Academy of Finance
Academy of Finance (AOF)
What is the Academy of Finance?
The questions:
- “Why does congress have to raise the debt limit to fund the government?”
- “How do I keep from drowning in student loans?”
- “Why not just print more money for the poor?”
- “Why is everything so expensive?”
- “Is a strong dollar good or bad?”
- “Why money anyway?”
Ever ask those questions?
Are you starting to worry about how to pay for college or get a place of your own? Or maybe you just want to know how to take control of your own finances and not have to live paycheck to paycheck these courses may be for you.
About Academy of Finance (AOF)
Ballard’s Academy of Finance (AOF) is a program for students interested in a future in business, economics, finance or simply having a better understanding of their own finances and how the economy works. AOF is part of the National Academy Association (NAF).
The Academy of Finance connects high school students with the world of financial services, offering a curriculum that covers the Academy of Finance curriculum and certification is being validated by the Council for Economic Education.
In addition to a rigorous and relevant curriculum, students typically have had access to:
- A paid internship during the summer between junior and senior year
- Career Conferences both years
- Interview and resume prep
- Mentoring by UW Foster School of Business students on projects.
- Access to our 30 plus professional advisory board from companies such as: K & L Gates, Marriott, Key Bank, KPMG, Inn at the Market among others.
- College exploratory class at Seattle University
- Career planning, coaching and training
- Develop networking & Business communication skills
- Regular support & mentorship from our professional board
- Opportunity to create a mentorship relationship.
- A financial education trip to New York City (Senior Year) visiting Wall street, AOF academy school in Queens, NYC
Students successfully completing all the requirements of the Academy become NAFTrack certified opening scholarship, priority interviewing (now & after college) with partnering firms (Citibank, Marriott, et.al.) and networking opportunities.
Academy of Finance Courses
- Take 1 or more: Accounting 1 and/or 2, Entrepreneurship, or Marketing 1 and/or 2.
- Principles of Finance
- Business Management A
- Business Management B
Sequence of Courses
- Grade 9 or 10: Take 1 or more: Accounting 1 and/or 2, Entrepreneurship, or Marketing 1 and/or 2.
- Grade 10 or 11: Principles of Finance
- Grade 11 or 12: Business Management A/B
Refer to the BHS Course Catalog for more information on courses offered at Ballard HS.
AOF Resources & News
Seattle Academies Foundation (SAF)
The Seattle Academies Foundation (SAF) is the professional board that oversees, plans and funds Academy activities such as the Career Conference and NYC trip. They also avail themselves to the students as classroom speakers, mentors and advisors. Their support has made the Academies possible.
NAF
NAF is a national network of education, business, and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career, and future ready.
Ballard Team Wins Washington State Stock Market Game
A team of students from Ballard High School’s Academy of Finance earned the top spot in the Washington State Stock Market Game for the 2025–26 school year. Team members Asher Dvorkin, Wesley Manger, Henry Patterson, and Solomon Secor finished first out of 481 teams statewide, demonstrating strong teamwork, strategy, and financial knowledge.
The students used a long-term “buy and hold” investment strategy, focusing on technology companies benefiting from the growth of artificial intelligence. One of their key investments was Micron (MU), a major supplier supporting technology infrastructure that experienced significant growth during the competition.
The Ballard team showed impressive depth across the competition, with seven teams finishing in the top 50 statewide. This marks the second time Ballard has captured the state title, highlighting the continued success of the school’s Academy of Finance program and its students’ skills in business, investing, and financial decision-making.
As of October 4, 2026