For years, high school students have spent hours mastering algebra, analyzing classic literature, and memorizing historical dates. But when it comes to real-world skills—like budgeting, cooking, or even changing a tire—many are left clueless. That’s why a high school in Louisville, Kentucky, has introduced “Adulting 101,” a hands-on course designed to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
Why Schools Are Stepping Up
The phrase “adulting is hard” has become a common complaint among young adults, and it’s no surprise why. Many leave high school with a diploma but no practical knowledge of how to manage finances, cook a meal, or navigate rental agreements. Sara Wilson-Abell, a teacher at Fern Creek High School, saw this gap firsthand. She realized that while her seniors could solve quadratic equations, they had no idea how to do laundry or balance a budget. That’s when she decided to create Adulting 101—a three-day crash course in real-world survival skills.
And the students? They loved it.
What Students Learn in ‘Adulting 101’
Each day of the course focuses on a crucial aspect of independent living, with professionals from the community coming in to provide hands-on guidance.
🏦 Day 1: Money & Finances
Students dive into financial literacy, covering topics like:
✅ Budgeting basics
✅ Opening a bank account
✅ Understanding credit scores
✅ Renting vs. buying a home
✅ Managing student loans
💡 Bonus: Students can win prizes like mini-fridges and microwaves to prepare for dorm life.
🍳 Day 2: Cooking & Home Skills
This day is all about self-sufficiency at home. Students learn:
✅ How to cook simple, nutritious meals
✅ Basic plumbing (like fixing a clogged sink)
✅ How to do laundry correctly
✅ Dorm-friendly meal hacks (because not everyone has a full kitchen)
💡 Bonus: Mental health discussions, with tips on how to seek help if needed.
👔 Day 3: Career & Professionalism
To prepare for the workforce, students go through:
✅ Resume-building workshops
✅ Mock job interviews
✅ Professionalism in the workplace
✅ What hiring managers look for
💡 Bonus: Lessons on handling job contracts, taxes, and workplace etiquette.
Real-World Impact
Since launching in 2019, Adulting 101 has been a hit. Students who completed the course say they feel more confident stepping into adulthood.
“I never sorted my clothes before, but now I know why it’s important,” said Lilly Farmer, a graduate from the program’s first year. Others have mentioned how the finance lessons helped them avoid costly mistakes with credit cards and loans.
Due to its success, Wilson-Abell even created a YouTube channel and website to continue the program online—especially after the pandemic forced schools to shift to remote learning. The online resources have helped not just current seniors but former students and even people from other schools.
More Schools Are Catching On
Fern Creek High isn’t the only school recognizing the need for real-world education. Across the country, other high schools are launching similar programs:
✔ Bullitt Central High School (KY) hosts an “Adulting Day,” teaching students about taxes, cooking, and traffic stops.
✔ Lumpkin County High School (GA) offers hands-on lessons in car maintenance, first aid, and even ironing.
✔ Berea High School (SC) introduced a life skills class covering everything from meal prep to home maintenance.
The demand for practical education is growing, and these schools are proving that students want—and need—to learn these skills.
The Future of ‘Adulting’ in Schools
For years, traditional education has focused primarily on academics, often neglecting basic life skills. But with more teachers and students pushing for practical courses like Adulting 101, the tide is changing.
Hopefully, more schools will recognize the value of teaching students how to survive and thrive in the real world—not just pass tests.
After all, what good is solving for X if you can’t even cook dinner or pay your bills?