Everything they do in the way of curriculum is really outstanding. In Junior Achievement's Elementary School Program, kindergarten through sixth-grade, children learn concepts and skills at each grade that build on those taught in preceding grades. In the primary grades, program themes emphasize family, neighborhood, community and city economics. In the upper elementary grades, program themes expand to explore regional, national and world economies. This sequential approach is designed to show students how the market system works, its relationship to democratic values and their responsibilities in this system.
Students learn how and why people assume roles as citizens, consumers, workers and employers.
The concepts and skills taught are particularly relevant to their social studies classes and can be integrated with the general school curriculum. Students are introduced to basic personal economic issues and the roles individuals assume as workers, consumers and family members. Students learn about the role of their families in the local economy, the jobs they have and their economic needs and wants. Activities demonstrate the responsibilities and opportunities that citizens have in their economic community. Students conduct business operations, make city planning decisions and examine economic development issues.