Comsewogue High School Launches Student-Operated "Spartan Store"

On October 15th, Comsewogue High School celebrated the grand opening of its school store, the Spartan Store, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This project was made possible through a generous state grant secured by New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. The Spartan store aligns with our school’s goal of providing our students with real-world skill development and problem-based learning opportunities. Overseen by business teacher Adam Parente, students working the store gain an unparalleled learning opportunity to manage and operate a fully functional retail business, gaining work-based learning experience through this hands-on practice in entrepreneurship and workplace readiness. Every aspect of the store is student driven, allowing for students to directly make a difference in their school.

Junior, Mark Peck shared his perspective on the value of the experience: “The school store has helped us develop valuable life skills by letting us take concepts we learn in our business classes and apply them into the real world. Rather than just learning about business operations in a classroom, we have the opportunity to experience firsthand what it takes to run a business, like managing inventory, and transactions, as well as, marketing, and customer service. The store also has given us the opportunity to build connections with people we may have never spoken to otherwise.”

In just the first few weeks of operation, the Spartan Store has already made a positive impact on the high school community. With more than 70 students involved in operating the store throughout the school day, students gain unique experiences during each shift, developing practical skills while contributing to a welcoming and engaging school environment. Junior, Sophia Lagadinos stated “It's been a great experience learning the real life scenarios of being behind the counter other than on just the customer side. It has added so much life to the school and I think every student has had so much fun so far being involved with this new addition to the school”. Junior, Christina Watson stated, “I think it's been an overall amazing experience so far and it has been a great addition because it creates a better sense of community and gives us students the opportunity to connect and learn more about the business side of everything.” 

Providing students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities during high school helps bridge the gap between classroom instruction and the expectations of the modern workplace. By operating a store that mirrors the daily functions of a real business, students gain practical experience across multiple areas, including marketing, finance and accounting, customer service, and operations management. From developing promotional campaigns to increase customer engagement and managing budgets to tracking sales, maintaining inventory, and coordinating daily operations, students are applying their classroom knowledge to authentic business challenges.

Sophomore, Julia Zimmermann emphasized the value of this opportunity, stating, “Working at the school store has taught me so many important skills for my future that everyone should learn at a young age such as teamwork, communication, responsibility, and customer service. This experience is beneficial to us because it gives us a chance to learn real world skills while gaining confidence and preparing for future jobs. This opportunity also resonates with what kids may want to pursue as they get older meaning they actually want to be there and have learned these skills at a young age!”

The Spartan Store represents Comsewogue High School’s continued commitment to experiential learning, career readiness, and student engagement. By giving students the opportunity to take ownership of a real-world business, we are helping them build the knowledge, confidence, and transferable skills needed for success in future education and careers. The Spartan Store also has an online apparel shop where you can order apparel, and it will be sent home with your student. Please visit our online store if you would like some Spartan Apparel!