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Curriculum Design and Approach

Our curriculum is built to develop practical financial skills through real-world decision-making, not memorization. Lessons are age-appropriate, scaffolded, and interactive, allowing students to build confidence as concepts progress.

Each session follows a consistent structure, engaging scenarios, guided discussion, hands-on activities, and reflection, so students actively apply what they learn. The curriculum is flexible by design, making it effective for one-time workshops, multi-week programs, and both in-person and virtual settings.

Skills, Outcomes & Real-World Application

Students leave with skills they can immediately use in everyday life. The curriculum emphasizes intentional money habits, critical thinking, and long-term decision-making.

By completing the program, students are able to: make informed spending and saving decisions; create and follow simple budgets; understand income, investing, and goal-setting at an age-appropriate level; apply financial concepts to real situations at home, school, and in their communities

Reflection activities and scenario-based exercises reinforce learning and help students track their growth without pressure or testing.

Audience, Values & Program Flexibility

The curriculum is designed for ages 5-12 years old, and can be adapted based on grade level, background knowledge, and setting. Lessons emphasize not only financial knowledge, but also confidence, responsibility, and ethical decision-making.

Programs can be delivered in schools or after-school settings; as single-session workshops or multi-lesson series; in person or virtually.

This flexibility allows schools, community organizations, and partners to integrate the curriculum seamlessly while maintaining consistent quality and impact.

5 Pillars of the SmartCents Curriculum

Money Basics:

  • Understanding Money and its Value

  • Making a Budget

  • Introduction to Banking

Income:

  • Needs vs. Wants

  • Making Good Spending Decisions

  • Credit vs. Debit

Spending and Saving

  • Setting Financial Goals

  • Creating a Savings Plan

  • The Power of Compound Interest

Future Planning:

  • Introduction to Taxes

  • Investing Basics

  • Introduction to Interest

Financial Decisions:

  • Financial Planning

  • Decision Making

  • Charity and Giving

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