How It Works
How Online Education in Minnesota Works
With online learning, your child can learn at home, or wherever there’s an internet connection, while enjoying the benefits and support of a school program. They’ll complete a mix of online lessons and offline activities, using K12-provided books and materials.* State-certified teachers provide instruction in virtual sessions called “Class Connects.”
What to Expect
MNVA Programs
Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) uses quality curriculum from K12 designed to let students find the learning style that works best for them, allowing them to find their own path to success. Each online classroom offers engaging and relevant lessons that build on your child’s interests and abilities.
What’s my role as a parent?
You’ll play an active and important role as your child’s Learning Coach. You’ll spend time each day to:
- Provide academic support, motivation, and guidance throughout the school year
- Ensure your child is on track with assignments and coursework
- Communicate with teachers
- Report daily attendance
If you or your child’s legal guardian are unable to fill this role, you can choose a family member, friend, or another trusted adult to be the Learning Coach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many of my children can I enroll in MNVA?
Because MNVA provides the lesson plans and materials needed, many parents find it easy to enroll multiple children in the program.
What does it cost to attend MNVA?
MNVA is a public school, so there is no tuition. We provide Minnesota-licensed teachers and instructional materials. Students and families will be responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.
What is the attendance policy?
Minnesota Virtual Academy follows the school calendar of Houston Public School District and works with families toward a positive attendance record to meet their required number of instructional days. Attendance is logged daily in the Online School by the parent/Learning Coach. Students and parents/Learning Coaches must check their email and phone messages daily. Students must attend all required Class Connect live sessions for direct instruction as directed by their teachers and according to their individualized plan.
Can our family take a vacation during the school year?
The school calendar includes school “holidays” or vacation time. Whenever possible, family vacations should align with school vacation days. Parents are encouraged to contact their teacher if they plan a vacation that does not coordinate with the school calendar.
How much time will my child spend online?
We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide you with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful teaching tools that can motivate, stimulate, and inform children about the world around them. They do not, however, replace a solid education. Rather, they help facilitate one. That’s why we use a unique multimedia approach that also includes traditional books, workbooks, and instructional materials.*
In preschool, the focus is on hands-on learning and offline play-based activities, with students spending only 10–20% of their time on screens. For students in grades K–2, about 20–30% of their time is spent online, while grades 3–5 balance 50–60% of their school day on the computer. As students move into middle school, screen time gradually increases, and by high school, most of their learning happens online, preparing them for the digital world ahead.
*Course materials vary by course and school.