Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on any of the following categories to see a list of frequently asked questions specific to that topic.
Accreditation, Graduation, and Diploma
Is the Minnesota Virtual High School program accredited?
Yes! Minnesota Virtual High School is fully accredited by both The Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association (NCA). Courses are correlated to Minnesota-state standards.
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.
Yes! Minnesota Virtual High School is fully accredited by both The Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association (NCA). Courses are correlated to Minnesota-state standards.
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 it Works
Is online learning for me?
The online student must take responsibility for his or her own learning. In any online education program, the student must be a self-directed learner, have internal motivation to manage his or her own learning during the course of study, and have a basic grasp of Internet navigation. Minnesota Virtual High School™ requires students to make the appropriate time for their coursework, in order to succeed.
How does this work?
Minnesota Virtual High School is a pioneering online program that is offered by Minnesota Transitions Charter School. Because all of our courses are online, we offer our students flexibility that they might not receive in a traditional setting. Our online curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and self-paced. All of our courses are backed by our highly qualified staff of 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.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, students age 21 and over are unable to participate in the program. Some other restrictions may apply.
What grade levels does Minnesota Virtual High School serve?
Minnesota Virtual High School serves students in grades 7-12.
Can students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) participate in the program?
The on-line learning experience will not accommodate all IEP students. Students with an IEP will be evaluated on an individual basis by an Administrator to ensure the opportunity for the student’s success.
What is the cost of taking online courses?
Because this is a public program offered through Minnesota Transitions Charter School, there is no cost for students who meet the qualifications of the program. If you want to participate in summer school or simply take a course or two with Minnesota Virtual High School, we do offer a private pay option. To learn more, click here.
How can it be free?
In the state of Minnesota, the same funding used for traditional students can be used for online students; therefore there is no fee for taking online courses for most students.
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).
Who chooses my courses?
Online courses are chosen and approved for the student by our online counselors. Courses that a student is required to take are dependent on the student’s prior transcript.
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, students have the ability to move through the course at their own pace.
What is the schedule like?
MVHS courses are semester length courses. Students must complete their courses within the regular course term length to receive credit. Our fall 2009 semester begins on September 1st, 2009.
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.
The online student must take responsibility for his or her own learning. In any online education program, the student must be a self-directed learner, have internal motivation to manage his or her own learning during the course of study, and have a basic grasp of Internet navigation. Minnesota Virtual High School™ requires students to make the appropriate time for their coursework, in order to succeed.
How does this work?
Minnesota Virtual High School is a pioneering online program that is offered by Minnesota Transitions Charter School. Because all of our courses are online, we offer our students flexibility that they might not receive in a traditional setting. Our online curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and self-paced. All of our courses are backed by our highly qualified staff of 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.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, students age 21 and over are unable to participate in the program. Some other restrictions may apply.
What grade levels does Minnesota Virtual High School serve?
Minnesota Virtual High School serves students in grades 7-12.
Can students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) participate in the program?
The on-line learning experience will not accommodate all IEP students. Students with an IEP will be evaluated on an individual basis by an Administrator to ensure the opportunity for the student’s success.
What is the cost of taking online courses?
Because this is a public program offered through Minnesota Transitions Charter School, there is no cost for students who meet the qualifications of the program. If you want to participate in summer school or simply take a course or two with Minnesota Virtual High School, we do offer a private pay option. To learn more, click here.
How can it be free?
In the state of Minnesota, the same funding used for traditional students can be used for online students; therefore there is no fee for taking online courses for most students.
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).
Who chooses my courses?
Online courses are chosen and approved for the student by our online counselors. Courses that a student is required to take are dependent on the student’s prior transcript.
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, students have the ability to move through the course at their own pace.
What is the schedule like?
MVHS courses are semester length courses. Students must complete their courses within the regular course term length to receive credit. Our fall 2009 semester begins on September 1st, 2009.
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.
Teaching & Curriculum
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 teacher instantly through our popular instant messaging service. Also you may use e-mail, fax or toll-free telephone to contact your teacher. Certified teachers are available M-F 8AM - 10PM (CST), and our customer support team monitors the phones 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, and is available 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. Some advanced courses may require additional materials. The only things online students truly need to begin their coursework are Internet access and a computer. All of our courses can be accessed through dial-up Internet access, but high-speed access is recommended.
