Accounting 1

Students will learn the accounting cycles for sole proprietorships and partnerships. The accounting cycle covers analyzing transactions, journaling, posting, petty cash, financial statements, and adjusting and closing entries.

Accounting 2

This course expands on topics learned in Accounting 1. Students will increase their knowledge to corporate accounting and learn to create income statements and balance sheets. Students will also learn about depreciation and end of fiscal period entries for a corporation. Computerized accounting is integrated into this course.

Accounting 3

The course expands on topics learned in Accounting 1 & 2, while adding departmental accounting (corporation) and introducing different accounting control systems used by today’s businesses. This level of accounting helps provide students with the background and preparation for jobs and careers. It is also an excellent background and preparation for college business majors. Computerized accounting is integrated into this course.

Advanced Investing

In the Advanced Investing course, students will learn about different investment strategies and how financial markets work. The class will cover important topics like stock and bond analysis, portfolio management, and alternative investments. Through hands-on activities such as simulations, case studies, and projects, students will create their own investment portfolios and develop their own strategies. By the end of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge to make smart investment decisions, setting a strong foundation for their financial future.

Business & Management IB (SL or HL)

Business and Management is a rigorous and dynamic discipline that examines business decision-making processes and how these decisions impact and affect internal and external environments. It is the study of both the ways in which individuals and groups interact in an organization and of the transformation of business resources. Business and Management is offered as both a Standard Level (1 year) class and a Higher Level (2 year) class, and students at both levels can choose to test for potential college credit.

The Diploma Programme course is designed to develop an understanding of business theory, as well as an ability to apply business principles, practices, and skills. The application of tools and techniques of analysis facilitates an appreciation of complex business activities, considering the diverse range of business organizations and the cultural and economic context in which business operates. Emphasis is placed on strategic decision-making and the day-to-day business functions of marketing, production, human resource management, and finance. The course encourages appreciation of ethical concerns and corporate social responsibility in the global business environment. Topics covered include Business Organization, Human Resources and Management, Marketing, Accounts and Finance, and Operations. The course’s Internal Assessment consists of researching a business in order to understand a current challenge and recommend an appropriate solution.

The HL offering extends the standard level course, taking all five Business Units to a more detailed level with additional tools and theories, and adds Business Strategy to the curriculum. HL students take on more extensive assignments and projects, help facilitate learning and seminars for current SL students, and have the opportunity to test at the end of their second year, with higher exam requirements and standards.

Business Essentials

Introduces the basics of current business trends in our global economy — covering everything from small business to corporations, including human resources, management, marketing, sales, operations, and finance. Students will also understand ethics in the workplace and how to build skills for a lifetime in the evolving workforce. The class is extremely interactive and student-driven, based around current events, real-world relevance, group work, and games, and serves as a foundation for future business classes at FHS.

College & Career Readiness (CCR)

Introduces students to their future after high school, starting with goal setting and a review of personal preferences and skills as a means of exploring future career options. This continues with post-secondary options and how they can be developed into careers. Students will create a professional portfolio that includes a cover letter, resume, application, and interview techniques and tips, while also developing an understanding of their responsibilities as digital citizens across different technological platforms. Skills developed are immediately applicable in the classroom and transferable to the real world.

Cyber Security (UM ITS 191)

Provides an online early-college option for high school students to explore cybersecurity topics and career opportunities. Students will develop a foundational understanding of cybersecurity and its relation to information and network security. Upon completion of the course, students will earn 3 University of Montana college credits.

Interactive Digital Media

This competency-based course enables students to develop the skills and competencies for creating multimedia and video productions. Students learn proper video camera techniques, digital video editing, digital signage, digital storage, trade standards, workflow, script writing, directing, production responsibilities, and computer-generated graphics. Software covered includes Adobe Creative Suite and Premiere Elements.

Introduction to Computer Science

A one-year course introducing the foundations of modern computing, covering how computers work, website design, artificial intelligence, programming in JavaScript, foundational computer science constructs, and app design. Semester 1 focuses on topics requiring very little coding knowledge; Semester 2 focuses more on using JavaScript to learn fundamental programming structures.

Marketing 1

Offers real-life learning as students develop skills essential in the business world, including speaking and technology skills to present information to a variety of audiences. Units include advertising, economic systems, product development, international marketing, sales, and marketing plans.

