PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 10, 2008

Charles E. Ridgell , Director of Curriculum and Instruction, 301-475-5511, ext. 110

OPEN HOUSE FOR ACADEMY OF FINANCE

            An open house for the Academy of Finance to begin during the 2008-2009 school year at Chopticon High School will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  The open house will be held at Chopticon High School and provide general information about the school as well as specific information about the Academy of Finance.  Parents/Guardians and/or interested students attending Chopticon High School next year or considering transferring to Chopticon for the Academy of Finance program are encouraged to attend the open house.

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.

            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.

            Students in the Academy of Finance complete the required Academy courses within the regular graduation requirements.  In addition to the courses, students complete a summer internship following grade 11 and a senior capstone project.  A college level course is required in grade 12.

            The Academy will begin with students entering grade 9 in the 2008-2009 school year.  Admission criteria are a 2.0 grade point average, two letters of recommendation from teachers, and a writing sample.  An application process will be used to enroll students and determine student transfers. 

Students from Great Mills High School and Leonardtown High School are able to transfer to Chopticon High School for enrollment in the Academy.  Transportation logistics are yet to be determined pending student registration.  Details will be finalized once enrollment is confirmed.

            For more information about the Academy of Finance, contact the program coordinator, Mrs. Cynthia L. Baden, at Chopticon High School , 301-475-0215.

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