Archer School: Beyond Simple Definitions

Archer's definition of financial independence includes, beyond issues of money, how girls represent themselves and their skills to the world, how women are treated as consumers or even as commodities, and how girls can learn to see themselves...

Archer School: Beyond Simple Definitions

Archer's definition of financial independence includes, beyond issues of money, how girls represent themselves and their skills to the world, how women are treated as consumers or even as commodities, and how girls can learn to see themselves as business people and entrepreneurs.
 

Program highlights include:

 
Faculty Training: Archer faculty work with a Certified Financial Planner to improve their own personal planning and help them bring new confidence into the classroom.

 
Bank of Archer: Students learn personal finance, including managing a checking account, saving and budgeting, and taxation. Math teachers follow a financial scope and sequence of skills through Middle School into Upper School.

 
6th-12th Curriculum: Teachers in all the disciplines and grades work with students in the classroom in many different ways. Ninth graders learn the history of money and study ancient economies. Tenth graders analyze the strategies advertisers employ to persuade consumers to spend, including commercial images of gender. Ninth and tenth grade students also buy a car or rent or buy a home on a limited budget. Eleventh graders learn how to write a resume, how to present themselves in interviews, and how to handle credit cards and debt. By senior year each Archer girl directly applies her financial skills as she prepares for the world of college and independence from home.

 
Professional Experiences: Students are introduced to various professional fields through the school's Career Day. Over 100 worksites throughout Los Angeles are opened to students who shadow professionals and engage in hands-on activities related to the field. Students and alumnae interested in internships and mentorships are assisted through a referral program.

 
Student Store: Students of every grade can participate in managing the store and associated café in many capacities. Eleventh and twelfth graders have reached top management positions and are running the business. The Store, via its Board (students), donates a percentage of the store's profits back to the Archer community in the form of financial aid, and gives as well to the broader urban community.