LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Middle school math students spend a lot of time learning about fractions, decimals and geometry.

But St. James Catholic School teacher Michael Meredith wanted to start a class that would focus on concepts students would need in adulthood such as savings, credit and debt.

“I had realized that these types of courses are severely under taught, especially in the middle school level," Meredith said. 

This is the first year St. James has rolled out its marketing and business personal finance class.

“We're covering a bunch of different topics that every single person in America has to deal with at some point," Meredith said. "I believe that it's crucial to start teaching these concepts at a young age so that these kids can be aware and be able to succeed once they join the workforce."

According to the Ramsey student textbook, eight out of 10 families live paycheck to paycheck in America, regardless of education or income level.

Eighth-grader Ryder Wall said he didn't have much knowledge of financial concepts before taking the course.

“I didn't want to grow up and just go into money not knowing anything at all," Wall said. "I'm excited because I'll have a head start over everybody else. I don't think the school system has enough of these classes.”

Wall wants to be a lawyer when he grows up. Through the lessons, he can see that becoming a reality, he said. 

Meredith said the concepts he's teaching will set the students up for success in their short- and long-term financial goals

“I think it's super important because even though I'm trying to teach them and give them knowledge for things that they can use further in life, when they join the join the workforce, we're still able to apply a lot of these concepts to what they're going to be doing," he said. 

Meredith hopes other schools implement their own personal-finance classes, he added.