BlueSky Home Schooling: Minnesota Education Enters the Future

The idea of attending school from your home is as old as school itself, but with technological advances, it has been given a whole new meaning. With computers and the internet becoming more a part of our everyday life, some are returning home to school, but still getting the advantages teachers have to offer.

BlueSky Charter school was the first school in Minnesota that is 100 percent online. There is no face to face time with teachers, and no buildings or classrooms to go to. All work and studying is done by students on their own time, and schedules are more flexible than those of a standard school. Apart from the flexible time offerings, it works like any other public school. It is government funded, teachers are licensed by the state, and the credits and diploma received at the school will be accepted like those of any other accredited school.

The classes are offered in two different styles. Eclassroom is similar to a traditional school setting, where assignments and lessons are given online, and the student follows along with the rest of the class. Assignments are turned in on a specific schedule, so it’s very similar to a typical public school, but done completely online and from the home.

The other option is a learning program called Plato, allowing students to work at their own pace, and they do not get behind if a strict schedule is not met. A teacher works with the student to help keep a pace, but there are certain circumstances or learning types that are more suited to a schedule that allows a less rigid structure.

Online schooling is a new way to get your diploma, and many are already finding advantages. Alyssa Enjkler was having trouble with her grades at a private school, and switching to public school didn’t help. Hearing about BlueSky, she asked her parents to switch to the online charter school. While it was not welcomed with open arms immediately, she proved it was the right choice and became a straight A student one semester after switching.

“It’s a great way to learn.” said Enjkler. “The teachers are very welcoming and understanding. Depending how you’re doing in the class, they call you every now and then just to chat. They talk about the class, if you have any other concerns.”

The reasons for attending BlueSky as opposed to traditional public schools are also varied. Enjkler commented, “I know that there are a lot of kids and teenagers that have had life changes and responsibilities that have occurred. Some have to be able to work a full time job, some have already taken on having children.”

Life hits people in many different ways, yet traditional schooling treats people from different backgrounds in the same way. Online charter schools like BlueSky offer another option to people who can’t work well in typical schooling environments, and allow learning to be tailored to specific needs, such as job requirements.

The internet has been changing our lives much faster than anyone could have predicted, and online schools are becoming more commonplace. While the online method may not be ideal for everyone, it provides a unique alternative to people without other options, and more importantly, it can help keep kids in school who might otherwise drop out or fail. It may not become the norm, but BlueSky and other online charter schools will certainly make an impact on our modern view of education.

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