Academy of Finance

19 College Credits & National Certification

The Sioux Falls School District Academy of Finance program is recognized by the National Academy Foundation as a Distinguished Academy and graduates NAF Certified future business leaders. The Academy of Finance, which began in 1999, is a two-year business-focused program open to juniors and seniors who are motivated, reliable students possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The Academy of Finance, offered at the Career & Technical Education Academy, is available to juniors and seniors who are interested in entering the world of business and finance.

Additionally, the Academy of Finance partners with the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business and Southeast Technical College. Through this partnership, students access valuable connections and learning opportunities including the ability to earn up to 18 college credits by the end of their senior year. Thus, CTE Academy of Finance graduates can enter college with the equivalent of one semester’s course work completed.

The Academy of Finance provides coursework, practical experiences, interaction with business leaders, and business trips. Work-based learning is an instructional strategy that connects what students are learning in class with the world of work. It involves interaction with business partners and aligns with intentional student learning outcomes. The Academy of Finance's approach to work-based learning is centered on a continuum building from career awareness to career exploration, then finally career preparation.

Awareness – Guest speakers; Worksite tours; Career fairs

Exploration – Informational interviews; Job shadows; Mock interviews

Preparation – Paid internships

Students complete assignments before, during, and after work-based learning activities to help them connect their experiences to their academy courses, as well as to their own college and career options.

Accounting Students

Students Benefits

  • Uses skills and information learned in AOF/NAF curriculum

  • Confirms the importance of good attendance, punctuality, and efficiency

  • Learns technical, business, and interpersonal skills

  • Secures an opportunity to complete a summer internship

  • Provides references for college applications

  • Gains source of contacts for future jobs

Business Benefits

  • Selects students who have become familiar with industry practices through the Academy program

  • Contributes to the education and to the creation of a motivated, educated workforce

  • Builds future employee pool • Accesses potential sources to temporary employees

Accounting 1

Do you like money? Learn how to record business transactions by using online, automated software and simulations. Introduction to accounting concepts through a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporations. Record business transactions; prepare financial statements; learn business foundations for professional or personal use.

Accounting I Syllabus

Accounting 2

Do you want to be the leader in how a business makes a profit? Generate online, automated computerized simulations and QuickBooks reports for detailed payroll records, uncollectible accounts, depreciation, accrued income and expenses, prepaid income and expenses, record departmental transaction; corporation, partnership, not for profit organization accounting, demonstrate knowledge of cost accounting, managerial accounting, and manufacturing accounting.

Introduction to Financial Services

Do you want to be an Entrepreneur to create your own business or work for an innovative company? Introduce the various sectors of the financial services industry; learn the nature of the careers found in particular sectors; learn the scope of the work that comprises businesses such as insurance, real estate, public finance, accounting, and the securities industry. Presentations by USD professors and business leaders to build networking and real-world experiences in the course.

Banking & Credit

Credit at STC 3 Credits, Meets CTE or Social Studies Selective Elective Requirements.

Do you want to buy and sell stocks by playing the Stock Market Game? Study of principles and practices of banking and credit in the United States; learn about the major functions of banks and other depository institutions, operations and procedures, central banking through the Federal Reserve System and current trends in the banking industry, understand credit functions and operation including credit risk evaluation, loan creation, and debt collection. Presentations and network with business community leaders. Prepare for the real workforce – cover letters, resumes, interview skills, and employer/ee expectations.

Academy of Finance Schedule

Academy of Finance Internships