Business Academy: Accounting and Finance Pathway

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.

5124: Office Productivity Suite (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 9-12)

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.

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. 

5200: Youth Entrepreneurs (1 credit PAR, Gr. 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.

5117: Business Law (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

This course will teach students how the laws that govern business are relevant to their everyday lives. Specific areas include kinds of laws, crimes, laws for minors, laws for families, laws for consumers, contracts, bankruptcy, repossessions, employment contracts, discrimination, landlords, and cyber laws. This course will also discuss entrepreneurship law, family law, and criminal law. Additionally this course combines practical opportunities as well as expertise of a business organization. Students will work with the local community in order to apply practical applications of economics. Entrepreneurial possibilities are available within this course. Students will learn to make economical decisions, keep business records and documents, as well as market products targeting local economical issues and business careers.

1529: Public Speaking/College Speech (0.5 credit ELE, Gr. 10-12, weighted) College Credit Available

This course is designed to improve students' public speaking skills in real-world communication situations. The class challenges students to become more effective speakers and listeners in a variety of communication tasks. Students will participate in group discussions, research, listening exercises, and prepare various speeches individually, and learn to both give and receive constructive criticism.

5301: Accounting II (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Accounting I

This course is a continuation of the first year course with an emphasis on cost, managerial, and corporate accounting. There will be additional study in automated accounting and computer-based spreadsheet applications. After completing this course, students planning to major in accounting or business in college will be better prepared for university-level accounting and students seeking employment immediately after high school will be better qualified for entry-level accounting positions.

5121: Business Finance (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Accounting I or Youth Entreprenuers

This is an introductory course for banking and financial support services which also operates a student bank as the implementation practicum.  The course is designed to familiarize students with all aspects of a typical bank including savings, loans, operations, and audit functions. Coursework will include the history of banking, organizational structures, operations and marketing of a student bank, marketing and advertising, insurance, and the stock market.

7128: Graphic Design I (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-12)

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.

7129: Graphic Design II (0.5 credit FAR, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Graphic Design I

This second level course will further 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.

5302: AP Economics (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit by Exam Available

Prerequisite: Accounting II or Business Finance

The purpose of this course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

5316: Business Capstone (2-4 credits PAR, Gr. 12)

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

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 and/or bakery 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.