The Academy of Finance

The Academy of Finance® Students Experience the New York Stock Exchange

April 6th 2026

Students of The Academy of Finance® were recently given the rare opportunity to step inside the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for a private, behind-the-scenes tour—an experience that brought the world of financial markets to life in an extraordinary way.

As part of the Wall Street Master Class®, this visit reflects the Academy’s commitment to providing a true real-world finance education, where students engage directly with the institutions and individuals shaping global markets.

A Private Tour of the NYSE New York Stock Exchange

The tour was led by Jay Woods, Chief Market Strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, NYSE Executive Floor Governor, Board Member of the CMT Association, Professor at Fordham University, and CNBC contributor.

Students gained valuable insight into the structure and daily operations of the stock exchange, learning how trades are executed, how market sentiment evolves, and how professionals navigate volatility in real time.

Experiences like this offer a level of exposure rarely accessible to students, reinforcing the Academy’s philosophy of learning finance through direct immersion.

Meeting Wall Street Professionals

During the visit, students met Peter Tuchman, widely known as one of the most recognized traders on Wall Street, often referred to as the “Einstein of Wall Street.”

They also had the unique opportunity to observe a live interview conducted on the trading floor by Nicole Petallides, gaining firsthand exposure to financial media and market commentary in action.

These interactions allow students to connect theory with reality, and to better understand the human element behind the markets.

Witnessing the Closing Bell

The experience concluded with the iconic Closing Bell ceremony, where students witnessed one of the most symbolic moments in global finance.

Hearing the bell ring from inside the NYSE floor offers a powerful perspective on the rhythm and discipline of the markets, and leaves a lasting impression on those considering a future in finance.

A Real-World Finance Program in New York

At The Academy of Finance®, students are not confined to the classroom. Through the Wall Street Master Class®, they gain access to:

  • Private tours of financial institutions such as the NYSE
  • Direct interaction with investment professionals and market participants
  • Hands-on experience managing portfolios
  • A disciplined approach to investing, risk management, and long-term wealth building

This approach positions the Academy as a leading finance program in New York for high school and college students seeking meaningful exposure to the industry.