The Brearley School

For one month each spring, lower school students at the Brearley School play The Economics Game. Each student gets a paper weekly salary of $7.50. They must take into account taxes, fixed expenses (such as chair, desk, locker rental) and food...

The Brearley School

For one month each spring, lower school students at the Brearley School play The Economics Game. Each student gets a paper weekly salary of $7.50. They must take into account taxes, fixed expenses (such as chair, desk, locker rental) and food costs. Optional expenses, for instance, might include health insurance (a trip to the nurse costs $1.00).

Inevitably the girls realize that their financial resources are limiting and they seek other forms of revenue to cover their expenses that lead to establishing in class businesses (selling decorated school pencils, hand-made stationary, massages). Girls learn the downside of being successful (market demand and production issues) and, on the upside, how to invest their money (savings, start a mock portfolio).