We don't have home ec. or woods hop where I'm from. Some schools offer a "college preparation" where they teach you to cook, clean, self defense, etc. and others offer a "life skills" class where they teach you financial preparation skills. Both of these classes are electives and can only be taken junior and senior year.
I don't think balancing a home and work life is very difficult. I go to college full time and while I don't have children, I still maintain the responsability of "housewife". I just have to prioritize my day.