At Bethpage High School, seniors have access to an extraordinary opportunity that bridges high school coursework and professional certification: Real Estate 101, a course that doesn't just teach students about the industry – it prepares them to enter it.
What sets this course apart is the expertise behind it. Taught by three business teachers who are themselves licensed real estate agents, the class offers an authentic insider's perspective. Students gain practical knowledge about real estate law, financing, appraisals, ethics and valuations, with emphasis on residential and commercial property markets across the New York metropolitan area and Long Island.
The curriculum starts with basics – real estate vocabulary and property ownership – then builds toward complex topics like market analysis, home financing and the buying process. Students learn the differences between renting and owning, study how agents and brokers work, and practice reading contracts and navigating closings. The course also covers appraisals, marketing strategies, ethics and law, and industry trends, culminating in final projects where students create home buying guides or property marketing plans.
The benefits extend well beyond graduation. Through a partnership with Long Island University's High School Scholars Program, students earn three transferable college credits at no cost. Most notably, successful completion enables qualifying students to sit for the New York State Real Estate Salesperson's Licensing Examination at age eighteen – meaning they can launch a professional real estate career immediately after high school.
Due to strong student interest, the school has organized two cohorts, reflecting the appeal of a course offering clear pathways to both college and career. Whether students pursue real estate or related fields like business, finance or law, this innovative program provides valuable foundational knowledge and genuine career opportunities alongside their education.
