What is the Academy of Finance?
The Academy of Finance is a special program for students interested in business related careers. The Academy of Finance provides students with focused instruction in the financial services industry. Students learn about careers in finance, such as banking, insurance, financial planning, business administration, sales, contract oversight, budget analysis, and advertising. The program provides field and internship opportunities to apply classroom learning. The program also incorporates extra curricular programs related to the career interests of students, such as the Future Business Leaders of America.

Where is the Academy of Finance located?
The Academy of Finance is located at Chopticon High School. Students who normally attend Great Mills High School or Leonardtown High School can request a transfer to Chopticon High School if accepted in the Academy program.

What grade levels are included in the Academy of Finance?
Students apply to enter the Academy in grade 8 for admission in grade 9. The program continues through grade 12.

What are the admission criteria?
The admission criteria are a 2.0 grade point average, report card grades, MSA scores, and a writing sample.

Where can I get the application?
Interested students should complete the online application available at www.smcps.org found under the Our Schools tab. Applications are due by April 3, 2009.

What are the Academy of Finance course requirements?
Students in the Academy of Finance complete the required Academy courses within the regular graduation requirements. The six specialized required Academy courses are Foundations of Technology, Financial Planning and Services, Business Economics and Ethics, Principles of Accounting 1, Academy Internship Experience, and Advanced Finance.

What school based extracurricular activities are part of the program?
The program also incorporates extra curricular programs related to the career interests of students, such as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Students can join FBLA at the fall induction ceremony and participate in the state leadership conference and regional competitions.

Is transportation provided?
Students normally attending Chopticon High School use the regular bus transportation system. Students transferring from Great Mills High School and Leonardtown High School use a hub bus system that is designed based on the student locations. Detailed transportation information will not be fully available until students are selected and enrolled in the Academy of Finance. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may also choose to transport their student to and from the Academy program.

Will another information night be held for the accepted students?
An Open House will be held just before school opens for the new students selected for the Academy of Finance. Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will have an opportunity to tour the classroom, peruse the instructional materials, and learn about the guest speakers and field experiences planned for the school year.

What is the internship?
The Academy of Finance requires an internship course as part of the program requirements. The internship course is completed during the summer between grades 11 and 12. The internship is designed to provide an opportunity for students to apply, in a real world setting, their classroom learning. Students explore career options, gain references for college, and network for future career positions. Many members of the Program Advisory Council (PAC) assist with the internship program.

What is the senior capstone project?
Students identify a unique topic of interest to research, develop a multimedia presentation and written summation of their research, and present their research in a symposium format. Research projects are linked to the internship experiences.

What is the role of local business and community partners?
Business and community partners serve as members of the Program Advisory Council (PAC) to guide the program. The Program Advisory Council is critical to provide feedback related to the curriculum as well as to provide guest speakers, field experiences, and opportunities for internships. A major event sponsored by the PAC is Job Shadowing Day when students see first-hand many careers available to them. Over 20 local business and community partners joined the PAC and meet monthly to support the Academy of Finance.

Does the Academy of Finance have national accreditation?
The Academy of Finance is seeking national accreditation through the National Academy of Finance in New York City. Accreditation is expected to be approved in July 2009.

Why the Academy of Finance at Chopticon High School?
Chopticon High School has both a strong academic and career education program with established business partnerships within the community as well as the national recognized, award winning, Future Business Leaders of America student organization.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions about the program?
For more information about the Academy of Finance, contact the program coordinator, Mrs. Cynthia L. Baden, at Chopticon High School, 301-475-0215.