ENTREPRENEURSHIP

At Centner Academy, entrepreneurship is not just a course—it’s our culture. Our students are immersed in the entrepreneurial mindset in every subject, developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills necessary for success in business, innovation, and life.

Developing Future Innovators, Problem-Solvers, and Leaders

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

We teach students to think like entrepreneurs by fostering key principles that drive success across all disciplines. These foundational pillars ensure that students develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in any field:

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Redefining Failure

Seeing setbacks as stepping stones to success rather than obstacles.

Opportunity Seeking

Identifying and acting on new possibilities to innovate and grow.

Grit

Persevering through challenges with resilience and determination.

These principles are integrated into every classroom experience, guiding students to approach challenges with creativity and a problem-solving mindset.

Entrepreneurship in Action

At Centner Academy, students don’t just learn about business—they build, create, and lead. Through hands-on projects and experiential learning opportunities, students gain the skills needed to become forward-thinking innovators.

  • Ideation and Innovation – Generating, refining, and executing creative solutions to real-world problems.
  • Financial Literacy and Business Strategy – Understanding budgeting, pricing, and investment fundamentals.
  • Sales, Marketing, and Public Speaking – Developing confidence in pitching ideas, branding, and communication.
  • Technology and Product Development – Using tools such as coding, robotics, and prototyping to bring ideas to life.
  • Real-World Business Experience – Launching and managing student-run ventures, including the Bee Happy Marketplace, where students create and sell their own products and services.

By engaging in these experiences, students learn how to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, adapt to change, and turn their passions into purposeful action.

Bee-Happy Marketplace

The Bee Happy Marketplace is where Centner Academy students turn ideas into reality. This student-run business fair allows participants to sell their products and services to real customers, applying the entrepreneurial skills they’ve learned in the classroom.

  • Product Creation & Branding – Students develop and package their own products, considering branding and marketing strategies.
  • Business Operations & Sales – They handle financial transactions, customer engagement, and marketing.
  • Economic & Financial Literacy – Students track revenue, expenses, and profits to understand real-world business management.
  • Networking & Customer Interaction – By interacting with real buyers, students refine their sales techniques and customer service skills.

This event not only allows students to showcase their creativity and business acumen but also fosters a sense of independence, responsibility, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed for future success.

Signature Events & Real-World Learning

At Centner Academy, students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship—they live it. Through two signature events, Shark Tank and the Bee Happy Marketplace, students gain firsthand experience in launching, pitching, and running their own businesses. These events challenge students to think critically, develop business strategies, and engage with real consumers in a dynamic, hands-on setting.

Shark Tank

Modeled after the popular television show, Centner Academy’s Shark Tank gives students the opportunity to develop a business idea and pitch it to a panel of successful entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.

  • Business Ideation & Development – Students create, refine, and validate their product or service.
  • Financial Planning & Strategy – They research costs, pricing, and profitability to build a sustainable model.
  • Public Speaking & Persuasion – They deliver a compelling pitch to judges, receiving real-time feedback.
  • Growth & Next Steps – Winning pitches earn funding, mentorship, and opportunities for real-world implementation.

This high-stakes, real-world experience teaches students how to think on their feet, refine their ideas, and develop the confidence to present in front of industry professionals. It is an essential step in preparing them for leadership in business, innovation, and beyond.

Ignite curiosity and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning in a nurturing and engaging environment. Our preschool program fosters creativity, emotional growth, and early problem-solving skills, preparing young learners for a bright future.

Inspire the leaders of tomorrow through a challenging, well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation. Our Elementary School challenges students to think big, explore their potential, and embrace a love for learning.

Empower students to explore their passions and grow as leaders in an engaging academic environment. With a focus on entrepreneurial thinking and hands-on learning, our Middle School program prepares students for High School and beyond.

Transform your passion into purpose at Centner Academy High School. Through challenging academics and real-world experiences, our students gain the skills to excel in college, entrepreneurship, and life!

Begin your Centner Academy journey with a personalized tour led by our welcoming Admissions Team. 

Submit your application. Our Admissions Team will guide you through the process!

Your child will experience a day in the life of a Centner Academy student!