If you have kids who attend Derby Public Schools, you may want to see how they are learning and gaining real-world experience beyond the classroom. Today, we are discussing how Derby High School students are gaining real-world experience outside the classroom through their student-run school store called The Jungle. This gives students hands-on business skills while creating something that benefits the Derby High School community.
The Jungle and Derby High School
What is The Jungle at Derby High School?
The Jungle is the student-run school store planned for Derby High School. Not only will it be a place for students to purchase drinks and snacks, but the school store will also be a hands-on learning experience for Derby High School students. These students will be learning what it is like to operate a business inside the school.
How The Jungle School Store Will Work
The Jungle school store is being created to help students learn how to manage and operate a business. This school store will be located inside Derby High School and is planned to open next semester. The Jungle school store is able to fund the creation of this business thanks to the support it received from a Derby Education Foundation grant.
Get Your Business Discovered
If you have a business you need to have an strong online presence. We at DerbyPanthers help local businesses reach more customers in the Derby area. If you want to step up your marketing game, Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business grow.
Tell us about your businessDerby Education Foundation Grant
One of the biggest reasons Derby High School’s dream of starting this business was able to become a reality is the Derby Education Foundation grant. The Derby Education Foundation publicly announced on February 24, 2026, that it gave a grant to The Jungle, Derby High School’s student-run store. The Derby Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising private funds to enrich the educational experiences of USD 260 students.
What Does the School Store Offer?
The Jungle’s Business Hours and Products
The Jungle wanted to do something a little different from other school stores and decided to sell drinks and snacks during lunch instead of coffee. The Jungle plans to open during lunch on certain block days, and it will serve not only as a business but also as a classroom for teacher Jude Schreiner. The drinks the school store will sell include multiple flavors of sugar-free lemonade and sugar-free Sprite. The Jungle will also offer a variety of healthy snacks. In addition to drinks and snacks, the school store has plans to expand into other products. These products may include buttons, stickers, and T-shirts created by the students.
Launch Special: You can have your business featured here!
If you are a local Derby business owner, we would love to have your business featured on our site. During our launch phase, we are offering discounted advertising rates to help you reach more customers in the Derby area. Contact us today and be one of our first advertising partners!
Ask about launch advertising ratesThe Use of the School Store as a Classroom
The Jungle is not just a place for students to get hands-on experience managing a store. It will also function as a classroom for Derby High School students in the business pathway. Students will train and gain the knowledge needed to launch and maintain the business’s daily operations. They will also learn customer service, inventory management, and how to market the business. This class is expected to be available to juniors and seniors in Derby High School’s business pathway.
The Next Steps for the School Store The Jungle
Hopefully, after reading this, you now know that The Jungle is more than just a school store; it is a learning experience. The Jungle will give Derby High School students the knowledge and experience needed to launch, market, and maintain a business. I think it is a special experience, and I look forward to the success that will follow after it opens next semester.