The Academy of Finance

— Designed by Top US Industry Leaders

The Wall Street
Master Class®

The keys to Wall Street and Beyond.

The Wall Street Master Class® is a program designed by Barron’s and Forbes U.S. Top Advisor James E. Demmert, tailored for high school and college students who want to strengthen their résumés, enhance college applications, secure future internships or entry-level positions, and lay the foundation for building lifelong personal wealth.

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An Immersive, Real-World Experience

The best way to learn about wealth is to live it.
The program combines in-person classes and online learning with real-world simulations and mentorship from Wall Street experts, inside an awarded U.S. investment firm on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

  • Management of a $1 million virtual investment portfolio
  • Mentorship from seasoned Wall Street professionals
  • Participation in an exclusive investment committee
  • Private access to select Wall Street institutions
  • Development of executive communication and networking skills
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The $1 Million Challenge

As part of the program, each student will manage a $1 million virtual portfolio in real-time markets powered by the #1 stock market simulation platform.

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Meet the Leaders of Wall Street

Our weekly guest speakers are accomplished professionals from some of the most prestigious firms in finance. This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders in an intimate setting, and to build meaningful connections with those shaping today’s financial world.

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

Exclusive Access to the World of Finance

Students are given rare access to some of the most iconic institutions in finance, including a private tour of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and experience firsthand the environments where markets move and decisions are made.

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Our 3xE Values: Excellence. Experience. Education.

The Academy of Finance is built on a culture of excellence. Our cohorts are intentionally limited to 25 students to preserve the quality of the experience, foster meaningful relationships, and ensure personalized mentorship. We accept students who aspire to succeed, and understand the value of the opportunity they have been given. Seats are given only to students who show up prepared, engaged, and committed.

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"The Academy of Finance's winter 2026 session provided an exceptional experience for my son, Canaan. Despite being a high school sophomore with limited prior knowledge of financial markets and trading, he was thoroughly engaged and inspired."
Harry Gill

Parent

"The Academy of Finance has the rare educational trifecta: a curriculum that truly teaches, an achievement that impresses in admissions and employment, and a lifelong impact that endures in its students... and the participants love the program and each other."
Keith Berman

President, Options for College, Inc - School Counceling

"The Academy of Finance was an eye-opening experience that provided valuable insight into the world of the stock market. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in immersing themselves in the world of Wall Street and learning from experienced professionals in the field."
Kiersten

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026

"The Academy of Finance is an outstanding program with a true culture of excellence. The small cohort size allows for personalized attention and strong mentorship, which made a huge difference for my daughter."
Daniela Ranieri

Parent

"The Academy of Finance is a phenomenal place for anyone with a passion for the stock market world, regardless of prior experience. I learned so much in such a short period of time and I can't wait to see where it takes me!"
Daniel C.

Student, Bard High School Early College

"The Academy of Finance has been an incredible experience. It gave me valuable knowledge, meaningful connections, and unforgettable memories. I’m very grateful for everything."
Tatiana

Student, Sacred Heart University

"I had an amazing learning experience, this is an extraordinary opportunity to learn how the market works in a real-world-environment."
Harris White

Student, Tamalpais High School

"Being a student not only deepened my knowledge of finance tremendously, but also ignited an even stronger passion for the field. "
Alexa - Student - Academy of Finance
Alexandra S.

Student, Northeastern University

A deep dive into the world of investing and wealth-building. Involved engaging presentations from industry experts. I highly recommend to any student interested in learning what it really takes to be a successful investor!
Christann Peart

Student, Stuyvesant High School

Graduation

Graduates walk away with the real-world experience and confidence to build their future personal wealth and skills.

  • Official Wall Street Master Class® diploma
  • Personalized letter of recommendation from industry leaders
  • Practical portfolio experience & technical investment skills
  • StockTrak Certification®
  • Foundational understanding of long-term wealth creation and disciplined decision-making
  • Access to internship pathways, career referrals, and the Academy’s alumni network
  • Academic credit eligibility (subject to approval by individual institutions)

Program Details

Next Session

  • In-Person Sessions: Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Midtown Manhattan
  • Virtual Learning: Weekly coursework and assignments between in-person sessions
  • Dates: June 9 – July 28
  • Duration: 8 Weeks
  • Cohorts: High School (Grades 10–12) | College (Undergraduate)
  • Format: In-person weekly sessions (2.5 hours) + virtual coursework

Application process

  • Visit theacademyoffinance.org/apply
  • Submit the online application
  • Interview
  • Receive a decision within 2 weeks

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TUITION $3500

*Note: Proceeds from tuition support scholarships, instructors, and other school-related expenses.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Please note that all scholarship funds for the Summer 2026 cohort have now been fully allocated and are no longer available.
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Donations

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to expanding access to financial education. Through donations and grants, we provide access, innovation, and community impact beyond our tuition model.
Support us

“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.”

— Warren Buffett

“The Journey to Wealth”

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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Apply for Admission