Is the Minnesota Virtual High School program accredited?
The Minnesota Virtual High School is a program offered by Minnesota Transitions Charter School and online learning leader Advanced Academics. Advanced Academics, the content and instruction provider for Minnesota Virtual High School, has received regional accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation (NCA). Minnesota Transitions Charter School (MTCS), the sponsoring charter school, is also accredited. Students will receive their diploma from MTCS.

Who will issue my diploma?
Minnesota Transitions Charter School will issue the diploma on behalf of the Minnesota Virtual High School online program.

Will I attend a graduation ceremony?
Yes, Minnesota Virtual High School students will graduate with their fellow online students in a special graduation ceremony.

How does this program exist?
Minnesota Virtual High School is a pioneering online program funded by and offered through Minnesota Transitions Charter School, which is part of the Minnesota state school system.

How does this online education work?
Because all of our courses are online, your class schedule is flexible; class begins when you login online and ends when you log out. Our online curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and self-paced. All of our courses are backed by our highly qualified staff of Minnesota-certified teachers who are available via instant message, phone, or email. We also offer a 24/7 student support environment so that you can get help when you need it.

When do I attend class?
Just as in a traditional school, students must engage in their coursework every day of the regular school week and show weekly progress. Students may log in to their courses any time of the day or evening. Failure to attend courses regularly may result in withdrawal from the program.

How quickly can I move through the course?
All of our courses are set up on a 120 calendar day schedule, similar to a typical semester. However, you move through the course at your own pace.

What is the schedule like?
Our courses are semester-length courses. You must complete your courses within the regular course term length to receive credit.

What is the cost of taking online courses?
Minnesota Virtual High School offers its courses at no cost for students who meet the qualifications of the program.

How can it be offered at no cost?
The state of Minnesota uses the same funding for traditional students as for its online students; therefore there is no fee for taking online courses for most students.

What if I can't afford Internet access service or don't have a computer?
For students interested in full-time enrollment, we may be able to provide help with a school-supplied laptop on an as-needed basis only. Call us to learn more: 1-866-356-5873.

Can I take classes part-time and still be a part of Minnesota Virtual High School?
Yes! We offer both part-time and full-time online options for our students.

How many courses must a full-time student take?
Full-time students take a minimum of 10 courses (5 in the fall, 5 in the spring). Once you are a full-time student, you may also ask about our Learning Year Program, which allows up to 15 courses per year.

Who chooses my courses?
We assign an online counselor to partner with you in selecting the ideal course curriculum to meet your educational needs, with your prior transcript status defining course requirements.

Is online learning for me?
The flexibility of online learning adds a unique level of responsibility. To succeed, you must be a self-directed learner, sufficiently self-motivated to manage your own learning schedule, and must have a basic grasp of Internet navigation.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, students under the age of 21 are eligible. Any student age 21 and over is ineligible. Some other restrictions may apply.

What grade levels does Minnesota Virtual High School serve?
Minnesota Virtual High School serves students in grades 6 to 12.

Can students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) participate in the program?
Yes, MN Virtual High School is a public school and adheres to the requirements set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as well as Minnesota Statute and Rule. Students participating in MN Virtual High School have access to a free, appropriate public education (34 C.F.R. § 300.1 and Minn. R. 3525.0300). The district provides students with disabilities special instruction and services which are appropriate to their needs. Special education teams work to create the individual education plans to include "appropriate goals and objectives based on the student's needs, including the extent to which the student can be included in the least restrictive environment, and where there are essentially equivalent and effective instruction, related services, or assistive technology devices available to meet the student's needs" (Minn. Stat. § 125A.08(a)(1). For more information, contact our Minneapolis office at 612-604-5351.

Can I still participate in sports and activities as a virtual student?
Yes! Minnesota Virtual High School allows full-time students to participate in sports and activities through our sponsoring school, Minnesota Transitions Charter School. As an added benefit, Minnesota Virtual High School's courses meet the standards for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility through a partnership with Advanced Academics. To see a list of eligible courses, click this link and enter 'Advanced Academics' under the high school name. Make sure to leave the state and city field blank in your search.

Who is my teacher?
Your teacher for each course is a Minnesota state-certified teacher who has experience teaching online courses. Your first introduction to your teacher will be in a welcome phone call once your enrollment is approved. Your teacher will give you an overview of the course and answer any questions you have.

How can I contact my teacher?
You may contact your assigned teacher instantly through our popular instant messaging service. Also, you may use e-mail, fax, or toll-free telephone to contact your teacher. You can reach certified teachers 24/5 (Sunday 10pm – Friday 8pm). And, our customer support team monitors the phones 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week to help you.

What do I need to do to succeed in a Minnesota Virtual High School course?
When you take an online course you need to prepare yourself as you would for any course in a classroom setting. Key differences are that your teacher is online and not face-to-face, and your lessons are on a computer. In an online course, time management is critical to success because most activities can be accomplished asynchronously, which means you don't necessarily have to be online at the same time as your instructor or other students.

What materials are needed in order to take Minnesota Virtual High School courses?
All of the courses offered by Minnesota Virtual High School can be taken 100% online so there is very little need for any additional materials, except for some advanced courses. All you truly need to begin your coursework is Internet access and a computer.

Are your courses NCAA eligible?
Yes! Minnesota Virtual High School's courses meet the standards for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility through a partnership with Advanced Academics. To see a list of eligible courses, click this link and enter 'Advanced Academics' under the high school name. Make sure to leave the state and city field blank in your search.

What type of software or hardware will I need on my computer to take these courses?
There are some basic requirements for the computer on which you will be working. Click here to see the basic requirements.

Do I need a high-speed connection?
You can successfully access of our courses with a dial-up Internet connection, but we recommend high-speed access for the best experience.

Who is eligible for college credit?
To be eligible for college credit, new and existing Minnesota Virtual High School students must be:

• A full-time student
• Graduating in 2011 or 2012
• Currently achieving a 3.0 GPA or higher
• A U.S. citizen or have permanent residency status

How do I receive college credit?
To receive college credit, you must successfully complete one of our college courses.

What courses are available for college credit?
Click here for courses available.

How do I sign up for the college credit program?
Simply enroll as a full-time student and request more information about college credit during your first term. Click here to apply!