The McGrath Family JA BizTown™

In addition to our core K-12 classroom programs, we offer a unique learning experience for 5th graders called The McGrath Family JA BizTown.

The McGrath Family JA BizTown is a 10,000 square foot mini-city in which kids discover how free enterprise really works. There are 19 life-size businesses, a non-profit organization and a city hall. Every day, 150 new students become business owners, make financial decisions, explore philanthropy and pay taxes.

Teachers spend four weeks teaching the The McGrath Family JA BizTown curriculum. Students learn principles like economics, good citizenship, and money management. Each business offers the students the opportunity to work as CEO, CFO, or a business specific job. Students apply for the job that interests them. Once they are assigned to a job, students spend time with the other employees in their business to develop their business operating budget, apply for a bank loan, create advertising, and develop their marketing strategies.

After the curriculum has been taught, the students come to The McGrath Family JA BizTown and become "grown-ups" for one day to put into practice all of the principles they have been learning in the classroom. At The McGrath Family JA BizTown, the students are in charge!! Students work in a life-sized interactive city that is designed to reflect San Diego in the businesses, landscape, and architecture. In front of City Hall, the mayor gives a speech reminding the citizens of the laws of The McGrath Family JA BizTown, and encouraging everyone to exercise their civic duty by voting. Students check the business break schedule to know when they are allowed to leave work, visit the bank, and become a consumer in the city.

The students leave The McGrath Family JA BizTown feeling personally successful after spending the day working hard at their jobs. They also leave with a greater understanding of the value of a dollar, the importance of team work, and how to be a contributing citizen in the community. The time spent at The McGrath Family JA BizTown is only one day, but the impact that this experiential learning has will last a life time!

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