Sussex Academy students sell goods, services at market day

Handmade jewelry, stickers, flower seedlings and the ever-popular slime were just some of the goods and services available at Sussex Academy’s annual Third-Grade Market Day held Dec. 5.

Each year, Sussex Academy third-graders are tasked with brainstorming a business, creating its name and crafting a business plan. 

Students are graded on their plans, materials, advertising posters and conduct during the market, which is visited by students in all grades K-5 to purchase goods and services.

After the market day, students analyze their sales, noting differences between their actual and goal sales. Through the event, students are able to apply key economic concepts such as supply and demand, budgeting and entrepreneurship in a fun and engaging way.

Sussex Academy elementary learning support interventionist Megan Reed, who launched the program while a teacher, said market day was designed to give students authentic, hands-on experiences that bring learning to life. 

“As young entrepreneurs, they get to engage in problem-solving, collaboration and creative thinking while building practical skills in communication, decision-making and financial literacy,” Reed said. “Opportunities like this were intended to empower students to take ownership of their learning and grow into innovative, capable problem solvers.”  

Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Georgetown.