Many high school graduates enter adulthood feeling completely unprepared for real-world responsibilities. I have had countless conversations with my friends about how lost we are when it comes to important things like credit, savings, taxes and big purchases such as buying a car. Since we spend most of our teenage years in school—right up until we legally become adults at 18—schools should do a better job of preparing us for adult life.
While some schools offer a single class covering topics like bank accounts and credit, that is not enough. By the time students graduate, much of that information is forgotten because it is not reinforced throughout high school. Learning life skills should not be treated as an afterthought—it should be a core part of the curriculum. Schools must go beyond a one-time class and provide students with consistent education in essential topics like budgeting, taxes and basic law. This way, when we step into the real world, we will be ready to face challenges head-on rather than feeling lost and unprepared.
Many students graduate without knowing how to manage their finances, pay taxes or understand their basic legal rights. The current education system prioritizes the traditional academic curriculum, often overlooking the real priority: preparing kids for life outside of high school. For example, learning how to budget is crucial for managing money, avoiding debt and making informed financial decisions. Skills like creating a budget, understanding credit scores and saving for emergencies can set students up for long-term financial stability.
Another critical area is taxes—something every adult must deal with, yet many students never learn how to file them. Tax education can help young adults understand deductions, avoid penalties and plan their finances more effectively. Lastly, understanding basic legal rights such as contracts, renter’s rights and employment laws can help students confidently navigate adulthood, avoid legal pitfalls and understand their rights outside the Bill of Rights.
Some argue that schools are already overloaded with subjects, leaving little room for additional courses. However, the subjects can not be more important than long-term life skills. Instead of adding more to an already packed curriculum, schools could replace less practical electives with life skills courses. Topics like budgeting, taxes and fundamental law are just as valuable—if not more—than some traditional electives that students won’t even remember by the time they graduate. Schools can ensure that graduates can confidently adulthood by prioritizing real-world preparation.
