Your teenager has big dreams. Whether they envision launching the next tech unicorn, solving global challenges, or leading innovative companies, traditional high school isn't preparing them for entrepreneurial success. At Pluris Academy's Entrepreneurial High School Program in Orlando, we transform ambitious students into confident innovators ready to excel in college and beyond.
This isn't your typical high school experience. It's where academic excellence meets entrepreneurial action, where teenagers develop the skills, mindset, and connections to thrive in tomorrow's economy. With small classes, personalized attention, and our unique partnership with the University of Central Florida, we're preparing students for leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Why Entrepreneurship Education Matters Now More Than Ever
The world your teenager will enter after graduation bears little resemblance to the one we knew. Traditional career paths are disappearing, replaced by opportunities that demand innovation, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking.
The New Reality
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, today's students will have 12-15 different jobs throughout their careers. Many of these positions don't exist yet. The World Economic Forum reports that 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025, with critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity topping the list of essential skills.
Yet most high schools still operate on an outdated model. They teach students to follow instructions, memorize facts, and take tests—skills that matter less each year. Meanwhile, employers desperately seek graduates who can:
- Identify and solve complex problems
- Lead teams and projects
- Adapt to rapid change
- Create value through innovation
- Communicate compelling visions
Orlando's Opportunity
Our city has transformed into a thriving startup ecosystem. The Orlando Economic Partnership reports over 150% growth in tech startups since 2020. Major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and countless innovative startups have established significant presences here. This creates unprecedented opportunities for students who understand entrepreneurship.
The College Admissions Advantage
Elite universities increasingly seek students who demonstrate real initiative beyond grades and test scores. A student who has launched a business, solved community problems, or led innovative projects stands out dramatically in the admissions process. Our students have leveraged their entrepreneurial experiences to gain admission to Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and other top institutions—often with significant scholarships.
Starting entrepreneurship education in high school isn't just about business—it's about developing the mindset, skills, and experiences that open every door.
Our Comprehensive High School Entrepreneurship Program
The Pluris Academy Entrepreneurial High School Program transforms traditional education through our innovative "Garage 3" approach, inspired by the legendary spaces where world-changing companies began.
Core Program Components:
Business Fundamentals Curriculum Our curriculum integrates entrepreneurship into every subject:
- Mathematics: Financial modeling, statistics for market research, investment calculations
- Science: Innovation in technology, environmental solutions, research methodologies
- English: Persuasive writing, pitch development, storytelling for business
- Social Studies: Global markets, economic systems, social entrepreneurship
- Specialized Courses: Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, Innovation Lab
Real Startup Creation Opportunities Every student develops at least one viable business concept during their time at Pluris:
- Freshman Year: Introduction to entrepreneurial thinking, basic business concepts
- Sophomore Year: First venture creation with structured support
- Junior Year: Advanced venture development or pivot to new opportunity
- Senior Year: Capstone project with real market testing
Mentorship with Industry Leaders Students receive guidance from successful entrepreneurs who've been where they want to go:
- Regular visits from founders and CEOs
- One-on-one mentoring relationships
- Project feedback from industry experts
- Networking opportunities with the Orlando business community
Recent mentors include the founder of Booking.com, local tech CEOs, and social entrepreneurs who've created meaningful change.
Technology Integration Students master modern tools while understanding technology serves human creativity:
- Coding and app development
- Digital marketing platforms
- 3D design and prototyping
- Data analysis tools
- AI and emerging technologies
Project-Based Learning Approach Learning happens through doing, not memorizing:
- Community problem-solving initiatives
- Business plan competitions
- Product development cycles
- Market research projects
- Social impact ventures
Year-by-Year Progression:
Grade 9: Foundation Building
- Entrepreneurial mindset development
- Basic business concepts
- First pitch presentations
- Team collaboration skills
Grade 10: Venture Creation
- Develop first business concept
- Market research and validation
- Financial planning basics
- Prototype development
Grade 11: Growth and Scale
- Advanced venture development
- Leadership roles in projects
- Internship opportunities
- College preparation intensifies
Grade 12: Launch and Legacy
- Capstone venture project
- Mentor younger students
- College applications featuring entrepreneurial achievements
- Transition planning
Tangible Outcomes: Students graduate with:
- Complete business plans and pitch decks
- Functional prototypes or live businesses
- Professional presentation experience
- Industry connections and references
- Portfolio for college applications
- Up to 30 college credits through dual enrollment
Read about our amazing teachers here!
