The halls of Concord High School buzz with typical teenage energy, but inside Ms. Perkins’ classroom, something different is happening. Students aren’t just calculating algebraic equations—they’re learning how to balance checkbooks, understand credit scores, and navigate the complicated world of personal finance.
“I wish I had this when I was in school,” remarks Ms. Perkins as her students work through a budgeting exercise. “These kids will graduate knowing more about managing money than many adults I know.”
This scene is becoming increasingly common across New Hampshire as financial literacy education gains significant traction in the state’s school systems. The movement represents a growing recognition that traditional education often leaves a critical gap in preparing students for real-world financial challenges.
According to recent data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, only 34% of Americans can correctly answer four out of five basic financial literacy questions. This alarming statistic has catalyzed educators and policymakers to push for comprehensive financial education in schools.
New Hampshire’s approach has been particularly noteworthy. Last year, the state expanded its financial literacy requirements, ensuring that students receive instruction in personal finance concepts throughout their K-12 education. The curriculum now covers everything from basic money management in elementary grades to investment strategies and retirement planning for high schoolers.
“We’re seeing tremendous engagement from students,” says Michael Tierney, education coordinator with the New Hampshire Banking Department. “When you teach teens how compound interest works both for and against them—whether in savings accounts or credit card debt—you can almost see the lightbulbs turning on.”
What makes the New Hampshire model particularly effective is its integrated approach. Rather than treating financial literacy as an isolated subject, schools are weaving these concepts into existing courses from mathematics to social studies.
At Dover Middle School, seventh-graders recently completed a project combining historical research with financial planning. Students studied the Great Depression while simultaneously creating personal emergency fund strategies. This cross-disciplinary approach helps students understand both historical context and practical applications.
The initiative has garnered support from local businesses and financial institutions. Granite State Credit Union has partnered with several schools to provide interactive workshops where students practice using banking services and making financial decisions in simulated real-world scenarios.
“These kids are learning concepts that took me years to figure out as an adult,” says parent Jennifer Kosmas, whose daughter attends Portsmouth High School. “My daughter came home explaining how mortgage interest works. She’s 16, and she’s already thinking about how her college choices will impact her financial future.”
The state’s approach emphasizes hands-on learning. In Manchester’s school district, high school seniors participate in a “Reality Fair” where they receive hypothetical career assignments, salaries, and life circumstances. They must then navigate stations representing housing, transportation, insurance, and unexpected expenses—all while trying to maintain a balanced budget.
“The most valuable moments are when students make mistakes in this controlled environment,” explains educator David Lawrence. “They might choose the luxury apartment only to realize they can’t afford groceries. These lessons stick with them far better than textbook examples.”
New Hampshire’s push for financial literacy education comes amid growing concerns about student loan debt, which has reached crisis levels nationally. Research from the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College suggests that students who receive financial education are more likely to make informed decisions about college financing.
“We’re seeing encouraging early results,” notes Dr. Sarah Pelletier, who evaluates educational outcomes for the state. “Students who complete our financial literacy curriculum demonstrate measurably better decision-making in simulated financial scenarios compared to their peers who haven’t received this education.”
The movement isn’t without challenges. Teacher training remains a hurdle, as many educators lack confidence in teaching financial concepts. The state has responded with professional development programs specifically focused on financial literacy instruction.
As this educational shift continues gaining momentum, New Hampshire may be positioning its students for greater financial success. In a world where money management skills are increasingly crucial, these students are receiving valuable tools that previous generations often had to learn through costly trial and error.
“Financial literacy isn’t just about understanding money,” reflects Concord School District Superintendent Robert Seaward. “It’s about empowering young people to make choices that align with their values and goals. That’s education in its truest form.”
