California to Require Financial Literacy Classes for High School Graduation

Starting from the 2027-28 school year, all high school students in California will be required to complete a semester-long personal finance course as part of their graduation requirements.

California to Require Financial Literacy Classes for High School Graduation

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a landmark agreement with Nex Gen Personal Finance, a national non-profit organization dedicated to financial literacy education. Starting from the 2027-28 school year, all high school students in California will be required to complete a semester-long personal finance course as part of their graduation requirements. This course will become a graduation requirement for the Class of 2030-31.

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The decision has sparked discussions across the state. Critics point out the irony of introducing financial literacy education while California faces a $47 billion budget deficit. However, proponents argue that it's high time financial literacy became a priority, given the complexities of managing personal finances in today's world.

There are also calls for a balanced approach, with advocates emphasizing the importance of foundational literacy skills alongside financial education. They stress that proficiency in reading and writing is fundamental to comprehending financial concepts effectively.

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"They actually should make “literacy” mandatory. If they don’t , financial literacy won’t matter because they can’t read. Truth. I see high schoolers everyday that can read, or write for that matter. Back to basics and not moving on until proficient"