Dual Enrollment Advantage: Partnership with UCF
Our exclusive partnership with the University of Central Florida provides unprecedented opportunities for motivated high school students to accelerate their education while gaining entrepreneurial experience.
How It Works: Qualified juniors and seniors can enroll in actual UCF courses while remaining on our campus. These aren't watered-down high school classes—they're real college courses that count toward both high school graduation and university degrees.
Available Courses Include:
- Introduction to Business (GEB 2011)
- Principles of Entrepreneurship (ENT 3003)
- Marketing Fundamentals (MAR 2011)
- Financial Accounting (ACG 2021)
- Computer Science I (COP 3223C)
- Creative Writing (CRW 2001)
- General Psychology (PSY 2012)
The Financial Advantage
Each 3-credit course taken through dual enrollment can save families approximately $1,000-$1,500 in future college tuition. Students completing our full dual enrollment track graduate with up to 30 credits—equivalent to one full year of college—potentially saving $15,000-$30,000.
Seamless Transition
Our college counselors work directly with UCF advisors to ensure credits transfer smoothly. Students gain familiarity with college-level expectations while maintaining the support structure of our small high school environment.
Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Experience That Matters
True entrepreneurship education extends far beyond textbooks and lectures. Our students engage with Orlando's vibrant business community through multiple channels.
Mentorship Program: Learning from Leaders
Recent Visiting Entrepreneurs: This year alone, students have learned from:
- The founder of Booking.com, who spent an afternoon debugging code with students
- A billionaire entrepreneur who shared failure stories and recovery strategies
- Local startup founders who provide ongoing project guidance
- Social entrepreneurs creating community impact
- Tech innovators pushing boundaries in AI and blockchain
Ongoing Mentor Relationships: Each junior and senior is matched with a mentor based on interests and goals. These relationships often continue through college and beyond, providing:
- Monthly one-on-one sessions
- Project feedback and guidance
- Industry insights and connections
- Career development support
- Letters of recommendation
Student Startup Examples:
Current Ventures Include:
- An app connecting teen volunteers with local nonprofits (now active in three schools)
- Sustainable products replacing single-use plastics (generating revenue)
- Peer tutoring platform with gamification elements
- Mental health resources specifically for high school students
- Local food waste reduction initiative partnering with restaurants
Internship Opportunities:
Through our business partnerships, students access internships at:
- Orlando tech startups
- Marketing agencies
- Financial services firms
- Nonprofit organizations
- E-commerce companies
These aren't coffee-fetching positions—students contribute to real projects and gain meaningful experience.
Competition Participation:
Students regularly compete in:
- DECA entrepreneurship events
- Regional business plan competitions
- Shark Tank-style pitch events
- Social innovation challenges
- Coding hackathons
Our teams consistently place in top positions, with several students winning significant funding for their ventures.
Networking Events:
Monthly events connect students with:
- Local entrepreneur meetups
- Industry-specific gatherings
- Alumni entrepreneurs
- Investor pitch sessions
- Innovation workshops
These connections often lead to internships, mentorships, and even initial funding for student ventures.
Academic Excellence Meets Entrepreneurial Innovation
Parents often worry that focusing on entrepreneurship might compromise academic preparation. At Pluris Academy, we prove that innovation enhances rather than detracts from academic excellence.
