Financial Education for the Next Generation

Helping students see money not as a source of anxiety but as a tool for success is one of the most important ways to prepare them for adulthood. Yet only 20% of teens understand what a FICO score is and just 41% know what a 401(k) plan is, highlighting an urgent need to improve the financial literacy of students, especially those in high school.

At Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ), financial literacy courses are part of the Business and Marketing CTE pathway. Through a series of courses, students learn essential concepts such as fixed and variable costs, break-even points, markup, and return on investment (ROI). They also explore loans, interest rates and other key financial topics. 

Because these courses build on one another, students have multiple opportunities to strengthen their understanding through hands-on assignments and real-world projects.

Concrete and specific illustrations help bring these lessons to life. When students see how even modest investments can grow, the impact sticks. As ISAZ CTE Business and Marketing Teacher Mike Sanders explains:  

“If a student started investing $100.00 per month at 16 years old for 30 years, they would grow their $36,000 in contributions to $97,000-$200,000 or more depending on their average annual rate of return.”

Students in the Business and Marketing CTE pathway are often interested in learning how to launch a business, or how they can help their existing family business succeed. This increased relevance drives stronger engagement with financial concepts related to business development and operations. By graduation, ISAZ students have a solid foundation in financial principles and are better equipped to make informed decisions, whether it’s building credit, investing, purchasing a car, or eventually buying a home.

One of the most important financial habits students can develop is consistently saving and investing. According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, 70% of students have no confidence in their ability to invest and find investing intimidating. Teaching students how investing works, and how the rewards can accrue over time, is critical to preparing them for a successful financial future.

Many students pick up financial habits by observing their parents. While this can be helpful, it can also reinforce gaps in knowledge. The key is providing students with  accurate, practical financial education so they can shape their own futures. 

With social media becoming a major source of financial advice for teens, it’s more important than ever to provide the concepts and opportunities to apply them. By doing so, we ensure students can move confidently into the next chapter of their lives, whether that includes college, a career, or entrepreneurship. Looking for a school that helps students build confidence, real-world skills and a secure financial path forward? Learn more at Insight Academy of Arizona’s enrollment page and see how ISAZ prepares students for life beyond the classroom.