FAQS
Minnesota Online Education General FAQs
What grades are offered by the Minnesota Virtual Academy?
Minnesota Virtual Academy offers full-time enrollment for grades K–12.
What subjects will my child study?
Language arts, math, science, history, art, health/PE and music are the core courses. There are also other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as world languages. High school students also have access to AP® courses, as well as numerous elective courses.
Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes, we provide educational materials that are needed to complete the program. These books and materials are sent to students directly. The number of books and types of materials depends on the student’s grade level and courses. In general, high school students receive fewer books and materials than middle school students.
Will my child have the same graduation opportunities as students in traditional public schools?
Yes, we are a public school in Minnesota, so students can earn a diploma issued by Minnesota Virtual Academy based upon successful completion and mastery of course content.
Can my child work at his or her own pace?
The MNVA elementary program is a mastery-based program. Students are required to work through the curriculum to complete lessons and attend live virtual sessions with their teacher throughout the school year. Middle school and high school students work through their lessons using a combination of asynchronous and synchronous (live) learning with their content area teachers and their class cohort and have quizzes, tests, and other assigned schoolwork due on certain dates.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
In the younger grades, many of the online lessons include offline work. Students in grades K–2 spend about 30–40 percent of their time on the computer, while students in grades 3–5 spend about 50–60 percent of their time online. Screen time increases in middle school, and by high school, most of the school day is online.
Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?
Depending on a child's IEP, we can tailor our curriculum to meet your student's needs. To discuss your child's needs with us, please contact our office, and we will put you in touch with our special education team.
Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my advanced learner?
The beauty of our elementary program is that it's flexible enough to meet children where they are in any given subject and take them where they want to go. Placement assessments taken online during the enrollment process allow us to place your student in the appropriate level of curriculum. So, for example, if your fourth grader is doing math on a sixth-grade level and reading on a fourth-grade level, we can tailor your curriculum and lesson plans to meet his or her abilities. High school students have the opportunity to take more advanced courses, including honors and AP® courses.
How do students interact socially?
Throughout the year, students will be invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. We expect local clusters of students and parents to get together on a regular basis in their areas. We are also exploring new ways to interact socially using the powerful reach of the internet. The online Family Directory provides a way for families to network with families in their region of the state. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities can be formed that are based not on geography and place but on shared interests.
Will this program intrude into my home?
There are no home visits as part of the program, unless you ask your teacher to come to your home (completely optional), and there are no cameras or any other intrusions into your home. This school was created to help your child obtain a first-class education and serve your family's needs. If you ever feel that it is not right for your family or your child, you can withdraw at any time.
How do I enroll my student?
Visit our How to Enroll section for information on enrolling your student in Minnesota Virtual Academy.
*Course materials vary by course and school.
