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The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the cafeteria at Ridge-wood High School thanks to the group of special education students running the Rebel Mart – an in-school cafe keeping teachers and students caffeinated throughout the day.

The cafe, run entirely by special education students and their teachers and paraprofessionals, offers a variety of coffee blends made in individual coffee machines along with teas, granola bars and crispy rice-cereal treats baked by the students themselves.

The Rebel Mart is open during the lunch period and passing periods, giving special education students a chance to gain work experience and have more interaction with their peers.

“This program provides more exposure for our students in the school,” said special education teacher Adam Guy. “We’re front and center out here and everyone knows about the Rebel Mart.