Bringing Business, Finance and Entrepreneurship to Life

When Charles Noalis joined Florida Cyber Charter Academy (FLCCA) in 2022, he brought with him over a decade of classroom experience, and a lifetime of business know-how. Before becoming an educator, Mr. Noalis worked as a realtor and real estate investor in both Pennsylvania and Florida. 

“When I got into teaching, I wanted to do something where I could teach what I’ve learned – especially all the things I had to figure out the hard way.”  

Now in his 15^th year as a teacher, Mr. Noalis blends business experience and academic instruction in a way that helps students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. 

Turning Experience into Education 

Mr. Noalis’ background in business and real estate gives his students a unique edge. 

“When we talk about things like sole proprietorships versus LLCs, I can give real examples,” he explained. “I started out as a sole proprietor when I was doing real estate, and then we transitioned into investment properties and formed an LLC. I can walk students through that process step by step.” 

At FLCCA, Mr. Noalis teaches courses in business, career, and technology – including entrepreneurship and management. He has also taught personal finance and accounting. 

“I want my students to walk away with practical understanding, like how to manage money, how to think about risk, how to plan for their future,” he said. “Those are lessons that will stay with them no matter what career path they take.” 

Teaching Financial Confidence 

Mr. Noalis makes it his mission to ensure students understand that financial literacy isn’t just about math. It’s about empowerment. 

“One of the biggest things I tell my students is that education beyond high school is their first investment,” he said. “They can’t afford to make the same financial mistakes we made. The choices they make now – college, trade school, starting a business – are all investments in themselves.” 

He also encourages students to see their potential as multifaceted. 

“It’s not about locking yourself into one career at 17,” he said. “You can wear multiple hats and be successful. I’m a teacher, but I’m also an investor and a real estate professional. Life doesn’t have to fit into just one box.” 

The Investment Club: Real-World Learning in Real Time 

One of Mr. Noalis’ proudest initiatives is the FLCCA Investment Club, which he started to give students hands-on exposure to financial concepts. 

“I wanted to bring something that could mirror traditional business clubs, but make sense for a virtual setting,” he said. 

Each year, Charles invests about $200–$250 of his own money in cryptocurrency. Students then track the investments in real time, studying how different assets perform under various market conditions. 

“They get to decide our strategy – whether we play it safe or go big,” he explained. “It’s a real-world experience in risk and reward. They learn that the market doesn’t always go up, and that’s okay. That’s part of investing.” 

Making Economics Engaging – for Both Students and Families 

Mr. Noalis’ students aren’t the only ones tuning in for his lessons. 

“One of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received came from a parent at graduation,” he recalled. “She told me, ‘My husband and I work from home, and we stop what we’re doing to listen to your class. We watch every day our daughter has class.’” 

That level of engagement is what Mr. Noalis strives for in every session. 

“My goal is for students to feel like what they’re learning matters. That it’s relevant to their lives today,” he said. “Because it is.” 

Building the Next Generation of Financially Smart Students 

For Mr. Noalis, teaching business isn’t just about entrepreneurship – it’s about giving students the confidence to navigate adulthood. 

“I tell them, don’t just save money. Understand what your money is doing,” he said. “You don’t want to stick it under your mattress and watch it lose value. Learn how to make your money work for you.” 

From running the Investment Club to guiding students through certification programs like Certiport’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) credential, Mr. Noalis ensures his classes prepare students for whatever future they choose. 

“At the end of the day, I want them to walk away knowing how the real world works – how to manage, how to plan, and how to grow,” he said. “That’s what education should be.” 

Is Online Learning Right for You? 

Florida Cyber Charter Academy (FLCCA) is a full-time online public school providing tuition-free education to students in grades K-12 throughout Florida. FLCCA, powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, offers flexible, personalized learning with a curriculum designed for academic success. With 25 years of experience, K12 has led the nation in providing online education programs that help students thrive. Learn more at flcca.k12.com. 

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