Students in the Career and Technical Education advanced floral design classes are learning far more than how to build beautiful arrangements—they are running a business.
Through the “Flower of the Month” program, students design, budget and produce fresh arrangements that are delivered monthly to district employees who sign up for yearlong paid subscriptions. Students calculate costs and obtain quotes from vendors. The process gives them real-world experience managing inventory, meeting deadlines and balancing creativity with financial responsibility.
“We definitely learn how to stay within a budget,” said Colleyville Heritage High School senior Sarah Hermus. “If a quote comes back too high, we rethink the design, look for similar flowers that cost less and adjust our plan. It takes problem solving.”
Beyond the monthly subscription program, students also develop entrepreneurial skills through classroom projects such as launching a mock business at the beginning of the year. They create budgets, identify target audiences and present business pitches, which builds their communication skills and leadership skills.
The classes, offered at both Colleyville Heritage High School and Grapevine High School, are part of the Plant Science program of study. By the end of the course, students are prepared to earn an industry based certification from the Texas State Florists’ Association, equipping them to become future floral shop owners, wedding planners or event professionals, all jobs that can be the start of careers or earn them a salary while attending college.
CHHS junior Olivia Singleton said that the experience has helped her think differently. “These floral arrangements aren’t just for us. They’re for buyers,” she said, adding that “We make sure that everything looks professional and that we are creating something people will love.”
*We appreciate community interest in supporting the Flower of the Month program. Since students deliver the flowers personally, they can only make deliveries to campuses.