Two students sit at a table, working on school assignments. The boy uses a laptop with headphones around his neck, and the girl, smiling, holds a phone with earbuds plugged into it.
| |

Why BlueSky Online School is the Perfect Fit for 6th Graders

Choosing the right school for your 6th grader is a big decision, and we understand that transitioning from traditional to online school can feel like a lot to take in. At BlueSky Online School, we’re here to make the process easier by giving you all the information up front—curriculum, schedules, and student support. If you’ve already enrolled, welcome! You’ve made a great choice. If you still have questions, no worries—we’re here to help. Let’s dive into why BlueSky is the best online school for 6th graders.

A Day in the Life of a BlueSky 6th Grader

6th grade is a pivotal year. Kids are transitioning out of elementary school and entering the “tween” years, a time when they start to branch out, develop their personal interests, and seek more independence. In 6th grade, students participate in various specialized courses that expand their imagination, analytical thinking, and unique interests, while building practical skills through interactive learning.

  • 9:00 – 12:20 | Homeroom & Core Academic Classes: A focus on foundational subjects like Language Arts, Math, Science, and Minnesota Studies. In daily homeroom, middle schoolers do community-building activities, social-emotional learning lessons, and have ongoing discussions to find strategies for becoming successful online students.
  • 12:20 – 1:00 | Individual Work Time & Lunch: A break to recharge, eat lunch, review class materials, and finish up any morning work.
  • 1:00 – 1:50 | Exploratory Time: Students get to explore a variety of specialist classes, including Writing, Technology, Health and Wellness, Music, World Education, Passion Project, and Art, allowing students to develop creativity, critical thinking, and personal interests while also gaining practical skills across subjects.
  • 2:00 – 3:30 | Individual Work Time: During this time, students focus on completing their daily assignments or working on long-term projects. It’s also a chance for your child to receive extra support from their support team, including teachers, school counselors, or our middle school social worker.

Even with an engaging schedule like this, we understand that parents may worry about screentime and how students will manage their day. BlueSky 6th graders are online from 9 AM to 2 PM, but they’re never left on their own (no pun intended!). Our teachers adapt schedules and material to meet each student’s unique needs, ensuring they get the attention and guidance they need to have a positive middle school experience.

Courses Designed For You

In large, traditional middle schools, it’s easy for students to feel lost in the crowd–a challenge that our students don’t often face. BlueSky’s mission is to “bring quality online education and diverse learners together,” a vision we strive to improve upon each year as we welcome new students.

How do we uphold this mission? Our teachers go beyond just delivering lessons. They design engaging and relevant classwork, provide a support team for each student, and are available to answer questions via phone, email, or text. To ensure students stay on track, our teachers set clear expectations for assignments, provide regular feedback, and encourage participation in class-wide Zoom calls.

A Compassionate and Supportive School

As a “compassionate school” and a “trauma-informed” school, BlueSky is committed to supporting all students, no matter their background or learning style. For students who have experienced chronic stress or trauma, we offer specific approaches that help them stay engaged and focused on learning. Our overall goal is to create a positive, nurturing environment where every student can thrive.

Unique Classes You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

At BlueSky, 6th graders spend half their day in exploratory classes designed to help them discover and explore their passions. From travel courses to creative writing workshops, our curriculum offers courses that go beyond the traditional classroom setting, giving students the chance to dive into topics that inspire them.

Curious to learn more? Check out our video Minnesota Music Makers 6, a class that is unique to BlueSky Online:

Enroll Today

The 2024 school year is already in progress, but it’s not too late to join! Students can still apply and enroll if they’re looking for a fresh start. For a complete overview of our school’s policies and standards, you can review our 2024-2025 handbook.

Similar Posts