How BlueSky Compares to Other Online Schools
We all love options—the more, the better—most of the time, that is. But have you ever been scrolling through the countless TV shows and movies on Netflix, only to remember that you also have HBO and Hulu subscriptions? Sometimes, there are just too many choices, and you start to dream of the days of flipping through channels to see what’s on (jumping in halfway on a movie you’ve seen a hundred times never felt so good).
Well, these days, the same goes for virtual learning! You might find that comparison a little goofy, but with over 50 options for online learning programs in Minnesota alone, all of them boasting a program that offers flexibility, a solid online infrastructure, and the tools to ensure students get the support they need, it’s hard to know when to press “play.”
First and foremost, BlueSky puts education first. We want all Minnesota students to find the right learning environment for them, whether that be with BlueSky or another online option. In this blog, we’ll see how BlueSky compares to other online schools where all these virtual education options came from, and how to narrow down the best choice for your online experience amidst the sea of options.
Online Education Born Out of Necessity
It’s no secret that we advocate for online education—we’ve been leading the charge in virtual schooling since the year 2000. And though we’re happy that attending online middle school and high school is here to stay, we know that many of these online programs were born out of necessity and act more as supplemental options rather than the main event.
At BlueSky Online, we offer a high-quality education to Minnesota students, regardless of the district they live in. Many of the online programs available for Minnesota students are tied to certain school districts, limiting their accessibility and who is eligible for their online programs. In addition, our teachers have curriculums built for digital environments first, unlike other educators who are balancing their in-person classes with their online classes.
Watch this video to see how BlueSky student support is unrivaled—upon enrollment, every student is assigned an advisor and counselor to guide them through their school day and ensure that they’re happy and getting what they need to succeed. BlueSky Online School has always been and will always be an exclusively online platform (besides our field trips and e-sports)—that is where we started and where we’re headed.
Where Did All of These Options Come From?
It wouldn’t be a shock to tell you that the surge of virtual learning providers came from the 2020 pandemic, and though we commend our state’s reputation and commitment to providing some of the best public education in the country, we all have our strong suits. It’s also no secret that the outlook and narrative of remote learning has gone from “for now” to more of a permanent option. Of course, we’re happy to see the online model recognized, but we can’t say we weren’t at least a little skeptical of all these new programs. We’ve been crafting and refining our platform for the last 20 years, making sure all of our students, regardless of their background or learning style, succeed and find what they were lacking in traditional school.
We applaud many of these newer online educators for providing an adaptable and safe option for students during those challenging times, but when it comes to distance learning specifically, BlueSky is unmatched. We didn’t hop on the remote learning bandwagon; we built the wagon!
A Robust, Unmatched Online Infrastructure
So, we’ve talked about being the “Netflix” amongst our competitors. But what do we offer, as far as platform and user experience go, that our competitors just can’t keep up with? Let’s run down the list of features that make the student experience at BlueSky unparalleled.
Interactive Learning
When students enroll at BlueSky, they are entering an interactive learning experience that is designed just for them. If something isn’t clicking in class, our teachers can adjust the curriculum to suit the needs, interests, and pace of their students and have done so many times before. Personalized learning is a cornerstone at BlueSky.
My Pace and Group Pace Schedules
We understand that many students transition into online learning because the brick-and-mortar schedule didn’t work for them. From too many missed buses to not being able to focus within the standard school day hours, every student is different and thrives within different structures. That’s why at BlueSky, we offer Group Pace and My Pace schedules, so students can design a schedule that suits their learning style, goals, and personal preferences. Only a school with a robust infrastructure like BlueSky can provide that kind of malleability.
Well-Rounded Student Support
Students who enroll at BlueSky are assigned a team of professionals who are there to ensure their success academically, socially, and emotionally. Specifically, students receive an academic advisor, social worker, and counselor when they begin. On top of that, students at BlueSky can expect individualized attention like they’ve never experienced due to our 1:100 counselor-to-student ratio (the state average is 1:743!). Overall, BlueSky students have a well-rounded support system that gives them the tools and compassion they need to flourish.
Choosing BlueSky is Choosing Experience
When it comes down to options, we understand that you have a lot—perhaps even too many. Don’t endlessly scroll through what could be the right fit. Choose the online school that will be the right fit because it’s designed just for you.
If you’re a student or a parent interested in starting or continuing online school but don’t feel satisfied with the choice your district has provided, contact us today and start fresh with BlueSky!
