Erdkinder Café

The Erdkinder Café is a valued part of our middle and high school program and a meaningful extension of Montessori learning. Managed by students, the Café offers real-world experience in entrepreneurship, microeconomics, and practical life skills. It also creates a space for connection and community as students prepare and serve food to families, staff, and peers. The Café is open onceper month before school at the Freeman West Campus, and all are welcome to stop by and support our students’ work.

To offer a closer look at what the Café means to our students, we spoke with Eliza Nelson, a high school student who helps lead the program:

Why is Erdkinder Café important to students?

Eliza: “As part of our microeconomics program, the Café plays a big role in our education. Running a small business helps us build real-world skills that will be important in adulthood. We don’t just learn how to cook, prepare, and serve food—we also learn to interact with customers, create budgets, and manage costs and profits. Each year, students design their own fundraisers through the program to help support an amazing senior trip.”

What is your favorite part of Erdkinder Café?

Eliza: “There’s a lot I enjoy about the Café, but my favorite part is talking with customers. People are always kind and patient, and their encouraging words motivate all of us. It’s not easy to run a small business, but seeing satisfied customers makes the work feel meaningful. We’re excited to keep learning and growing through the microeconomics program this year.“