An Unparalleled Approach to Supporting Online Students

One of the biggest challenges of online learning is not feeling supported. For some students, the autonomy of an online environment gives them a sense of independence. For others, it can make learning difficult. When learning from home, the availability of support services becomes more important.

The counselor-to-student ratio in the state of Minnesota ranks 49th in the country at about 1:740. For students at traditional, in-person schools, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. At BlueSky, we pride ourselves on the level of support offered to each individual student and boast a 1:115 counselor to student ratio.

At BlueSky, learning is personal. We get to know each student, their goals, learning style, and personal circumstances. That allows us to provide one-on-one support that fits their unique needs.

Student Support Team

All students at BlueSky have a dedicated team of staff to support them in their academic and social emotional success. BlueSky teachers, advisors, counselors and social workers strive to engage students in learning. We meet the unique needs of each student through constant communication and encouragement. Students are in frequent communication with teachers via phone, e-mail, and text messages. Students are always encouraged to contact their support team whenever needed.

BlueSky Teachers

Teachers provide students with daily instruction and individual help in classes. They are specialists in their area of instruction and will provide help with assignments. Because BlueSky teachers design most of their own lessons, they are able to easily modify assignments to accommodate students who may be struggling with a specific concept. This allows students to receive the content through their individual learning styles. Our teachers are compassionate and flexible and always willing to meet students where they are at in their learning journey.

• Design engaging lessons
• Provide one-on-one help
• Communicate with students by phone, email, text messages and online chats
• Communicate expectations, requirements and deadlines
• Work with each student to figure out how they can be successful
• Provide comments, encouragement, and suggestions
• Keep students updated on their progress

BlueSky Advisors

Advisors are the go-to person for help with academic courses, navigating school, and establishing a schedule. They connect students with the right person to help them succeed.

• Act as the first line of support
• Keep in touch with students through email, text, and online chats
• Get to know each student and their family
• Provide encouragement and support
• Help students problem-solve when obstacles get in the way
• Monitor students’ academic progress and provide updates
• Keep track of class attendance
• Inform students about BlueSky events, deadlines, and requirements
• Act as an advocate

BlueSky Counselors

School counselors support students in meeting their academic and career goals. They assist in scheduling classes, graduation progress, and preparing for college and careers.

• Help each student plan their path from enrollment to graduation and beyond
• Inform each student about the credits needed for graduation
• Help students choose courses according to their interests and credit needs
• Assist in the exploration of college credit options
• Provide guidance and resources for exploring colleges and universities
• Help with financial aid applications

BlueSky School Social Workers

All students have access to a school Social Worker. They assist with school, family, and personal concerns- anything that might affect well-being. They can provide resources and referrals and are also available for crisis help. BlueSky social workers also offer elective courses such as Mind Over Mood, Attacking Anxiety, and The Real You that help students develop coping skills, form positive self image, and work through specific mental health challenges.

• Provide confidential help with school, personal, or family concerns
• School concerns (motivation, goal setting, scheduling, attendance)
• Family concerns (divorce or separation, serious illness or death, any other issue)
• Personal concerns (relationships, self esteem, mental health, substance abuse, grief and loss)
• Resource and referral (financial help, legal help, prenatal care, housing, mental health care)
• Crisis help (any major event or issue that needs immediate help)

Values and Beliefs

BlueSky is a trauma informed school which we term as a “Compassionate School”. This benefits all students, but focuses on those exposed to stress and trauma. The goal is to keep students engaged by creating a healthy culture where all students can learn.

We believe staff

• Accept all students where they are in the moment
• Respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person
• Recognize the central importance of human relationships
• Behave in a trustworthy manner with the ability to self-regulate
• Strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills and apply them in practice
• Value one another
• Operate as a team
• Provide innovative and engaging lessons, which contribute to quality education
• Foster positive, healthy relationships
• Show compassion and understanding

We believe that academic excellence

• Empowers students and their families with the right to self-determination
• Occurs when students believe they are capable of learning and impacting the world
• Is a lifetime journey that involves connection with others
• Is embracing and enjoying the process of lifelong learning
• Prepares students for the future
• Allows students to achieve their goals
• Happens when students learn to overcome any obstacle

We believe students

• Need respect, understanding, acceptance, guidance, and support
• Contribute to their educational experience
• Deserve a quality education
• Can learn and be successful
• Are unique and have value
• Thrive when they are inquisitive, given choices, and are active partners in learning

We believe students are at their best as learners when the environment

• Provides hope and a sense of capability
• Is safe with unconditional regard
• Encourages positive, healthy adult relationships
• Provides motivation, feedback, positive reinforcement, and opportunities for setting authentic goals
• Is flexible and able to adapt to change
• Can respond to unique learners by exploring ways to succeed
• Encourages technological skills and includes state of the art equipment

We believe families

• Need support and nurturance
• Contribute to the learning community
• Are unique and have value
• Need attention, time, energy, and balance

>Paving the way for online schools in Minnesota

BlueSky opened as the first Minnesota-based online charter school in 2000. We provide a free, high-quality education to students in grades 6-12. With a completely online curriculum, our unique approach is unmatched by other schools. Our professionals offer students the support and one-on-one attention they need to succeed.

There is no “typical” BlueSky student. BlueSky students come from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. All have different reasons for needing flexibility and personalized attention.

Students, staff and parents work together to select the best program for each student. We tailor programs to each student’s interests and personal needs.

With 24/7 access, students are free to work during their most productive hours, from any location.

Other schools have since followed our lead, but only we have built upon our reputation of being first. First online and first in innovating ways to help today’s students succeed. Contact us to learn more about our superior online education programs.