practicing communication and presentation skills
Students will also have opportunities to develop their own small business concept and walk through the steps needed to bring it to life.
The goal is not perfection, but helping students understand the process behind building something meaningful.
Shark Tank Business Pitch Project
One of the highlights of this class will be our Shark Tank Business Pitch Project.
Throughout the semester, students will work on developing their own business concept. They will walk through many of the same steps real entrepreneurs take when starting a business, including:
• Identifying a problem their business solves
• Defining their target customer
• Thinking through startup costs and pricing
• Creating a basic marketing strategy
• Developing a name and brand for their business
Students will organize their ideas into a simple business plan and prepare a short presentation explaining how their business would work.
At the end of the semester, students will participate in Shark Tank Day, where they will pitch their business idea to the class. This presentation will give students the opportunity to practice communication, confidence, and persuasive speaking while receiving feedback and encouragement from their peers.
The goal of this project is to help students think like entrepreneurs — learning how to take an idea, develop it into a plan, and clearly communicate its value to others.
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A Note About Real-World Learning
Many of the lessons in entrepreneurship come through experience. Not every idea works the first time, and that’s part of the learning process.
Students will be encouraged to think creatively, ask questions, and learn how to adjust when something doesn’t go as planned. Those skills are valuable whether students choose to start their own business one day or simply want to understand how businesses operate.
Learning how to think like an entrepreneur builds confidence, responsibility, and strong problem-solving skills.
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Classroom Supplies
Please have the following items available for class use:
• Notebook or binder for notes and planning
• Pencil or pen
• Optional: laptop or tablet for occasional research (if available)
Additional materials for projects will be provided in class.
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Materials Fee
This one-hour course tuition is $200 per semester with a materials fee of $40.
The materials fee helps cover:
• Printed worksheets and planning guides
• Business project materials
• Marketing and presentation supplies
• Classroom materials used throughout the semester
The materials fee is collected during registration and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Parent Partnership, Student Expectations & Classroom Culture
Parent Partnership
Parents play an important role in encouraging students as they develop ideas and learn new skills. Conversations at home about business ideas, problem-solving, and creativity can greatly support what students are learning in class.
Parents are always welcome to reach out with any questions or feedback during the year.
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Student Responsibility
Students will get the most out of this class when they actively participate in discussions and projects.
Students are expected to:
• Participate in class discussions
• Take notes on important ideas and concepts
• Work thoughtfully on business projects
• Show respect for classmates and their ideas
Learning to communicate ideas clearly and work through challenges are important skills that this class will help develop.
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Classroom Culture & Expectations
This class is designed to be interactive and engaging. Students will have opportunities to share ideas, discuss business concepts, and learn from one another.
At the same time, respectful communication is essential. Students should listen when others are speaking, contribute thoughtfully, and support a positive learning environment.
Entrepreneurship requires creativity and confidence, and my goal is to create a classroom where students feel comfortable thinking big and exploring new ideas.
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Contact Information
Cell : 360.334.1488
Email : [email protected]
I’m looking forward to working with students this year as we explore the world of entrepreneurship together.
If you ever have questions or would like clarification on anything related to the class, please feel free to reach out by phone, text, or email.
It’s a privilege to invest in students as they develop practical skills, confidence, and a mindset that will serve them well in whatever path they choose in the future.