5101: Introduction to Business and Management (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 9-11)

This introductory course is designed to give students an understanding of business practices.  It serves as a background of information for those students who plan to continue with other business courses and as a general information course for personal use. It includes the study of such areas as the free enterprise system, economics, exploring business careers, consumerism, and business technology.  The course introduces business practices and structure between all levels of an organization.  Students are encouraged to approach their work from an entrepreneurial perspective, and focus on the value that an employee can bring to the company.

5207: Marketing (1 credit PAR, Grade 10-12)

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Business and Management

This course outlines an instructional program for students who are interested in a career in the field of marketing and management.  This class is designed to provide an understanding of the fundamental marketing processes and an orientation to the American free enterprise system.  Course content will include seven functions of marketing with an in-depth look into:  communication & interpersonal skills, promotion, selling, economics, buying, pricing, and much more!  When applicable, real-world lessons and examples will be used to reinforce the course concepts.  

5200: Youth Entrepreneurs I (1 credit PAR, Grade 10-12)

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Business and Management

This course is designed to offer practical training and experience to students in the field of entrepreneurship and management. Students will gain an appreciation for business and free enterprise, complete a business plan, and have an understanding of the components for a successful business. Through team activities, computer simulations, hands-on experiences (i.e. Market Day, Dare to Dream, etc.), and competitions, students are challenged to start their own business, enhance their business skills for future career opportunities, and continue into higher education. This class will be conducted in partnership with area businesses and Youth Entrepreneurs, which is affiliated with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Participation in DECA is highly suggested. The marketing objectives align co-curricular with the DECA competition and will be used as projects in the classroom on occasion.

5201: Youth Entrepreneurs II (2 credits PAR, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Youth Entrepreneurs I

This second level course is designed to offer additional training and experience to students in the field of entrepreneurship and management. Students will gain an appreciation for business and free enterprise, expand their business plan, and gain a deeper understanding of the components needed for a successful business. Through team activities, computer simulations, hands-on experiences, and competitions, students are challenged to start their own business, enhance their business skills for future career opportunities, and continue into higher education. This class will be conducted in partnership with area businesses and Youth Entrepreneurs, which is affiliated with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Participation in DECA is highly suggested. The marketing objectives align co-curricular with the DECA competition and will be used as projects in the classroom on occasion.

5109: Accounting I (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Business and Management

This course is designed to meet the needs of three types of students: (1) those interested in accounting or business as a major in college (2) those interested in learning about keeping the financial records for their own businesses in the future, and (3) those interested in doing general office work. The course provides training in bookkeeping principles, payroll, and financial reports. Students will get practical experience in accounting through the use of spreadsheets and computer-based accounting programs.

5124: Office Productivity Suite (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Business and Management

This course is designed to help students master beginning skills in the areas of word processing, spreadsheet software, and the proper creation and application of professional presentations. Students will learn file management, how to save and find files, use a network, and share files with others for collaboration.  Students will learn the software skills needed in Microsoft and Google to be effective in school and the workplace. Advanced projects combining all of Microsoft Office and Google software will be included in the course.

7128: Graphic Design I (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Arts

This course will explore the elements and principles of art with today’s ever-increasing need of knowledge regarding art technology.  This class will utilize computer software, such as Adobe Illustrator, in creation of original artwork.  Some basic Photoshop and digital camera skills will be introduced.  This is a class for the student who desires to explore their art in a computer-based medium and for future career paths in design.

5312: College Business (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs

This course provides an overview of all phases of business, including ownership, marketing, personnel, finance, managerial controls, and the relationship of business to the social and economic environment in which it operates.

5314: College Business Communications (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs

This course is designed to teach students to identify the scope and structure of written communications in a business environment.  The areas of study will include planning, organizing, composing, and revising a wide variety of business correspondence.  Current methods of appropriate communication via technology are covered with hands-on applications. Participation in DECA is highly suggested. 

5310: College Marketing and Management (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs

This course will cover the principles and practices of business management developed around the framework of the functions of planning, organizing, and control. Specific topics will include: managerial ethics, group dynamics, employee motivation, communications, decision-making, leadership and management styles, productivity, and organizational effectiveness.

The principles of marketing involve the structure of marketing institutions in a global environment. This course will include analysis of marketing functions, consumer behavior, segmentation, market research, product planning, pricing, promotion, distribution and marketing strategies. Internet and electronic mail activities are integrated to develop competencies in data collection, application and task analysis.

5212: Business Academy Capstone (1 credit PAR, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs I

Students in this course will meet at All Things Independence, a retail store and screen printing business.  This course provides students with a unique experiential learning opportunity to gain hands-on business and entrepreneurial skills useful for any career path.  Students operate a retail and screen print business as part of their coursework.  Students are responsible for all aspects of the business including but not limited to management, sales, research, purchasing, inventory, merchandising, graphic design, facilities management, accounting, financial analysis, screen printing, and training.  Students must apply and will be selected through an interview process.  

5209: Supervised Business Experience (1-2 credit PAR, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Accounting II, Business Finance, Marketing, or Youth Entrepreneurs I

The Supervised Business Experience (SBE) program is a workplace learning experience, which is an extension of the business education classroom.  SBE training is designed for the students in approved business education programs currently following a business academy pathway.  The SBE program provides on-the-job work experience that gives students the opportunity to master academic and workplace skills.  The SBE program facilitates the transition from the classroom to the workplace.