Pennsbury to add required personal finance course for freshmen and expand elective options

Dr. Terry Ricci, presenting the proposed 2026–27 program of studies, told the board that the Pennsylvania Department of Education has issued a mandate requiring personal finance instruction that will affect students K–12 and that, beginning with students who start high school in 2026–27, a half‑credit 'personal finance' course must be listed on the official high‑school transcript.

Ricci described the district’s planned approach: ninth graders will take a ninth‑grade seminar every other day in first semester and then a personal finance course every other day in second semester so that the personal finance half‑credit appears on transcripts. At the middle‑school level, family and consumer science will be required at least once during grades 6–8 to cover the personal‑finance standards.

Ricci also listed new and changed course offerings for Pennsbury High School, including digital visual arts, AP Business Principles (aimed at entrepreneurship and students entering the workforce), a Bucks County Community College firefighter course (4 credits, split time between campus and PHS), a culinary internship with the district nutrition provider, video production 2, unified physical education with honors options, AP Human Geography, global connections/culture/travel courses, and a planned applied health sciences pathway targeted to students interested in medical careers.

Ricci highlighted expanded dual‑enrollment agreements (Gwynedd Mercy, Bucks County Community College, the College of New Jersey) and virtual asynchronous course options for students seeking flexible scheduling. He said course selection showcases for middle‑school students would be scheduled in mid‑December and that the program of studies will be published online if approved.

Board members asked clarifying questions about virtual asynchronous PE (students perform activities independently and report evidence to teachers, using devices or video), the reintroduction of Mandarin Chinese, and how pathways are developed; Ricci said pathways are informed by student needs, workforce demands, post‑graduation feedback and program enrollment trends.

What’s next: If the board approves, the program of studies will be posted online and course selection will proceed for middle and high school students in spring and early next year.