JA Partnership Helps New Kent High School Earn National Financial Literacy Recognition

A strong partnership between Junior Achievement of Central Virginia (JACV) and New Kent High School has helped students achieve one of the highest honors in financial literacy education nationwide.

New Kent High School has earned Platinum Star School recognition from W!SE (Working in Support of Education) for the 2024–2025 school year. This prestigious national distinction was awarded to just 33 schools across the country.

What Is the W!SE Financial Literacy Certification?

The W!SE Financial Literacy Certification Test is a rigorous national assessment that measures students’ knowledge of essential personal finance concepts, including budgeting, saving, investing, credit, insurance, and long-term financial planning.

Students who pass the exam earn the designation Certified Financially Literate™ (CFL™), demonstrating proficiency in real-world financial decision-making. Schools participating in the program teach a personal finance course or unit aligned to national and state standards using W!SE instructional resources. At the conclusion of the course, students take the Certification Test to measure mastery.

Junior Achievement of Central Virginia offers programs, including JA Finance Park, that are designed to reinforce these standards in Virginia. Through hands-on, experiential learning, students apply classroom concepts in a real-world budget simulation to strengthen comprehension, build confidence, and deepen their understanding before taking the Certification Test.

What Does Platinum Star Status Mean?

W!SE awards Blue Star School recognition to schools where a significant percentage of students pass the Certification Test. The Platinum Star School distinction represents an even higher level of excellence and is awarded to schools whose students score at the top of the performance range, demonstrating deeper understanding and exceptional mastery of financial literacy concepts.

New Kent High School’s Platinum designation places it among an elite group of schools nationwide recognized for outstanding student achievement in personal finance.

The Role of Junior Achievement

During the past school year, more than 250 New Kent High School students participated in Junior Achievement programming, including a hands-on experience at JA Finance Park.

JA Finance Park is an immersive financial simulation that allows students to step into the role of a working adult. With the help of community and corporate volunteers, students create and manage a monthly budget while making personalized decisions about career and education paths, housing, transportation, insurance, food, savings, and other essential considerations.

By reinforcing core financial concepts through experiential learning, JA helps strengthen classroom instruction and build student confidence before they take the Certification Test.

Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom

Financial literacy is a life skill that shapes long-term economic stability and opportunity.

New Kent High School’s Platinum Star recognition reflects the dedication of educators, students, volunteers, and community partners working together to ensure young people graduate with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.

As Junior Achievement of Central Virginia continues serving students across the region, achievements like this demonstrate what is possible when schools and community partners prioritize real-world learning and future-ready skills.

Congratulations to the students and educators at New Kent High School on this outstanding national recognition!