Excel Classes for High School Students in Houston

Excel is a powerful tool used universally in numerous industries. Offering Excel classes to high school students in Houston equips them with essential skills that are highly sought after in the business world. These classes cover everything from basic spreadsheet navigation to advanced data analysis techniques, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the software. 

Additionally, learning Excel early gives students a head start academically. It enhances their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, assisting them with analyzing and interpreting data. They can apply these skills not only in their academic work but also in their future professional lives. In addition, proficiency in Excel can open up various career opportunities in fields like finance, project management, and business analysis. Indeed, Excel classes can be a great stepping stone for high school students in Houston, preparing them for university studies and the professional world.

Why High School Students Should Learn Excel

Learning Excel is critical for high school students in Houston for several reasons. Excel skills are a prized asset in many part-time or summer jobs, especially in roles that involve data management or financial tracking. Since Houston is a bustling city with a diverse range of businesses, students with Excel proficiency may find themselves in high demand for internships or entry-level roles, giving them practical job experience before graduating high school.

Excel is frequently used in college courses, particularly in fields like business, economics, and engineering. Many local institutions, such as the University of Houston's C.T. Bauer College of Business: Department of Finance, offers Excel-based courses that examine the software's advanced features in its degree programs. Even in majors where it may not be explicitly taught, students who possess Excel skills have a competitive edge in their coursework. Proactively learning Excel can help high school students transition smoothly to college studies and excel academically.

High school students preparing to take the AP Excel exam can also benefit from early exposure to the software, making them better prepared for the exam's rigorous demands. The AP Excel exam tests students' abilities in data analysis, chart creation, and formula usage, showcasing the skills students learn during Excel classes. Taking the initiative to sign up for Excel classes during the summer allows students to become fully prepared for the exam and potentially earn college credit.

Learning the ins and outs of Excel is crucial for students considering careers in industries such as energy or healthcare. Houston is home to many major companies in these fields, and having Excel proficiency can open opportunities for internships or future job roles. In fact, Houston's healthcare industry is one of the largest in the country, employing over 370,000 employees in 2021 alone. High school students who plan to enter this field can greatly benefit from mastering Excel early in their academic careers.

In-Person Excel Classes in Houston

Taking an in-person summer Excel class in Houston is a great way for high school students to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience with the software. These classes are structured to cover essential Excel concepts, ensuring students have a strong foundation in the software before starting college or an internship. One great option for beginners to all things Excel-related is to take the Microsoft Office & PC Skills training course Houston Community College offers. This course covers all the basic features of Microsoft's popular Office suite, including Excel. The training options include three levels of Excel training, with each level building upon the previous curriculum. For high school students nearing graduation, Lone Star College has a 

Virtual Excel Classes

Live online learning offers the benefit of interactive, hands-on training without leaving the comfort of your home or office. This format uses real-time sessions, allowing students to interact with instructors and peers, promoting a dynamic and engaging learning experience just as they would in an in-person setting.

NextGen Bootcamp has an Excel, Finance, & Investing Summer Program Live Online course for high school students who want to understand how Excel is used in the financial world. This program begins with basic data entry and visualization, progressing to financial calculations and analysis. This comprehensive course allows students to learn Excel skills to apply to real-life scenarios. There is also a focus on investment research and economic analysis. This program has an overall intermediate-level Excel curriculum with lessons incorporating stock market fundamentals, accounting, and financial modeling. There are 25 hours of hands-on instruction and a tuition cost of $1,299.

There is also the FinTech Summer Program Live Online for high school students in Houston from NextGen Bootcamp. This live online program explores different tech topics, combining the school's Excel, Finance, and Investing summer program with the Python Data Science & Machine Learning summer program to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Groups are kept small to ensure students get the personal attention they need, and tuition is $3,295 for 72 hours of training. As part of this program, students will understand how to import data from popular sources into Excel and techniques for analyzing financial markets.

How to Choose an Excel Class

When choosing an Excel class, several factors should be considered to ensure the best match for the student's needs. Cost is a significant element to keep in mind, as students and their families must evaluate whether the course price aligns with their budget. The duration of the course is another important consideration, with options ranging from short, intensive bootcamps to more extended course curricula. The difficulty level should match the student's academic goals and experience level. Beginners may require a foundational course, while more advanced students may seek specialized classes that align with their professional goals.

Age range is also important to keep in mind, as courses tailored toward high school students might offer a different pace and content focus compared to those aimed at those with experience in a professional setting. Finally, choosing between in-person and virtual classes can depend on the student's learning style and schedule flexibility. Some may thrive in an in-person, collaborative environment, while others might prefer the convenience and flexibility of virtual learning. This is unique to each student and should be kept in mind when selecting a course.