Meeting and Exceeding Standards: Our curriculum satisfies all Florida education requirements while adding entrepreneurial context:
- Advanced Placement courses available
- Honors tracks in core subjects
- SAT/ACT preparation integrated naturally
- Writing skills developed through business plans
- Math skills strengthened through financial modeling
Building Standout College Applications: Our students' applications tell compelling stories:
- Founded and ran actual businesses
- Solved real community problems
- Led teams and managed budgets
- Received mentorship from industry leaders
- Demonstrated initiative beyond classroom requirements
Results That Speak:
- 100% college acceptance rate
- Average SAT scores 200 points above Florida average
- Over $500,000 in annual scholarship awards
- Acceptances to top-tier universities
- Many students receive full-ride scholarships
Integrated Test Preparation: Rather than teaching to tests, we develop skills that naturally improve scores:
- Critical reading through business analysis
- Mathematical reasoning through financial planning
- Writing skills through pitch development
- Problem-solving through venture challenges
The Pluris Difference: What Sets Our Program Apart
While other schools may offer business classes, our comprehensive approach creates transformational outcomes.
Small Class Sizes, Big Impact: With an average of 12 students per class:
- Every student receives personalized attention
- Ideas get thorough exploration
- Collaboration feels natural, not forced
- Teachers know each student's goals and challenges
- No one falls through the cracks
Personalized College Counseling: Starting freshman year, students work with counselors who understand both traditional academics and entrepreneurial achievements:
- Strategic course selection
- Portfolio development
- Application positioning
- Scholarship identification
- Interview preparation
Leadership Development: Every student develops leadership skills through:
- Team project management
- Peer mentoring programs
- Student government with real responsibilities
- Community service initiatives
- Public speaking opportunities
Global Perspective: Entrepreneurship is global, and so is our outlook:
- International business concepts
- Cultural awareness in ventures
- Global problem-solving approaches
- Virtual collaborations with international students
- Study of worldwide innovation trends
Technology Without Dependency: We teach students to leverage technology while maintaining human skills:
- Coding as a tool, not an end
- Digital marketing with ethical considerations
- AI understanding with creative application
- Data analysis with human insight
- Tech ethics and responsibility
Your Investment in Their Entrepreneurial Future
Private education represents a significant family investment. At Pluris Academy, we ensure that investment yields exceptional returns through transparent pricing and multiple funding options.
Tuition Value:
Your investment provides:
- Personalized education impossible in larger settings
- Direct access to successful entrepreneurs
- College credits worth thousands
- Skills commanding higher starting salaries
- Network connections lasting lifetimes
- Confidence to create rather than just consume
STEP UP Scholarship Acceptance:
We proudly accept Florida's STEP UP For Students scholarships, making entrepreneurial education accessible to qualified families. Our admissions team helps navigate the application process.
Financial Aid Available:
Need-based aid ensures economic diversity enriches our community. We believe innovation thrives when students from different backgrounds collaborate.
Return on Investment:
Consider the long-term value:
- Dual enrollment saves one year of college tuition
- Entrepreneurial skills command 25% higher starting salaries
- Network connections accelerate career growth
- Problem-solving abilities apply to any field
- Innovation mindset creates opportunities
Alumni consistently report that their Pluris education opened doors and created opportunities worth far more than tuition costs.
Start Your Teen's Entrepreneurial Journey Today
The best time to develop entrepreneurial skills is now, while students have support, guidance, and room to experiment safely. Don't let your teen miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge.
Next Steps:
- Schedule Your Personal Tour See innovation in action, meet our students, and envision your teen's future
- Submit Your Application Our holistic process considers potential, not just past performance
- Join Our Community Become part of Orlando's most innovative educational experience
Contact us today through our web portal.
Limited Enrollment Available
To maintain our small class sizes and personalized attention, we limit enrollment in our high school program. Current grades are approaching capacity.
Schedule Your Tour Now and discover how Pluris Academy can transform your teenager from a student into an innovator, from a follower into a leader, from someone with dreams into someone with the skills to achieve them.
The future belongs to those who can create it. At Pluris Academy, that future starts now.