Ideas Into Action: Introducing Entrepreneurship in Early Childhood at Cresthill Academy

At Cresthill Academy, we believe children are naturally creative, curious, and full of big ideas, and entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to nurture those strengths from an early age. When children learn to plan, create, solve problems, and collaborate, they’re building skills that last well beyond preschool.

Across our Hoboken, East Hanover, Harrison, Lyndhurst, and Paramus campuses, teachers use playful and developmentally appropriate activities to help children see themselves as capable thinkers and future innovators. One of the most loved classroom examples is our simple cookie sale activity, which demonstrates just how many skills children practice through one hands-on experience.

Planting the Seeds of Entrepreneurship Early

Entrepreneurship isn’t only about starting a business. It is about learning to turn an idea into action. In our cookie sale activity, children begin by brainstorming what kind of treats they want to “sell.” They choose cookie shapes, colors, and decorations, then work as a group to plan how they will set up their stand.

During the activity, you might hear a child ask, “How many cookies do we need for everyone?” while another arranges signs for the table. In this single moment, they’re building:

• Communication skills

• Basic financial awareness

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Creativity and decision making

A teacher might say, “You planned your cookie stand together, counted what you needed, and welcomed your customers. That’s what entrepreneurs do, they take an idea and make it real.”

A playful activity becomes a meaningful learning moment that grows confidence and capability.

How Entrepreneurship Connects to ESTEAMed Learning

Our ESTEAMed curriculum puts Entrepreneurship at the center of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Activities like the cookie sale strengthen:

• Critical thinking

• Planning and organization

• Leadership skills

• Creative expression

• Understanding cause and effect

As children decorate cookies, design signs, and decide how to “price” their treats using pretend money, they see how each choice influences what happens next. Their ideas connect directly to action, and action leads to outcomes they can see and understand.

Play Based Entrepreneurial Learning

Entrepreneurship is woven into play throughout our schools. The cookie sale is just one example. Through it, children experience:

• Setting up a pretend business from start to finish

• Designing a product and sharing it with others

• Planning a welcoming space for customers

• Working as a team to solve small challenges

• Celebrating the results of their efforts

Children feel proud when they see friends and teachers visit their stand. They learn that their ideas matter, that their voice counts, and that working together makes their project stronger.

Growing Future Innovators Across North Jersey

In Hoboken, children might design colorful cookie menus. In Harrison, they might build a pretend storefront out of blocks. In Paramus, they might practice welcoming “customers” with confident greetings.

No matter the location, these experiences help children understand how creative thinking, planning, and teamwork bring ideas to life.

With locations in Hoboken, East Hanover, Harrison, Lyndhurst, and Paramus and more opening soon in North Jersey and New York City,

Cresthill Academy is preparing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.

Empowering Children to Dream Boldly

Entrepreneurship at Cresthill Academy isn’t about business. It is about confidence, independence, and a mindset that embraces curiosity. Our cookie sale experience shows children that they can dream, plan, collaborate, and bring their own ideas into the world.

Learn more or schedule a tour at www.cresthillacademy.com