Business and Finance

The Business and Finance program at Nathan Hale-Ray High School equips students with practical skills in accounting, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to prepare them for success in college, careers, and personal life. Foundational courses such as Accounting I and Business & Personal Law introduce essential concepts in double‐entry bookkeeping, legal principles, and ethical business practices. In Accounting II, students deepen their understanding of financial statements, managerial accounting, and budgeting techniques.
Entrepreneurship invites students to develop business plans, marketing strategies, and presentation skills as they create and pitch their own ventures. Career Planning, offered to juniors and seniors, emphasizes goal‐setting, resume building, and career exploration, using real‐world case studies and self‐assessment tools. In Personal Finance, students learn to manage personal budgets, credit, investments, and insurance, fostering responsible money management habits essential for adulthood.
Through project‐based learning, students work on simulations such as stock market challenges and small‐business startups, gaining hands‐on experience in decision‐making and risk analysis. Guest speakers from local businesses and financial institutions provide insights into industry trends and career pathways. Students may also participate in DECA competitions, sharpening their professional skills and networking with peers and mentors.
The Business and Finance faculty combine industry experience with pedagogical expertise to create engaging, relevant coursework. By integrating technology tools—such as spreadsheet software, financial planning apps, and virtual trading platforms—students develop digital proficiency alongside financial acumen.
Graduates of the Business and Finance program leave Nathan Hale-Ray with strong analytical skills, ethical awareness, and entrepreneurial confidence. Whether pursuing a degree in business, finance, or launching their own endeavors, students are prepared to navigate an ever‐changing economic landscape with competence and creativity.