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Understanding the Currency System

ClassCents uses a virtual currency system that mirrors real-world economics to teach students about money management, saving, and making thoughtful spending decisions. Classroom currency settings page with reward system type, symbol, and live preview

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Currency Configuration

Navigate to Settings → Classroom Settings → Currency (page titled Classroom Currency) to configure:
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Reward System Type
string
required
Choose between Points System or Currency System
  • Points System: Simple whole numbers (e.g., 100) — great for younger students
  • Currency System: Dollar-style format with decimals (e.g., $10.50) — great for teaching financial literacy
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Currency Symbol
string
(Currency System mode only) Choose a symbol from the dropdown.Options: $, £, €, ¥, ₹, ₱, ₩, ₦, ฿, ₫, ₴
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Currency Name
string
Customize your classroom currency name.Examples: “ClassCash”, “EduCoins”, “Eagle Bucks”, “Star Points”
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Display Currency Name
boolean
default:"true"
Toggle whether the currency name is displayed alongside balances throughout the app.
A Live Preview on the right shows exactly how balances will display. Click Apply Changes to save.
Starting Balance is configured per classroom when you create or edit a classroom, not in the currency settings. Each new student added to that classroom will automatically receive the starting balance. This only applies when a student is first created — assigning an existing student to an additional classroom does not grant a second starting balance.

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How Students Earn Currency

Academic Performance

  • Homework completion
  • Test scores and bonuses
  • Class participation
  • Project work
  • Improvement rewards

Behavioral Rewards

  • Following classroom rules
  • Helping classmates
  • Leadership and initiative
  • Responsibility completion
  • Positive attitude

Classroom Jobs

  • Assigned paid jobs
  • Automatic weekly/daily payouts
  • Performance bonuses
  • Special project payments

Achievement Badges

  • Milestone completions
  • Bonus point rewards
  • Progressive tiers
  • Special recognition

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Best Practices

Standardize your point values so students understand the system:
  • Small tasks: 5-10 points
  • Medium achievements: 25-50 points
  • Major accomplishments: 100+ points
Students should always know how to earn more:
  • Post earning opportunities on classroom board
  • Explain point values before activities
  • Be transparent about why points are awarded
Recognition is most effective when immediate:
  • Award points right after the positive behavior
  • Students see their balance update in real-time
  • Instant gratification reinforces the behavior
Every student should be able to earn:
  • Don’t make all earning academic-only
  • Include behavior and effort-based rewards
  • Vary difficulty levels so all students can succeed

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Currency Symbol Tips

Using Dollar Signs ($): Creates real-world connection and teaches money concepts. Great for teaching financial literacy alongside behavior management.
Using Points: Simpler for younger students and avoids confusion with real money. Works well for game-ified classrooms.

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Adjusting the Economy

1

Monitor Spending Patterns

Check your analytics to see if students are saving or spending too quickly
2

Adjust Earning Rates

If students run out of money too fast, increase earning opportunities or reduce reward costs
3

Balance Inflation

If everyone has too much money, increase reward prices or reduce earning amounts slightly
4

Get Student Feedback

Ask students what they think - they’ll tell you if something feels unfair or too difficult
Make any adjustments slowly and communicate changes clearly to maintain student trust in the system.

Rewards Setup

Create items students can purchase with their currency

Transaction Tracking

Learn how to award and deduct points effectively