If you have any questions about CTE courses and programs available at Cottonwood High School, please contact the Career Center at (385) 646-5267.

Academy of Finance

The Academy of Finance is a premier business program at Cottonwood High. Starting junior year, selected students are part of an elite two-year cohort through which they earn over 20 concurrent enrollment credits in areas of business and finance. These classes are rigorous and provide extensive preparation for future college classes. Students who graduate from the Academy of Finance leave better prepared for college and career as well as create bonds of connection and friendship with their peers and teachers.

The Academy of Finance is a 2-year program for juniors and seniors at Cottonwood High School. However, students don’t have to leave their home school to participate in the Academy of Finance. You can dual enroll in both the Academy of Finance and your local high school. Students must apply and be accepted during the registration process of their sophomore year.

What classes will I take?

Some classes may change based on SLCC requirements and Academy needs

Year	Class	Graduation Requirement	CC Credit
Jr.	Personal Finance	Financial Literacy	Yes – 3 credits
Jr.	Computer Applications**	Digital Studies	Yes – 3 credits
Jr.	Introduction to Business	CTE/Elective	Yes – 3 credits
Jr.	Economics	CTE/Elective	Yes – 3 credits
Sr.	Marketing	CTE/Elective	Yes – 3 credits
Sr.	Financial Accounting 1	CTE/Elective	Yes – 3 credits
Sr.	Leadership and Teambuilding	CTE/Elective	Yes – 3 credits
Sr.	Financial Accounting 2	CTE/Elective	Yes – 3 credits

**Students will take CSIS 1020 and earn Microsoft Office Specialist Industry Certificates.  Previous enrollment in Business Office Specialist will give the students an advantage in this class.  If a student has already taken CSIS 1020, they may waive this class the first semester.

How many concurrent enrollment credits will I receive?

Students who participate in the Academy of Finance and pass all of the classes will receive 24 college credits through Salt Lake Community College.  

What other activities are offered through the Academy of Finance?

Stock Market Game Cottonwood Diploma of Merit Area of Distinction

Career seminar and lunch Business Department Excellence Award

FBLA and DECA Academy of Finance Graduation

Sterling Scholar Fall Reception

Field Trips Scholarships

Does it cost anything?

Students who haven’t applied for admission yet will need to complete a one-time application to Salt Lake Community College and pay a $40 admission fee (if applicable). If you’ve already applied, you don’t need to reapply. Tuition for each class is $5 per credit, which amounts to $15 per class each semester. Certain courses may have additional fees, which will be disclosed before registration. Some fees will be charged to your SLCC account, including any course fee.

What do I do if I am interested in applying?

Students interested in the Academy of Finance can complete the online application.  Admission is dependent on ability to complete coursework based on GPA and courses taken, citizenship grades, and number of applications received.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Riches, Room 310, jriches@graniteschools.org or Ashley Merrill, Room 309 amerrill@graniteschools.org.