Social Media Marketing

Students develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in digital and social media promotion, enhancing skills in digital creation and editing while acquiring new skills in communication, promotion, and public relations. Students promote a wide range of activities, clubs, sports, and events taking place at Flathead High School throughout the academic year, using platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Topics covered include social media management, digital footprint, online safety, privacy, digital citizenship, interpreting social media analytics, and digital content production.

Sports & Entertainment Marketing

Challenges students to build upon the marketing principles, strategies, and practices introduced in Marketing 1. Students learn and practice skills in channel management, marketing-information management, market planning, market research, pricing, promotion, product management, and professional selling, with additional emphasis on human resources, strategic planning, e-commerce, international marketing, sports marketing, and global marketing. Most students take part in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and leadership activities, and compete in the Montana High School Business Challenge, while developing skills to market themselves in the business world.

Personal Finance

Gives students the tools and skills to manage their money now and in the future, covering financial options and responsibilities alongside the consequences of mismanaged finances. Topics include personal wants vs. needs, paycheck and year-end taxes, financial institution budgets, consumer protection, investment options, buying an automobile, renting, home buying, loans, and retirement options. Students learn financial concepts through simulations, investment planning, decision-making, and examination of current issues, and participate in a live stock market game/competition to better understand investing.

Robotics & Physical Computing 1–4

The Physical Computing series runs from Physical Computing 1 through Physical Computing 4, with students able to take up to four semesters. Physical computing allows students to apply what they’ve learned about programming architecture to physical objects. By completing multi-step, multi-level projects, students engage in problem solving and engineering processes to accomplish a larger goal of making innovative products, including small circuit boards, robots, and drones.

School Based Enterprise 1–3 (SBE — Southside Coffee)

Prerequisite — SBE 1: Introduction to Business, Marketing 1, or instructor approval. SBE 2: School Based Enterprise 1. SBE 3: School Based Enterprise 2.

School Based Enterprise One: Students learn foundational skills of operating their own business, mastered in conjunction with the SBE Lab. In class, students learn foundational business concepts in marketing, management, finance, operations, production, technology, and customer service, working in different business departments throughout the year and collaborating with peers and staff to grow Southside Coffee. Students practice their skill set during SBE lab time running the coffee shop, developing into problem solvers, deductive reasoners, and independent learners.

School Based Enterprise Two: Students expand on their foundational skills toward a management position in marketing, management, finance, operations, production, technology, and customer service, working in different management roles across business departments for the semester and collaborating on growing Southside Coffee from a management perspective. Students continue to practice their skill set during SBE lab time running the coffee shop.

School Based Enterprise Three: Students continue to expand their foundational skills within the scope of managerial positions in marketing, management, finance, operations, production, technology, and customer service, working in different management roles across business departments and collaborating on Southside Coffee’s growth from a management viewpoint, while practicing their skill set during SBE lab time running the coffee shop.

Foundations of Leadership 1

Helps students identify and enhance their own leadership strengths and guides them to become better servant leaders throughout the community. Through lectures, guided interaction, group exercises, and community service, students explore the principles of servant leadership and develop individual and group leadership skills. Content areas include decision making, goal setting, effective communication, servant leadership, organization and time management, conflict/negotiation strategies, team building, and strategies to implement positive change throughout the school and community.

Foundations of Leadership runs in conjunction with The Brave Mentoring Program. Students who enroll take on the leadership position of Executive Mentor, working collaboratively with peers to create mentoring lessons for freshman students — practicing and implementing their acquired leadership skills while growing the culture of FHS. The course starts in early August with a leadership training and retreat introducing the concept of servant leadership, kicking off both the Brave Mentoring Program and the semester’s curriculum.

Foundations of Leadership 2

Helps students identify and enhance their own leadership strengths and guides them to become better servant leaders throughout the community. Through lectures, guided interaction, group exercises, and community service, students explore the principles of servant leadership and develop individual and group leadership skills. Content areas include decision making, goal setting, effective communication, servant leadership, organization and time management, conflict/negotiation strategies, team building, and strategies to implement positive change throughout the school and community.

Foundations of Leadership runs in conjunction with The Brave Mentoring Program. Students who enroll take on the leadership position of Executive Mentor, working collaboratively with peers to create mentoring lessons for freshman students — practicing and implementing their acquired leadership skills while growing the culture of FHS. The course starts in early August with a leadership training and retreat introducing the concept of servant leadership, kicking off both the Brave Mentoring Program and the semester’s curriculum.