Course Description

This full-year (1 credit) Personal Finance and Investments course provides students with the tools necessary to make smart financial and investing decisions. Students will develop strategies for budgeting, managing money, using debt wisely, maintaining a good credit score, and planning for retirement. The course also covers renting or leasing versus owning housing and vehicles, as well as insurance topics including health, life, property, and disability.

Students will learn about income, employer benefits, payroll withholding, and income taxes. Because this is a full-year course, we are able to incorporate active learning activities and explore core personal finance topics in greater depth, including savings beyond traditional bank products.

The course introduces students to different ways to save and invest money, such as High Yield Savings Accounts, Mutual Funds, Exchange Traded Funds, cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), stocks, and bonds. Students will also learn about historical market returns, fees and commissions, earnings ratios, and the importance of diversification.

At the beginning of the semester, students will focus on career readiness skills, including résumé writing, thank-you letters, and interview preparation. Additional topics include internet safety and protection from fraud and identity theft.

Overall, this course is designed to help students become responsible financial stewards, confident savers, and informed decision-makers who are prepared for life after graduation.

To be successful in this class:

Students should plan to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class to complete required assignments and projects for the class.

Grades: 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade

Course Tuition and Enrollment Fees can be found HERE. If applicable, see below for additional course fees (supply, lab, textbook, etc.)

Course Credit: 1 Honors Elective Credit