Elementary School Programs
276 classes | 5,642 students | 28,298 ICH*
JA’s elementary school programs are the foundation of its K-12 curricula. Six sequential themes, each with five hands-on activities, as well as an after-school and capstone experience, work to change students’ lives by helping them understand business and economics.
Banner photo: Kevin Tracy, 2017 -2018 chairman of the Junior Achievement Board of Directors and senior vice president/market executive at Bank of America, with his JA Ourselves® kindergarten students at George West Elementary School for JA Leaders Day.
* Instructional Content Hours
JA Ourselves
JA Ourselves® uses storybook characters in read-aloud and hands-on activities to introduce the role people play in an economy. Through engaging, volunteer-led activities, young students learn about individual choices, money, the importance of saving and giving, and the value of work. (Kindergarten)
Classes: 44 | Students: 862 | ICH: 4,310
(Grades K - 2 are not tested.)
JA Our Families
JA Our Families® explains how family members' jobs and businesses contribute to the well-being of the family and of the community. The program introduces the concept of needs and wants and explores the ways families plan for and acquire goods and services. Students analyze their own skills to determine ways they can support their families. (Grade 1)
Classes: 48 | Students: 996 | ICH: 4,980
(Grades K - 2 are not tested.)
JA Our Community
JA Our Community® uses posters and games to offer practical information about businesses and the many jobs those businesses offer in a community. Students explore production methods through a simulation game, and they learn about taxes, decision making, and how money flows in an economy. (Grade 2)
Classes: 50 | Students: 977 | ICH: 4,885
(Grades K - 2 are not tested.)
JA Our City
JA Our City® introduces students to the characteristics of cities and how cities are shaped by zoning. Students also learn about the importance of money to a city; how financial institutions help businesses and city residents; and how the media is an integral part of a city's life. Students learn the role of an entrepreneur by exploring what it takes to open a restaurant. (Grade 3)
Classes: 51 | Students: 1,016 | ICH: 5,080
Pre-/post-tests: 16% increase in scores
JA Our Region
JA Our Region® introduces students to entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurs use resources to produce goods and services in a region. Students operate a hypothetical hot dog stand to understand the fundamental tasks performed by a business owner and to track the revenue and expenses of a business. (Grade 4)
Classes: 41 | Students: 913 | ICH: 4,565
Pre-/post-tests: 90% increase in scores
JA Our Nation
JA Our Nation® provides practical information about the need for employees who can meet the demands of the 21st century job market, particularly high-growth, high-demand jobs. By program's end, students will understand the skills, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math, that will make their futures brighter. (Grade 5)
Classes: 37 | Students: 790 | ICH: 3,950
Pre-/post-tests: 18% increase in scores
