Career and Life Skills Academy

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT

Mission Statement

The Business Department in Seymour High School will develop skills, knowledge, understanding, and attitudes necessary for successful participation in postsecondary education and/or employment opportunities in their personal business and financial endeavors as responsible and contributing citizens of local, national, and global economies.

Accounting I – 630

1 Credit

Offered to grades 9-10-11-12

The knowledge of the basic principles of accounting will help the individual understand business problems and how to meet them.  The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the methods of keeping proper financial records, to understand business and accounting terminology and to realize the value and importance of accuracy, as well as systematic procedures in handling finances. 

Accounting II –636 Honors

1 Credit

Offered to grades 10-11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Accounting I with teacher recommendation.

Articulated course with the University of Bridgeport

Accounting II provides an opportunity to develop a practical knowledge of accounting techniques and procedures as applied in business.  The course, specifically vocational and career oriented, is planned for students who wish to enter the world of work in an area that requires accounting skills upon their graduation from high school; plan for further study in any of the areas of business administration; desire additional knowledge about business procedures and records so that as future proprietors or managers they can initiate and understand appropriate accounting records; and/or enjoyed the Accounting I course and wish to further their knowledge of accounting.

Accounting III  Honors- 634

1.0 Credit

Available to all students meeting prerequisites

Prerequisite – Successful completion of Accounting II

Articulated course with Nichols College

Accounting III will be offered to students in grades 11 and 12 who have successfully completed Accounting I and II.  Students will study advanced corporate accounting procedures not covered in Accounting I and II.  There will be a concentrated focus on the use of electronic accounting procedures.

SmartTech 101

Prerequisite: Intro to Business

0.5 credit (Technology/STEM)

Course Description

SmartTech 101 is a hands-on course designed to equip students with essential skills needed for the 21st-century workplace. With an emphasis on practical knowledge, students will gain proficiency in utilizing Artificial Intelligence and key Data Analytical tools. Students will leave the class feeling more confident and adaptive in the face of emerging technologies. To quote Harvard Business School Professor Karim R. Lakhani, "AI won't replace humans - but humans with AI will replace humans without AI." (Written with the assistance of ChatGPT)

Career Life Skills – 635

0.5 Credit – Semester Class

Offered to grades 11-12

Career/Life Skills is designed to assist students in basic life skills.  They will develop employment, social, independent living and occupational skills.  They will be involved in career search, job hunting, application and resume writing, mock interviews, budgeting, banking and basic keyboarding/computer skills.  Field trips and job shadowing will be encouraged and guest speakers will be invited to speak to students regarding various topics.

Introduction to Business – 625

1.0 Credit 

Offered to grades 9-10-11-12

To be successful in the business world, either as an employee or as a proprietor, it is essential for one to have a strong interest in business affairs and a basic knowledge of how a business must operate to be profitable.   Introduction to Business is taught with three (3) goals in mind: 1) To introduce the students to the world of business and help prepare them for economic roles of consumer, worker and citizen. 2) To serve as a background for other business courses the student may take in high school and college. 3) To assist the students with consumer decision making, prepare them for future employment, and help them effectively perform their responsibilities as citizens.

Entrepreneurship Honors–619 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 10-11-12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Business – 610

Articulated course with the University of Bridgeport

Students will identify the fundamentals of business creation, the personal attributes needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and will research various business opportunities. Topics covered include the characteristics of an entrepreneur, discovering entrepreneurial opportunities, and researching and analyzing domestic, global, and market trends. The course culminates with the student developing a hypothetical business plan to implement their unique venture that conforms to all applicable governmental laws and regulations.

Personal Finance I – 627

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to Grades 10-11-12

Graduation Requirement

Personal Finance I will introduce students to the world of money management.  They will learn what to do with their money by learning about their financial options and responsibilities and the consequences of mismanaged finances allowing them to meet their maximum potential civically and socially.  The course will cover Personal Financial Planning, money management strategies, different financial services and institutions, consumer credit, the finances of housing, and insurance and risk management.

Personal Finance II – 628

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to Grades 11-12

Prerequisite - Personal Finance 1 

Continued study in personal finance will help students navigate the financial decisions they face today and in the future by further building their financial management skills.  Topics covered in Personal Finance 2 include savings and investing, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, planning your tax strategy, and Retirement/Estate planning.

Principles of Marketing - 617

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 10-11-12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Business – 610

Principles of Marketing offers students insight into the processes affecting the flow of goods and services from the producer to the consumer.  Course content ranges considerably as general marketing principles such as purchasing, distribution, and sales are covered; however, a major emphasis is placed on kinds of markets, market identification, product planning, packaging, and pricing; and business management.

Certified in Quickbooks Accounting 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 10-11-12

Prerequisite: Accounting 1

Certified in QuickBooks Accounting will allow students to apply their accounting skills learned in Accounting I to an electronic-based software commonly used in current small businesses. The course will focus on mastering the technical skills needed for QuickBooks by utilizing student designed companies within the QuickBooks system. Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to take the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User exam for which a passing score will earn a certification with QuickBooks.

Sports and Entertainment Marketing --pending BOE approval

0.5 Credits -- Semester Course

Offered to grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Business – 610 and instructor’s approval

Sports and Entertainment Marketing, is a semester-long program aimed at equipping students with contemporary marketing skills grounded in the dynamic sports and entertainment industries. By building on foundational marketing concepts, students will explore merchandising, advertising, public relations, event marketing, sponsorship, endorsements, and career opportunities. The course emphasizes relevance and engagement by integrating current events in sports and entertainment, fostering an understanding of how real-world applications reflect broader marketing principles.

Students will cover a comprehensive range of topics, from understanding the basics of sports and entertainment marketing to analyzing the economics of supply and demand, managing distribution channels, and navigating legal issues. Key themes include market research, the role of customer service, and promotional planning through endorsements and events. With each chapter spanning one to two weeks, students will gain a robust understanding of the industry’s unique marketing aspects and be prepared to apply these insights in future marketing careers.