Mcgrath Family JA Biztown

The McGrath Family JA BizTown

The McGrath Family JA BizTown

Grades 4-6

Grades 4-6

The McGrath Family JA BizTown is Junior Achievement’s experiential-based elementary school Capstone Program. Through daily lessons, hands-on activities, and active participation in a simulated community, students are encouraged to use critical thinking skills as they build the foundation in business, economics, and free enterprise. Students develop a strong understanding of the relationship between what they learn in school and their successful participation in a local economy.

McGrath Family JA BizTown Program Overview:

  • 12 in-class teacher-led sessions to prepare for the simulation

  • 4 ½ hour visit to the McGrath Family JA BizTown

  • 1 in-class session after the simulation for students to reflect on their experience

The McGrath Family JA BizTown is a 10,000-square-foot mini-city comprised of 21 life-sized San Diego businesses where students connect the lessons learned in the classroom to ‘real-world’ applications. They run a business, earn paychecks, open bank accounts, pay taxes, vote, and are challenged to earn a profit in their business. Their experience is monumental and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and academic achievement.

For more information on The McGrath Family JA BizTown, please contact Deanne Markle at dmarkle@jasandiego.org or 619-906-4905.

The McGrath Family JA BizTown

Grades 4-6

The McGrath Family JA BizTown is Junior Achievement’s experiential-based elementary school Capstone Program. Through daily lessons, hands-on activities, and active participation in a simulated community, students are encouraged to use critical thinking skills as they build the foundation in business, economics, and free enterprise. Students develop a strong understanding of the relationship between what they learn in school and their successful participation in a local economy.

McGrath Family JA BizTown Program Overview:

  • 12 in-class teacher-led sessions to prepare for the simulation
  • 4 ½ hour visit to the McGrath Family JA BizTown

  • 1 in-class session after the simulation for students to reflect on their experience

The McGrath Family JA BizTown is a 10,000-square-foot mini-city comprised of 21 life-sized San Diego businesses where students connect the lessons learned in the classroom to ‘real-world’ applications. They run a business, earn paychecks, open bank accounts, pay taxes, vote, and are challenged to earn a profit in their business. Their experience is monumental and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and academic achievement.

For more information on The McGrath Family JA BizTown, please contact Deanne Markle at dmarkle@jasandiego.org or 619-906-4905.

Freelance Day in JA BizTown

Freelance Day in JA BizTown

Grades 4-6

Grades 4-6

Does your school not participate in the BizTown program? Or, do you just want to come to BizTown again?

“Freelance Day” in BizTown is for individuals to take part in our program and be a part of the BizTown community. JA BizTown is a simulation experience that encourages fourth to sixth-grade students get to step into the world of business. They will explore career pathways while preparing and motivating students for their futures. Each student is assigned to a job and shop inside our BizTown mini-city where they have ‘real-world’ responsibilities and tasks.

Your student will:

  • Learn about money, business, and careers.
  • Get assigned to a BizTown job and shop such as bank CEO, scientist, radio host, and more!
  • Discover what it’s like to work a job, run a business, and understand their role in the local economy.
  • Be exposed to in-demand career pathways and industries in the San Diego economy.
  • Learn how to manage money and get introduced to different financial tools.

Upcoming Freelance Day:

We will have one Freelance Day during the 2024-2025 school year for students to participate in the McGrath Family JA BizTown experience. Freelance Day consists of two mandatory sessions. At the first session, JA staff teach participants the BizTown curriculum and program instruction. During the second session, the BizTown simulation will take place.

Session 1 – BizTown Curriculum: Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Session 2 – BizTown Simulation: Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Eligibility: Open to grades 4-6

Where: McGrath Family JA BizTown
Junior Achievement of San Diego County
4756 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120

Cost: $75 per participant

For more information, please contact Deanne Markle at dmarkle@jasandiego.org or 619-906-4905.

Freelance Day in JA BizTown

Grades 4-6

Does your school not participate in the BizTown program? Or, do you just want to come to BizTown again?

“Freelance Day” in BizTown is for individuals to take part in our program and be a part of the BizTown community. JA BizTown is a simulation experience that encourages fourth to sixth-grade students get to step into the world of business. They will explore career pathways while preparing and motivating students for their futures. Each student is assigned to a job and shop inside our BizTown mini-city where they have ‘real-world’ responsibilities and tasks.

Your student will:

  • Learn about money, business, and careers.
  • Get assigned to a BizTown job and shop such as bank CEO, scientist, radio host, and more!
  • Discover what it’s like to work a job, run a business, and understand their role in the local economy.
  • Be exposed to in-demand career pathways and industries in the San Diego economy.
  • Learn how to manage money and get introduced to different financial tools.

Upcoming Freelance Days:

We will have one Freelance Day during the 2024-2025 school year for students to participate in the McGrath Family JA BizTown experience. Freelance Day consists of two mandatory sessions. At the first session, JA staff teach participants the BizTown curriculum and program instruction. During the second session, the BizTown simulation will take place.

Session 1 – BizTown Curriculum: Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Session 2 – BizTown Simulation: Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Eligibility: Open to grades 4-6

Where: McGrath Family JA BizTown
Junior Achievement of San Diego County
4756 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120

Cost: $75 per participant

For more information, please contact Deanne Markle at dmarkle@jasandiego.org or 619-906-4905.