Richardson ISD Opens Biztown Learning Facility
The district repurposed a former elementary school to offer students hands-on financial and business career experience.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Richardson ISD has partnered with Junior Achievement of Dallas to launch Biztown, an immersive learning center housed in the former Greenwood Hills Elementary School. The facility provides students with a simulated professional environment to explore career paths and financial literacy.
Why it matters
School officials created the space to repurpose the shuttered elementary building while simultaneously providing students with practical training in soft skills and business operations. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world professional responsibilities.
The Biztown facility occupies the former Greenwood Hills Elementary School building, which officially ceased operations in 2024. The site now hosts simulated business storefronts for companies including State Farm, Toyota, and FedEx.
The players
Richardson ISD
This public school district serves students in the Richardson, Texas area and manages the new Biztown facility.
Junior Achievement of Dallas
This nonprofit organization provides work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy programs to students.
The details
Students at the facility act as executives and employees, managing storefronts, setting product prices, and producing radio advertisements. The program builds upon curricula provided by Junior Achievement to prepare participants for diverse roles in a simulated economy.
Timeline
The original Enterprise City program launched in 1985.
Greenwood Hills Elementary School closed its doors in 2024.
Biztown opened for Richardson ISD students in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The launch of Biztown follows the experiential learning model established by the 1985 Enterprise City program. By integrating corporate partnerships directly into the educational environment, Richardson ISD positions itself to better prepare students for modern workforce demands.
Students in the district will participate in curriculum-based training that prepares them for future career paths through financial literacy exercises. Parents and families should look for updates from the district regarding when their children will visit the center.
The takeaway
Hands-on simulation programs allow students to experience professional environments years before they enter the job market. These facilities serve as a critical bridge for developing the soft skills and financial habits necessary for adulthood.
Further reading
For more information on local facilities, visit the Richardson Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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