Starting in 2031, high school students in California will need to complete a personal finance course before graduating. This requirement is supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom and was passed by the state Senate and Assembly as Assembly Bill 2927. California will become the 26th state to mandate finance-related education for graduating seniors, with the new course expected to launch as early as the 2027-28 school year. The goal is to provide students with essential financial literacy skills, such as managing credit scores and minimizing bank fees, to help them make informed financial decisions for their future.
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond emphasized the importance of personal finance education for young people, stating that it is crucial for them to have a clear understanding of managing household finances and building financial stability. The curriculum for the new course will include topics like budgeting principles, investment options, and consumer protection awareness. Students may be able to substitute the personal finance course for their economics requirement, with the option to further enhance their financial literacy through a yearlong course offered by school districts and charter schools.
To support the implementation of the required personal finance courses, Superintendent Thurmond announced the creation of a personal finance task force in March. This task force, in collaboration with the California Department of Education and education experts from the Instructional Quality Commission, will develop a curriculum guide and resources to be adopted by 2026. The aim is to ensure that all K-12 students in California have the opportunity to build essential financial skills before making important adult financial decisions.
