How Do I Start Online School? A Beginner’s Guide

BlueSky is one of Minnesota’s first virtual schools, serving middle and high school students for over twenty years. We have some experience in virtual learning, and it’s allowed us to help those who are turning to online learning as their only option. Our students have historically come from all different backgrounds and they all have different reasons for needing online learning. Starting online school for the first time can be a little daunting for parents and students alike, but the last year has forced parents and students to expect the unexpected when it comes to education. 

Many BlueSky students have turned to us because of how unstable traditional schooling was the last year. Emergency virtual learning is not what we do, we have over two decades of experience teaching and supporting students online. Online school at BlueSky means a full team of support for both students and parents. Our teachers understand what online students need in order to be successful, and they are committed to those practices. 

If you’re considering starting online school, use this as a guide and take comfort knowing that we are experts in online education.

How Do I Start Online School? 

Getting started with online school is a simple process. You begin by selecting your program; full-time or supplemental depending on what your student needs. From there you go on to our straightforward online enrollment application. The application consists of a few simple questions about the student and household. 

After your student is accepted one of our BlueSky counselors or supplemental coordinators will reach out to schedule an intake meeting where we will get to know you and your student and determine a class schedule. After the meeting, we have an online orientation and then you are ready to start! Families are assigned a support team that helps with challenges or questions at every step of the way.

Check out this simple enrollment process!

What Can I Expect From Online School?

Now that you understand how to start online school, you may be curious about what you can expect. We value transparency and full open communication, so we as an administration are very communicative with parents and students. For some families, the more connection we have, the more successful the student. This is such an important part of any online school because the structure can feel a little disconnected at times, but we go above and beyond to make sure our families feel like they are an important part of the BlueSky community. Below you’ll find exactly what you can expect from online middle and high school at BlueSky.

Customized Learning

No two students are alike when it comes to their perfect way of learning and even though traditional schools know this, it’s hard to customize their learning structure to suit students’ needs. Being an online school, we have the flexibility and the support to provide individualized learning for our students. We believe that every student deserves to learn in their own unique way. Which, is why we work alongside students, parents, and staff to design a program that works best for each student’s individual needs. 

It’s been a long-touted misconception that online school is “too” flexible or gives students too much freedom when the truth is that we assign a support team to every student that includes a counselor, advisor, social worker, and a teacher that will help students keep up with their schedule. There are multiple people checking in at varying times and levels to give students structure and accountability in order to ensure a successful and positive educational experience. 

Personalized Support 

Different students need to be supported in different ways! Students’ education should be supportive of each of their own unique needs. We have students who are completely autonomous and prefer to get their work done without any check-points or reminders. Then we have students who prefer having weekly or even daily check-ins to be reminded of their assignments and tasks. Both are okay and both are supported and encouraged here! No one student is better than another in this respect.

We work to provide the level of support each student needs and wants in order to be successful in online school. BlueSky support looks different to every student because every student is different. Online learning is about giving students what they need to have a successful educational experience, and personalized support is an important part. 

Structured Flexibility 

We know this sounds a bit like an oxymoron, but stay with us! Online school can be extremely flexible if that’s what the student and family need. But even with that flexibility there is still structure to online learning. This comes in the form of due dates, scheduled courses, and the expectations that teachers have for students. As previously stated, a student is given a team of support that will check in as much as is appropriate for each student. 

Structured flexibility means that students will be provided a structured schedule and assignment requirements but will have the flexibility to choose group courses that are at certain times or lessons that can be completed at their own pace. Or both! Enrolling in online learning can seem like it’s too unstructured for some families, but we aim to give families as much flexibility as they feel that they need. 

College Preparation 

Students that are starting their senior year of high school are no doubt thinking about their next steps after graduation. Whether they want to go to college or start a career after school, we want to be a part of their preparation! This is a big step, and we understand that with all of the madness in the world, they can feel overwhelmed with any decision. We provide students with guidance and resources to help them feel confident about their post-high school decisions. 

We have a course that is all about exploring career options, learn about it here. 

Shifting from traditional to online school can be daunting. We want to be a support system for your family and especially for your student. Feel free to reach out to us at any time if you have any questions!