We believe students should do more than just read about money—they should experience it in action. That’s why we introduced ClassBank, our school-wide mini economy designed to teach real-world financial skills in a fun and meaningful way.
Starting in Grade 2, students open their own bank accounts using school dollars. They earn a regular salary for being a student, pay rent for their desks, and can even apply for extra classroom jobs to boost their income. From budgeting and saving to investing and giving back, students are immersed in hands-on money management. Through these everyday experiences, they build the confidence and habits they need to make smart financial choices for life.
How ClassBank Works:
- Open & Organize Accounts: Each student opens two bank accounts: a chequing account for everyday transactions and a savings account that earns 5 % interest at the end of each month.
- Earn & Deposit Income: Students receive a bi-weekly salary plus can apply for campus-wide or class jobs. Paycheques are deposited into their chequing account, where students immediately decide what portion to transfer to savings to maximize monthly interest.
- Budget, Pay Bills & Grow Wealth: Each month brings real-world expenses—Desk Fees as “Rent,” Utilities, Student-Council Dues, and more—automatically deducted from chequing. After settling bills, students budget for discretionary spending (Tuck Shop, uniform or off-campus privilege passes) and charitable giving, while watching their savings balance grow through compound interest.
Through this cycle, learners experience the rhythms of money management—earning income, covering obligations, building savings, and making informed spending choices—long before they leave elementary school.
Class Jobs: From Application to Paycheque
A variety of ‘student’ jobs are available for students to apply to. We simulate writing of resumes and the entire interview process so that these crucial life skills start being built at a young age. Jobs like weather reporter, resource helper, concert prop maker, and much more.
- Apply: Learners develop a brief, targeted cover letter and résumé to support their school job applications.
- Interview: Faculty conduct short, supportive interviews that introduce professional etiquette and self-advocacy.
- Earn: Successful applicants are “hired,” receive wages through ClassBank, and receive performance feedback—mirroring real-world employment.
This hiring pipeline builds résumé writing, interview confidence, punctuality, and accountability before high school even begins.
Real-World Practice Opportunities
- Tuck Shop Management – Students order inventory, set prices, and serve customers during weekly snack breaks. Core skills: profit & loss, customer service, teamwork
- Marketplace Day – Learners create and sell handmade goods or services to peers and families. Core skills: entrepreneurship, cost analysis, marketing
- Micro-Investment Challenge – Teams manage mock portfolios and present growth reports. Core skills: risk assessment, data literacy, public speaking
- Budget-the-Trip Project – Classes plan and learn about the finances behind excursions, covering transport, meals, and contingency funds. Core skills: practical budgeting, comparison shopping
Outcomes by Grade 8
Seneca Hill graduates can
- Confidently distinguish needs from wants and make informed spending choices
- Maintain accurate income, expense, and savings
- Set, monitor, and reach short- and long-term financial goals
- Evaluate opportunity cost and practise delayed gratification
- Communicate financial ideas clearly, ethically, and persuasively in writing and speech
- Demonstrate professional poise through authentic job applications and interviews
- Apply entrepreneurial thinking—identifying opportunities, managing risk, and calculating profit
- Exhibit credit awareness and borrowing responsibility through loan-simulation activities
- Show social responsibility by budgeting
