RPS Students Dive Into Entrepreneurship

This spring, our seniors in The Mathematics of Money class wrapped up the year with an exciting and ambitious entrepreneurship project that brought together math, creativity, and real-world problem solving. Their final quarter was dedicated to exploring the world of small business, from ideation to execution, culminating in a spirited “Shark Tank”-style pitch event in the Rock Point School library.

Throughout the quarter, students examined the entrepreneurial process, the impact of small businesses on the economy, and different types of entrepreneurs. Then, in teams, they set out to identify a meaningful problem in their community and develop a product or service as a solution. Each group conducted market research, analyzed competitors, completed a SWOT assessment, crafted a marketing strategy, created a budget, and made two-year financial projections for their business. They brought all of this work together in formal presentations delivered to a panel of five “sharks," Rock Point staff members who played the role of inquisitive investors.

The students' creativity and thoughtfulness were impressive. One group pitched a cat café and bed-and-breakfast hybrid that featured adoptable cats and offered revenue-generating services, such as “cat yoga,” all aimed at reducing the stray cat population. Another team developed an all-terrain electric wheelchair to expand access to outdoor recreation for people with mobility challenges. A third group created a line of cost-effective pre-workout snacks and drinks that mimic the flavor and look of chocolate and soda, complete with carefully calculated unit costs and profit margins.

While the project had a strong focus on applied math, using spreadsheets, cost analysis, revenue projections, and data visualization, it also developed essential skills for life after RPS. Students practiced collaboration, adapted to new information, and engaged in iterative problem-solving. They had to pivot when market research challenged their assumptions and learned to refine their ideas based on evolving data. Each member of every team took on a specific role, and all contributed to presenting their business plan in a professional, high-stakes setting.

On presentation day, the energy was palpable. The five staff sharks asked tough questions, reviewed printed financials, and challenged each group to defend their ideas. Students rose to the occasion, thinking on their feet and demonstrating not only their knowledge but also their confidence, preparation, and resilience.

Projects like this bring learning to life at Rock Point School, where math isn’t just in a textbook, but is a tool for exploring the world, solving real problems, and preparing for the future.