How St. Louis schools are ensuring students are prepared for everyday realities

In recent years, Missouri schools have earned high marks in an area that might not immediately come to mind for K–12 education: personal finance. According to a national report, public schools in the Show-Me State earned As for requiring students to take personal finance courses before graduation. “After students leave high school, not a day will go by when these young adults will not have to think about money—how to earn it, spend it, and save it,” noted John Pelletier, director of Champlain College’s Center for Financial Literacy, which oversaw the study.

In that same spirit, local schools are helping students of all ages develop practical skills that stretch beyond the basics. At New City School, for instance, young students learn how economics affects society. “Teaching economics gives students a better understanding of how the world works around them,” says third-grade teacher Rob May. “It empowers them to think about how they can impact the world around them based on the access they have to certain resources. It also gives them a lens to think critically about the inequities they see in society.”

New City School melds business education with service learning. After a trip to Gateway 180, a local shelter for families in need, third-graders noticed the outdoor play area was shut down due to vandalism. “They immediately started to ask what we could do to help,” May says. At the same time, teachers saw third-graders starting small businesses on their own, from bake sales and lemonade stands to custom jewelry and key chains. “We had the idea of bringing together these things—philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and economics—into a project-based learning experience,” May says. “The project has quickly developed into one of our most engaging units. The students have a lot of autonomy in choosing an idea for their business, everything from the concept to the logo. There are so many layers of learning.”

At Ladue Horton Watkins High School, the Catalyst program provides juniors and seniors with hands-on professional experiences. “The program allows students to engage in internships, job shadowing, client projects, and professional networking,” says practical arts department chair Jessica Kennedy. “Students frequently mention how internships and networking opportunities have shaped their career aspirations and given them clarity about their futures. Many have even received offers to continue working with the professionals with whom they’ve interned, which speaks volumes about the impact of the program.”

The high school’s student-run store, the Ram Shack, is another outlet for students to develop business management skills. “It offers students the opportunity to manage a real business by handling everything from inventory and finances to marketing and product design,” Kennedy says. “Students love seeing their ideas come to life, especially when designing custom school merchandise that resonates with their peers and the community.”

Kirkwood High School’s Family and Consumer Sciences program helps foster expertise in other areas as well. “Our students have developed food-preparation skills that provide quality products in regards to industry standards. They have also learned and applied health and safety regulations, including safe food handling and kitchen cleanliness in a high-volume setting,” says FACS department chair Mandy Roberts. “The career readiness the students are acquiring before graduating is relatable to many different fields. Students can practice working in an environment similar to restaurants, helping them transition seamlessly into the workforce.”

Students can also explore career fields—such as fashion—by using equipment to create clothing, which merges technical skills and creativity. 

“Our new fashion space has really highlighted fashion opportunities, and we are booming with students who are interested in entering the fashion workforce after high school and in programs across the country,” Roberts says. “We are even taking a trip to New York this spring, so they can see fashion in action.”

That’s just one more example, though, of myriad opportunities for area students to learn everyday skills and explore career opportunities. “Practical education is critical for preparing students to thrive in the modern world,” Kennedy says. “These programs allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations, helping them develop problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills that are essential in any career.”

Money Matters

Fun ways to teach children about finance

Practice spending and managing money at The Magic House’s Children’s Village. 

Take lessons on finance and building a business with a trip to BizTown through Junior  Achievement. 

Learn about the economy through interactive exhibits at The Economy Museum.