Schools tend to form their own communities and cultures. But a long-standing tradition at Torrey Pines Elementary School in La Jolla takes it a step further.

For nearly three decades, the school has hosted a project toward the end of the school year called “Town,” in which fifth-graders create and run their own mini city.

The activity is held during free period on Fridays, and students may participate only if their other work is done and they have behaved during class. The intent is to teach fifth-graders responsibility for themselves and their community (both in “Town” and at home).

Students elect public officials such as a mayor, judge, treasurer, secretary and sheriff. Other students hold jobs such as bankers, vendors and civil servants. A fire marshal goes around and makes sure there are no fire hazards in classrooms.

The students have laws and their own currency that is used in regular commerce and as part of stock-exchange-related exercises. A Torrey Pines Elementary teacher is on the $500 bill.

That teacher is “Town” founder David Devore, for whom it’s all truly a hometown effort.

Devore’s father established the project while teaching in the Poway school district. When Devore started at Torrey Pines 29 years ago, he wanted to take it with him.

“He came up with this whole idea of a mini society and called it ‘Town.’ So I took everything he had and ran with it,” Devore said. “We do it in the spring, when things start to wind down for the year, and the kids learn to develop their own town, they come up with the town name and they run the town for the most part.”

This year, the town is called Quacktropolis.

“I jokingly say I am like a mother duck, so when my students are in line, they quack. So they decided on that name,” Devore said with a laugh. “It just goes to show how the kids run the whole thing. … The whole thing is about responsibility.”

Students on the Town Council write the laws and other rules, which often reflect school rules. Those who break the rules can get a ticket, and there is a judicial system to provide a fair trial.

“We have a judge and a district attorney, so if there is a problem in class or a conflict between students, someone might get a ticket and have to present before a judge,” Devore said. “That judge will rule on the issue.”

During the periods when Quacktropolis is open, students can shop the makeshift local markets, which sell student-made crafts and/or projects, or they can run errands such as depositing or withdrawing money at the bank.

“Offices” are at the desks of students who have specific roles and can be accessed only during the “Town” period.

Students of all ages get a chance to see the town in action, with one grade level visiting one week and another visiting the next.

Additionally, students are encouraged to collect bottles and cans throughout the school year to cash in for recycling to benefit the project. Devore uses the proceeds to buy supplies and prizes for a town-wide auction at the end of the school year.

“It’s part of the Torrey Pines Elementary School community,” Devore said. “It’s so fun to see the creativity they show and the ideas they have. And every year is different. It’s the most rewarding time of year to see them mature through that whole thing.”

Fifth-grader Calvin Szotko, the Quacktropolis secretary, said he had looked forward to “Town” for a long time.

“Everyone gets super excited about ‘Town,’ so it was great to be a part of,” he said. “As secretary, I have this journal and I keep it around and keep track of fines and who needs to be paid for their work. It’s been really fun. I also got to have a business and sell this sensory toy I made out of a crinkled water bottle.”

He also got to have a snow-cone stand.

“I learned about hiring and paying people, because the line was around the classroom,” Calvin said. “I wasn’t expecting that kind of turnout, but we ran out of cups and we had three loads of cups after that. It was a really amazing experience. … It teaches us to be independent, and it’s cool how my friends have their own money and responsibilities. It feels like a free-market society. It was fun.” ♦