Academy of Finance

Students in the AOF pursue one or both of the following certifications:

NAFTrack Certification

NAFTrack Certification, designed by education and business leaders, is an employability credential that serves as NAF’s seal of college and career readiness. NAF assesses student performance through the completion of career-focused courses, internship assessments, and high school graduation.

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NYS Regents: Career & Technical Endorsement (CTE)

The Lancaster Academy of Finance is a NYSED accredited CTE program with pathways for students seeking Regents and Advanced Regents diplomas. Students learn “hands-on” career skills while earning a Regent's Diploma in order to prepare for college or other higher education studies.

 

Additionally, students can earn the following:

Buffalo State Dual Enrollment

The Academy of Finance has partnered with Buffalo State University and offers dual enrollment college courses through the College Access Program. Students are eligible to earn up to 24 transferable college credits.

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Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

AOF students earn Microsoft Excel certification, a credential necessary for Business and Finance careers plus others. Additionally, students can earn Microsoft Word and PowerPoint certifications.

NAF and the Lancaster Academy of Finance (AOF)

NAF solves some of the biggest challenges facing education and the economy by bringing education, business, and community leaders together to transform the high school experience. Since 1980, NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in NYC to 604 NAF academies focusing on growing industries today. NAF partners with some of America’s top companies who seek to employ NAF certified graduates.

Lancaster High School’s Academy of Finance (LHSAOF) is a member of NAF, the recognized national leader for career academies. Since its inception in 2008, the LHS AOF has graduated nearly 1000 students.

Our academy is structured as a small, focused learning community that fits within our high school. Our program spans three years’ worth of industry validated curriculum, project-based learning and a robust work-based learning program which culminates with a paid internship. Students earn Microsoft Certification as well as the Career and Technical Education Certification on their Regents or Advanced Regents diploma from NYSED. Additionally, students are eligible to graduate from the LHS AOF with 24 transferable college credits.

Student career preparation is supported by volunteers of the Academy of Finance Business, Community & Alumni Partnership, a separate board that falls under the umbrella of the Lancaster Education Alumni Foundation (LEAF), a 501(c)3 organization.

Academy of Finance Application

Freshmen apply to the Academy of Finance each January. The application is open to all freshmen, and detailed instructions are provided on the Lancaster High School website and at Academy Information Night.

A successful candidate demonstrates:

• Motivation to Participate
• Positive Attitude
• Potential to complete program
• Seriousness about career readiness
• Readiness for relevant & rigorous work

These attributes are illustrated through:

• Teacher or Counselor Recommendations
• Student Writing Sample
• Discipline/Attendance Record

If the number of applicants exceeds available positions, a review of the student’s academic record may also be considered.

Required Core Classes - Academy of Finance

• Students must earn CTE or NAFTrack certification (both are possible).
• All students in the Academy of Finance must take these courses AND complete annual Work Based Learning requirements.
• Dual Enrollment is optional.

AOF Success Strategies
0.5 credits │ Grade 10
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
UNC100: Mastering the Academic Envir. (3 credits)

AOF Principles of Finance
0.5 credits │ Grade 10

AOF Financial Services
0.5 credits │ Grade 10

AOF Microsoft Office
0.5 credits │ Grade 10
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
CIS101: Computer Fundamentals (3 credits)

AOF Principles of Accounting
0.5 credits │ Grade 11

AOF Internship & Ethics
0.5 credits │ Grade 11

AOF Financial Planning
0.5 credits │ Grade 12
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
FIN110: Personal Finance (3 credits)

NAFTrack Paid Internship (This class is an independent study and not part of the daily schedule.)
0.5 credits │ Grade 12

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Pathway Option 1: CTE (NYSED Career & Technical Endorsement)

All AOF Core classes plus:

Freshman Foundations
0.5 credits │ Grade 9

And any two:

Advanced Accounting
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS212: Introduction to Accounting (3 credits)

Business & Personal Law
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS334: Business Law I (3 credits)

Principles of Marketing
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS320: Principles of Marketing (3 credits)

Start it Up (Entrepreneurship)
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS365 Entrepreneurship (3 credits)

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Pathway Option 2: NAFTrack

Advanced Accounting
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS212: Introduction to Accounting (3 credits)

Business & Personal Law
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS334: Business Law I (3 credits)

Principles of Marketing
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS320: Principles of Marketing (3 credits)

Start it Up (Entrepreneurship)
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS365 Entrepreneurship (3 credits)

Sports & Entertainment Marketing
0.5 credits
Buffalo State University Dual Enrollment Option:
BUS368: Sports Management & Marketing (3 credits)

Business Planning
0.5 credits

Keyboarding & Word
0.5 credits

School Credit Union
0.5 credits