Centennial Middle School Reality Town

March 21st, 2023 /
Spencer Tuinei /
Centennial Middle, CTE, News, Schools

Budgeting and balancing your books, managing the unexpected flurries of medical bills, and seeking to improve your financial situation are all central aspects of adult life– and, for one day, the lives of Centennial Middle School’s eighth-graders, too.

Centennial Middle School hosted Reality Town, a unique opportunity for students to learn valuable life skills in a fun and interactive way. During the event, students are given a mock paycheck and must make true-to-life financial decisions, like paying bills, managing a budget, and making purchases. Students develop crucial life skills in financial literacy, decision-making, and critical thinking in a gamified scenario that had students buzzing with excitement from stall to stall.

Reality Town is a simulation that mirrors real-life scenarios, giving students a glimpse of what it’s like to manage their finances in the real world. Students receive a career and a salary and must use their earnings to pay for various expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities. To make their payments on their costs, students visit booths such as grocery stores, banks, utility companies, and car dealerships to make purchases and manage their finances. The simulation includes unexpected events that can impact their finances, such as car repairs or medical expenses.

Reality Town is not only a fun event for students; it’s a valuable one. By participating in the simulation, students learn essential life skills such as budgeting, time management, decision-making, and critical thinking. These skills are vital for success in both their personal and professional lives, supporting students in making informed decisions about their finances and future.

The Reality Town event at Centennial Middle School is just one example of how our schools prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that await them. By providing hands-on, real-world experiences, we ensure students have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st century.