Why Business & Finance?
The Business & Finance Academy prepares students for careers that drive today’s economy. From marketing and management to finance and entrepreneurship, students gain hands-on experience, industry-aligned training, and real-world skills through student-run businesses, internships, and certifications, giving them a clear advantage in college, career, and beyond.
- 900,000+ business & finance job openings each year
- Higher-than-average salaries across most career paths
- Careers in every industry—from healthcare to tech to sports
- Faster-than-average growth in data, finance, and analytics roles
- Internships and real-world experience start in high school
- College, career, or entrepreneurship pathways available
*Statistics sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Arizona workforce projections.ctions.
Core Classes
Suggested below is a typical progression path for the ALA Applied Technologies Graduation Diploma. The progression shown is only a suggestion and could vary depending on the academic level and credit achievement of a student.
| Grade | English | Math | History/Social Studies | Science | Elective | Elective | Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th | English I | Algebra 1 | World History | Biology | Fitness & Nutrition | Elective | Elective |
| 10th | English II | Geometry | American/Arizona History | Chemistry | Financial Literacy/Entrepreneurship | CTE | CTE |
| 11th | English III | Algebra 2 | Economics | Physics (lab sciences) | Elective | CTE | CTE |
| 12th | English IV | College Math | Civics/Government | Upper Level Science Course | Elective | CTE | CTE |