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 teacher instantly through our popular instant messaging service. Also you may use e-mail, fax or toll-free telephone to contact your teacher. Certified teachers are available M-F 8AM - 10PM (CST), and our customer support team monitors the phones 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, and is available 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. Some advanced courses may require additional materials. The only things online students truly need to begin their coursework are Internet access and a computer. All of our courses can be accessed through dial-up Internet access, but high-speed access is recommended.
Technical Requirements
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. For those students interested in full-time enrollment, we offer the benefit of a school-supplied laptop.
There are some basic requirements for the computer on which you will be working. Click here to see the basic requirements. For those students interested in full-time enrollment, we offer the benefit of a school-supplied laptop.
College Credit
Who is eligible for college credit?
New and existing Minnesota Virtual High School students are eligible for the program if they meet the following requirements:
How do I receive college credit?
In order to receive college credit, you must successfully complete a university course. More information will be available soon.
What does it cost me to receive college credit through the Minnesota Virtual High School program?
Because Minnesota Virtual High School is a partner with an accredited university, all full-time students enrolled in the program have the ability to take up to two college courses for no tuition cost. There is no pressure, no obligation. Just a great way to provide a new option for college and a better future!
What courses are available for college credit?
You will be given the opportunity during your first term to choose between electives and core courses that interest you. The list of 2008/2009 courses will be published prior to Fall 2008.
How do I sign up for this program?
Simply apply to be enrolled as a full-time student in Minnesota Virtual High School today. You can request more information about college credit during your first term with MVHS. Click here to apply!
New and existing Minnesota Virtual High School students are eligible for the program if they meet the following requirements:
- Must be full-time student
- Must be graduating in 2009 or 2010
- Must be Currently achieving a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency status
How do I receive college credit?
In order to receive college credit, you must successfully complete a university course. More information will be available soon.
What does it cost me to receive college credit through the Minnesota Virtual High School program?
Because Minnesota Virtual High School is a partner with an accredited university, all full-time students enrolled in the program have the ability to take up to two college courses for no tuition cost. There is no pressure, no obligation. Just a great way to provide a new option for college and a better future!
What courses are available for college credit?
You will be given the opportunity during your first term to choose between electives and core courses that interest you. The list of 2008/2009 courses will be published prior to Fall 2008.
How do I sign up for this program?
Simply apply to be enrolled as a full-time student in Minnesota Virtual High School today. You can request more information about college credit during your first term with MVHS. Click here to apply!
School Supplied Resources (Laptop & Internet Allowance)
When will I receive my laptop computer?
Minnesota Virtual High School students receive the use of a laptop computer while they are enrolled and making adequate educational progress. You will receive your laptop directly from our distributor prior to enrollment through an initial online orientation with your Student Achievement Coordinator.
Is the laptop computer mine to keep?
The laptop is property of Minnesota Virtual High School and is on loan to you as you complete your courses. At the point you are no longer enrolled with Minnesota Virtual High School, we request that you return the laptop.
Are current Minnesota Virtual High School students eligible for the laptop computer and Internet allowance?
Yes! If you are currently a full-time Minnesota Virtual High School student, you are eligible when you sign up for Fall '08.
How do you provide the Internet allowance?
We provide a subsidy for Internet service. You are responsible for obtaining an Internet service provider. You will receive an Internet subsidy of $180.00 per year (paid in two installments of $90) while you are enrolled and making adequate educational progress.
I am a parent with multiple students. Are each of the students eligible for these offers?
Yes! Parents with more than one eligible full-time student will receive one laptop per student. However, the internet allowance is distributed on a one per household basis.
Minnesota Virtual High School students receive the use of a laptop computer while they are enrolled and making adequate educational progress. You will receive your laptop directly from our distributor prior to enrollment through an initial online orientation with your Student Achievement Coordinator.
Is the laptop computer mine to keep?
The laptop is property of Minnesota Virtual High School and is on loan to you as you complete your courses. At the point you are no longer enrolled with Minnesota Virtual High School, we request that you return the laptop.
Are current Minnesota Virtual High School students eligible for the laptop computer and Internet allowance?
Yes! If you are currently a full-time Minnesota Virtual High School student, you are eligible when you sign up for Fall '08.
How do you provide the Internet allowance?
We provide a subsidy for Internet service. You are responsible for obtaining an Internet service provider. You will receive an Internet subsidy of $180.00 per year (paid in two installments of $90) while you are enrolled and making adequate educational progress.
I am a parent with multiple students. Are each of the students eligible for these offers?
Yes! Parents with more than one eligible full-time student will receive one laptop per student. However, the internet allowance is distributed on a one per household basis.