Business Department Introduces New Courses

Looking for something new to add to next year’s schedule? If so, keep an eye out for several new and exciting options from the Business Department. A variety of courses designed to prepare students for college, future careers, and real-world financial responsibility will soon be available.

The high school will introduce AP Business with Personal Finance, AP Cyber Security, and a new Cooperative Education program that will feature special internships. The department has also announced that AP Networking is expected to launch in the 2027-2028 school year.

Beginning with the Class of 2030, all students will be required to earn 0.5 credits in Personal Finance. The requirement can be met by taking Personal Finance, Personal Finance Blended, and AP Business with Personal Finance. These additions reflect a broader statewide change in graduation expectations. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the Classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029 must still earn 0.5 credits in Business Applications, which can be fulfilled through any Business Application course.

Beyond meeting requirements, these courses are designed to help students explore potential career paths before they graduate. “I am going to be taking AP Business with Personal Finance next year,” said junior Paridhi Jain. “I am excited about this course because it opens up more rigorous opportunities for aspiring business majors. I am especially looking forward to learning about business principles more in-depth in a full-year course and to better understand real-life situations of the business world.”

Business Department Chair Joe Kilpatrick hopes these classes will give students clarity about their interests before they invest time and money after graduation. “We’re really hoping students can explore these topics now so they aren't going to college and spending time and money on classes and realizing ‘Yeah, this really isn’t for me,’” explained Kilpatrick. He added that the courses are intended to appeal a broad group of students. “I’m excited because it presents opportunities for all types of kids,” he said, noting that he expects a large portion of the student body to enroll.