Financial Stewardship (Grades 6–12)
Class Overview
This Financial Stewardship class is designed to equip students with practical life skills that will prepare them for adulthood. Throughout the year, students will learn foundational principles of money management, including:
Budgeting
Saving
Giving
Investing
Debt awareness
Goal setting
Wise financial decision-making
Learning will go beyond worksheets and lectures. Students will participate in:
Real-life simulations
Budgeting exercises
Goal-setting projects
Case studies
Interactive discussions
Assessments will be used in moderation and may include quizzes, projects, and collaborative review games designed to reduce stress and encourage engagement.
Coursework and Homework
At Ethos Academy, we offer core classes through a hybrid learning model. Students will complete weekly coursework at home in addition to in-class instruction.
Please plan for an average of 45–60 minutes per week of homework.
Some weeks may take 20–30 minutes
Project-based weeks may take up to 90 minutes
Coursework will be completed in the Financial Stewardship Student Workbook and organized in a student binder.
Homework may include:
Budget creation or revision
Savings goal tracking
Short reflection assignments
Research on financial topics
Family discussion prompts
Project components
Understanding the Curriculum
This course moves from big-picture financial principles into practical, detailed applications. Students will first understand why financial stewardship matters and then learn how to apply it in everyday life.
The Financial Stewardship Workbook is designed to help students:
Focus on key principles
Organize their financial thinking
Apply lessons in real-life scenarios
Build confidence in managing money
Students are encouraged to stay engaged and not become discouraged if a concept feels unfamiliar at first.
A Note About Layered Learning
Financial literacy is a lifelong skill that develops over time. Not every concept needs to be mastered immediately for learning to be meaningful.
Many of the ideas introduced this year will be revisited and expanded upon in high school and adulthood, including:
Investing
Compound interest
Taxes
Entrepreneurship
Generosity
Long-term financial planning
What matters most at this stage is:
Building a strong foundation
Developing wise habits
Growing in responsibility
Classroom Supplies
Students should bring:
1-inch 3-ring binder
Loose-leaf notebook paper
Pencils or mechanical pencils
Highlighters
Required Curriculum
Primary course materials include:
Financial Stewardship Student Workbook
Supplemental articles and case studies
These materials will be provided by the instructor.
Payment Information
Tuition: $200 per semester (one-hour course)
Materials Fee: $35 per semester.
The materials fee covers printed materials and classroom supplies. It is collected during registration and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Parent Partnership, Student Expectations, and Classroom Culture
Middle and high school are important seasons for students to grow in responsibility, organization, and independence. This class is designed to support that growth while maintaining strong parent partnership.
Parent Partnership
Parents play a vital role in helping students apply financial lessons at home. Support may include:
Encouraging budgeting discussions
Reinforcing saving and giving habits
Checking assignments
Participating in family financial conversations
Parents are always welcome to contact me with questions or clarification throughout the year.
Student Responsibility
Students are expected to:
Write down all assigned coursework during class
Complete homework in a timely and thoughtful manner
Check Teacher Hero regularly for update
Bring required materials to class
Clear expectations will always be communicated through in-class instructions, written notes, and Teacher Hero updates.
Learning to manage assignments, track goals, and follow through builds confidence and prepares students for real-world responsibility.
Classroom Culture and Expectations
I strive to create a positive, engaging, and encouraging learning environment. Students are encouraged to ask questions and share respectfully.
A strong learning environment requires:
Listening attentively during instruction
Avoiding side conversations
Staying engaged and on task
Respecting differing perspectives
By working together to keep our classroom focused and respectful, we create a space where every student can learn confidently and grow in wisdom.
Contact Information
I am excited to partner with you in equipping your student with lifelong financial skills. It is a privilege to walk alongside your family in both learning and growth.
Please feel free to reach out anytime via text, phone call, or email with any questions, comments, or concerns.
I pray this year is one filled with wisdom, confidence, and a growing understanding of faithful stewardship.
Brian Ferguson
562-480-6166