Reality Town in Centennial and Shoreline

April 7th, 2025 /
Spencer Tuinei /
Centennial Middle, CTE, News, Secondary Schools, Shoreline Middle

Balancing budgets, facing unexpected costs, and making smart financial choices—all in a day’s work for eighth-grade students at Centennial Middle School and Shoreline Middle School, thanks to Reality Town!

Reality Town is a dynamic, hands-on simulation, designed to teach essential life skills by simulating adult life. Students are given a hypothetical career and paycheck, then tasked with navigating the ups and downs of adult financial responsibilities, from managing household budgets to paying bills.

The school was transformed into a bustling miniaturized town, complete with booths representing banks, grocery stores, utility companies, auto dealerships, and more. As students moved from station to station, they were challenged to think critically, solve problems on the fly, and make strategic choices about how to spend (or save) their money. This year, we saw newer additions like cybersecurity threats and environmental penalties, helping to deepen their understanding of the kinds of financial issues adults face today.

By bringing Reality Town to life each year, Centennial and Shoreline Middle Schools demonstrate a strong commitment to preparing students for the realities of adulthood, ensuring our students are learning the practical, future-ready skills they need to confidently step into the next chapter of their lives.