Student/Parent Resources
Student/Parent Handbook
We are honored that you have selected us as a partner in supporting your educational journey. BlueSky has a rich history as Minnesota’s first 100 percent online charter school, and has been a pioneer in providing a quality online education tailored to students’ unique needs and creating a model that provides students the support they need to succeed.
School News
Testing
BlueSky’s 2025-2026 Testing Calendar
For more information on MCA testing, visit the Minnesota Department of Education Web site.
BlueSky Parent Guide to Statewide Testing and Refusal to Test Form
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The reading and mathematics tests are used to determine whether schools and districts have made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward all students being proficient each year. Science tests are required by ESEA but are not included in AYP calculations.
BlueSky MCA Testing Options
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements. Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead.
BlueSky’s online format and the large geographic area of our state present several challenges that have to be addressed to ensure that each student has ample opportunity to satisfy the Minnesota science, reading, and mathematics testing requirements.
To help meet these challenges, BlueSky offers several different testing opportunities. During April, the primary MCA testing window, BlueSky staff arrange and host a number of different testing locations across the state.
Testing will take place between March 23rd and April 17th. If additional
testing is needed, makeup sessions may be arranged and
scheduled until May 1st.
Grades 6 and 7 test in two subjects, Math and Reading, which can be done in one day. Students in 8th grade are recommended to test over two days of three subjects, Math, Reading and Science. Students in grade 9 do not need to take the MCA. Grade 10 will test in Reading and Grade 11 in Math. Once in high school, students currently enrolled in Biology B will also take Science.
- Reading: MCA or MTAS (grades 6, 7, 8, 10)
- Mathematics: MCA or MTAS (grades 6, 7, 8, 11)
- Science: MCA or Alt MCA (grades 8 and once in high school)
Testing locations are scheduled throughout the state of Minnesota. Details
about each student’s assigned testing location will be shared with families via
mail, email, and phone. For any additional questions or concerns regarding
assessments, please contact BlueSky’s testing coordinators, Danielle Sanders
and Christine Graupman, at testing@blueskyschool.org.
Forms
Student forms can be accessed through the parent portal, they are important for the school’s records, and must be completed each year by new and continuing students. This information is required by the state of Minnesota for funding purposes, and is also critical for good communication between school staff and students and parents/guardians.
Parent/Guardian Form Instructions
The Parent Portal can be accessed at bluesky.powerschool.com/public
Contact the BlueSky office with any questions regarding the completion of these forms. The forms include:
- Form A – Demographics
- Form B – Family
- Form G – Directory
- Form H – Testing
- Form I – Educational Benefits
- Form J – Digital Equity Survey
- Form K – Acknowledgement
Community & Family
Self-Help
If you need some extra support in your life, please remember that the counselors and social workers on staff at BlueSky are available to help. Please contact either your school counselor or school social worker if you have some specific needs. If you are interested in viewing online resources, please look over the following websites.
- Partnership to End Addiction This is a great website for parents or anyone concerned about the influence of drugs.
- SAVE. Suicide prevention information and depression awareness.
- SAMHSA. Substance abuse and mental health resources.
Links for Parents
Minnesota Health Care Programs
MN Healthcare Programs and Medical Assistance
Resources by County
Please click on the link below and select your county of residence. You can find very helpful resources such as food shelves, WIC, food stamps, housing assistance, child support, child care/daycare etc.
Minnesota Government Social Services
Driver’s Ed
List of all locations available across the state: Driver and Vehicle Services
Financial Aid
The FAFSA can be completed online or by mail. It is much easier to complete online. You will only have to answer questions that apply to you, and there are interactive instructions and live help. Even better, your application is submitted instantly.
The earliest you can submit your FAFSA application is October 1st. The final deadline is usually in June, but if you wait that long you will miss out on some financial aid. Many schools and states have earlier deadlines, so it’s a good idea to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. FAFSA Application