During their freshman year, students will be enrolled in Freshman Academy - Career Exploration and Freshman Academy - Personal Finance. During this combined year-long class, students will complete five major tasks:

• Design a Ten Year Plan
• Visit a College
• Take Part in a Career Fair
• Complete Personal Finance Requirement
• Choose a Career Academy

Students are encouraged to develop a plan that will create a successful exit whether they dive directly from high school into a career, attend a two-year college, get a four-year degree, or attain a post-graduate degree.

Students will determine their ten year plan based on interest, ability, goals, and expectations. It is the first important step on the road to success.

Course Description

1800: Freshmen Academy - Career Exploration (0.5 credit ELE, 1st semester Gr. 9)

Freshman Academy - Career Expoloration is a required class for all incoming freshman that focuses on student career interests, personal and academic success throughout high school. Students will explore careers that align with their own interests through personal reflection activities and attending a career exploration fair. Students will develop study, note taking, time management, social and human relations skills to aid in their success both in and out of the classroom. This course will prepare students to make career academy decisions.

1801: Freshmen Academy - Personal Finance (0.5 credit FIN, 2nd semester Gr. 9)

Freshman Academy - Personal Finance is a required class for all incoming freshman during their second semester that focuses on students obtaining a job and understanding finances. Students will learn how to search, apply and interview for a job. Students will also understand how to manage their personal finances to ensure future financial success. Incorporated into the curriculum are the Missouri Personal Finance Competencies. Topics covered are banking, credit, savings, investing, and budgeting.