Take your seat at the investment table.
An immersive, eight-week, real-world investment experience for high school and college students, led by seasoned Wall Street professionals.
Through hands-on market simulations and the management of a $1 million virtual investment portfolio, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to think and act like investors. They learn to understand financial markets, assess risk, and make informed investment decisions, while gaining the experience and professional preparation to pursue a future career on Wall Street.
The Wall Street Master Class® combines rigorous financial education with immersive, hands-on learning. Guided by seasoned Wall Street professionals, students follow global markets, analyze economic developments, and explore how real-world events influence companies, sectors, and investment opportunities.
At the heart of the experience is The Investment Committee®, where every student takes a seat at the table. Students research companies and sectors, evaluate opportunities and risks, and present and defend their investment ideas before the Committee, developing the analytical skills, judgment, and confidence of an investor.
Build the professional skills to make a strong first impression and contribute with confidence.
Professional etiquette
Navigate workplace expectations, business manners, and professional relationships.
Communication & presentation
Write clearly, speak confidently, and present your ideas with purpose.
Personal branding & LinkedIn
Tell your story, showcase your strengths, and build a credible professional profile.
At The Academy of Finance®, we believe in learning by doing. Through portfolio challenges, market simulations, mentorship, and repeated practice, investors turn financial concepts into practical skills and experience.
Traditional Education
The Academy Experience
The program is led by James E. Demmert*, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of a $3 billion investment advisory firm and nationally recognized Barron’s advisor, alongside Mario DiFiore, PhD, Dean and Professor of Finance at Fordham University. Together, they create a powerful combination of real-world investment management experience, academic expertise, and high-level economic research. *See Disclosures
Every participant manages a $1 million virtual investment portfolio using the industry's leading stock market simulation platform. Working individually and as part of an investment committee, students research companies, evaluate economic events, manage risk, and defend their investment decisions throughout the program. This is where classroom concepts become real-world experience.
Each week, accomplished professionals from some of the world's most respected financial institutions join the Academy to share their experiences, investment philosophies, and career journeys. Because cohorts remain intentionally small, students have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and build authentic professional relationships.
Students are given rare access to some of the most iconic institutions in finance and experience firsthand the environments where markets move and decisions are made.
The Academy dress code is “Come to the Office.” Every student receives a custom Academy uniform and kit, including the signature blazer and tie, Academy notebook and pad, and The Journey to Wealth. It introduces students to The Academy Code, a standard of discipline, preparation, punctuality, and professional conduct designed to prepare them for the expectations of the professional world.
Graduate with practical investment experience, professional confidence, and connections for your next chapter.
01 / RECOGNITION
Official Wall Street Master Class® diploma and a personalized letter of recommendation from industry leaders.
02 / PRACTICAL SKILLS
Portfolio management, investment analysis, financial markets, risk management, and disciplined decision-making. A foundation in long-term wealth creation, plus professional communication, presentation, networking, and business etiquette.
03 / YOUR NEXT STEP
Access to internship pathways, career referrals, and the Academy’s alumni circle.
Academic credit eligibility, subject to approval by your institution.
SCHOOLS
Parent
President, Options for College, Inc - School Counceling
Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026
Parent
Student, Bard High School Early College
Student, Sacred Heart University
Student, Tamalpais High School
Student, Northeastern University
Student, Stuyvesant High School
THE WALL STREET MASTER CLASS®
Explore upcoming cohorts and take the next step toward becoming an investor.
2027 COHORT
FORMAT
In person + virtual coursework between sessions
SCHEDULE
Sundays
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
DURATION
8 classes
COHORTS
High school · Grades 10–12
College · Undergraduate
Eight class dates
Jan 17, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar 7
WINTER 2027 TUITION
Contact the Academy for tuition details.
2027 COHORT
FORMAT
In person + virtual coursework between sessions
SCHEDULE
Sundays
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
or Wednesdays
4:30–6:30 p.m.
DURATION
8 classes
COHORTS
High school · Grades 10–12
College · Undergraduate
Sunday cohort · Eight class dates
Jun 13, 20, 27; Jul 4, 11, 18, 25; Aug 1
SUMMER 2027 TUITION
Contact the Academy for tuition details.
2027 COHORT
FORMAT
In person + virtual coursework between sessions
SCHEDULE
Sundays
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
DURATION
8 classes
COHORTS
High school · Grades 10–12
College · Undergraduate
Eight class dates
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov 7, 14, 21
FALL 2027 TUITION
Contact the Academy for tuition details.
02 / INTERVIEW
Take part in an admissions interview.
03 / DECISION
Receive a decision within two weeks.
“The greatest investment a young person can make is in their own education, in their own mind. The more you learn, the more you will earn.”
At the heart of the Academy’s curriculum is the award-winning book The Journey to Wealth, written by our co-founder and Chairman, James E. Demmert — one of Barron’s Top Financial Advisors and a respected voice on Wall Street. This acclaimed guide forms the foundation of our program, offering students a clear and strategic framework to understand financial markets, build lasting wealth, and make sound decisions.
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