Schools offer a variety of subjects including mathematics, science, and social studies to give students an education. All these subjects are quite important; however, there are many other skills that students leave high school without learning. For instance, schools ought to teach their students some practical skills such as money management, job searching techniques, and effective communication skills. Such skills will prepare the students well for the future ahead of them, as compared to other traditional academic skills.

One of the key skills that every student should have upon completing high school is managing finances. Some of the financial issues young adults face include budgeting, paying income tax, and handling credit card debt. All these are skills that everyone is likely to use in the course of their life, but unfortunately, few students learn them while in school. Thiago Batte, a sophomore from CHS, believes that schools should focus more on these skills. 

“A lot of students learn things just for tests and then forget about them,” Batte said. “It would be more helpful to learn things we will actually use in real life.”

More career skills are needed in schools. Many students have no idea how to write a resume, prepare for an interview, or communicate in a professional environment. Such skills acquired in school could increase students’ chances of success when applying for jobs, internships, or college admission.

Some schools offer special lessons on personal finances or career building; however, such classes are usually optional, and not all students are able to access them. Popularization of such knowledge would help more students become successful. 

Senior Brandon Marzban from CHS believes that schools need to better prepare students for adulthood. 

“Schools are supposed to prepare students for life,” Marzban said. “Many people graduate from school without having the necessary skills for adulthood.”

One might claim that there is too much material to cover at school. Still, practical skills are just as important as academic ones since students will use them throughout the rest of their lives.

At schools, students should not only be taught to pass certain tests. They should learn to acquire real life skills which would make them more independent and prepared for adulthood.