Financial Literacy in High School

Ohio's Graduation Requirement for Financial Literacy

Under Ohio law, students entering 9th grade on or after July 1, 2022, must earn one half credit of financial literacy as part of Ohio’s graduation requirements. 

  • Students can use the one-half credit of financial literacy as a substitute for a one-half credit elective requirement or a one-half credit of mathematics required for graduation. 
  • ​The one-half credit of math cannot be:  
    • Algebra 1 (or Math 1- if using an integrated approach);
    • Geometry (or Math 2- if using an integrated approach);
    • Algebra 2 or equivalent course; or
    • Advanced Computer Science. 
  • Students who use Advanced Computer Science coursework in place of Algebra 2 or an equivalent course for graduation cannot use the financial literacy one-half credit as a mathematics graduation requirement. These students must use the one-half credit of financial literacy to satisfy a one-half credit electives requirement. 

Ohio law states the study and instruction of financial literacy shall align with Ohio's Learning Standards and Model Curriculum for Financial Literacy. In developing the curriculum for the study and instruction of financial literacy, schools may use available public-private partnerships and resources and materials that exist in business, industry and through the centers for economic education at higher education institutions. 

Financial Literacy Validation and Reimbursement

Ohio law also states educators must be properly licensed to teach financial literacy by the 2024-2025 school year.

Ohio law states that districts may be reimbursed, up to $500 for each educator, for the cost of the educator pursuing the Financial Literacy Licensure Validation.

More information on the licensure validation and reimbursement process can be found on the Financial Literacy Licensure Validation and Reimbursement webpage.

Ohio's Learning Standards for Financial Literacy

Ohio’s Learning Standards for Financial Literacy: 

  • Balance knowledge, conceptual understanding and skill development; 
  • Address significant understandings that are the basis for students to make sound financial decisions; 
  • Focus on important financial literacy topics; and 
  • Represent a progression across grade bands 

Ohio’s Learning Standards for Financial Literacy provide a foundation for what all students should know and gives students the skills needed for them to be informed and savvy consumers in today’s fast paced and ever-changing society. 

Ohio's Model Curriculum for Financial Literacy

In addition to Ohio’s Learning Standards, the model curriculum provides educators with elaborations and additional resources to learn about, and begin using, the learning standards. The model curriculum includes the content elaborations and expectations for learning to further guide instruction in the classroom. School districts can use the model curriculum in developing the locally prescribed curriculum to use in instruction. 

Last Modified: 2/25/2025 3:10:10 PM