Fourth-Graders Beat Out High Schoolers Nationwide in Stock Market Game

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When it comes to stocks, bonds and market trends, some elementary school students at Tarver Rendon Elementary School are already ahead of the game.

The fourth-graders are competing in an online stock market game as part of their social studies curriculum. They were given a $100,000 fictional account in which they are able to buy and sell mutual funds, stocks and bonds.

Out of more than 300 schools nationwide, a Tarver Rendon Elementary team has been leading the pack. What’s even more impressive is that a majority of the people they are competing against are in high school.

White teaches the students how to interpret the stock charts.

“Mrs. Thomas’ class has the team that is actually second right now. They were first yesterday and second today,” said Brian White, a social studies teacher. “I was hoping to have five teams in the top 100. I think we’re sitting on ten right now.”

Gatlin Gerhard, the captain of the leading team, said his winning strategy is to buy what he knows.

“I just got my favorite big companies and invested in them,” the 10-year-old explained. “I have Netflix. Shopify is one of them. Apple’s doing really good.”

The student said he has learned a lot so far and plans to explore Wall Street even more when he’s an adult.

White added that the activity has been a fun way to incorporate real-world money management skills into the classroom.

“They’re about 8 percent over the S&P 500 growth already, and we still have five weeks to go. They’re doing very well.”

More information about The Stock Market Game is available here.