Attendance is defined as continuous active engagement with the learning process and making continuous progress in each course in which a student is enrolled. Teachers will monitor student progress throughout each week. Students may be marked absent when they do not attend virtual meetings, are significantly behind in coursework or have not logged into the program.

If your student is unable to complete work on any given day of the week due to illness or other reasons, please email the teacher or blonline@biglakeschools.org to report the reason so attendance can be documented appropriately. 

Our online students have flexibility with their schedule. This means your family also has flexibility. Students are able to do their work any day of the week including evenings and weekends.

Learning is self-paced, so students can work ahead and/or request support to ensure their understanding. All of the instruction is aligned with MN Academic Standards and is delivered by a licensed teacher. The instruction is developmentally appropriate and provides a variety of learning pathways for students. There are instructional videos, demonstrations, guided practice, and tutorials. Each of the elementary courses has a supplemental materials packet that will be provided for each student. Materials will be available for all online students upon request. For our K-5 students caregivers will serve as the at-home “learning coach” to help students access and navigate the online learning platform.

Secondary students should be working an average of 5 hours per week per course. Elementary students should be working approximately 4-5 hours per day, depending on the assigned work load.

Students need to stay on track for each class during a given week. Pacing is identified in the student’s classes and what work should be completed each day. Because this is a self-paced program, some variance can occur. If any variation from the daily pacing needs to occur, a staff member needs to be informed and an appropriate plan to finish the courses by the end marking period will be made.

Because learning is self-paced, a typical day for every Big Lake Online student will vary. Students are encouraged to complete learning during regular school hours as that is when staff is most available to help with remediation, reviewing work, providing feedback, and unlocking assessments but, students are welcome to complete work on any schedule that works best for them and their family. 

Note - Attendance requirements need to be met weekly. Athletic/Activities eligibility requires students to be passing all courses (actual grade). 

Licensed Big Lake teachers in each content area are available to support your student in their courses. While Edgenuity provides the curriculum, Big Lake teachers provide the support and will be responsible for reviewing your student’s work and providing feedback.

Big Lake Teachers are available throughout the school day to work with your child. Scheduled zoom meetings, in person meetings, in program feedback, and other supports are available as requested. Staff is available to help with all aspects of online learning. From technical support, counselors and social workers, to academic support from teachers all areas will be covered.

Aside from the learning supports your child will receive online, their Big Lake teacher will provide coaching and support based on regular progress monitoring. Based on the progress monitoring that occurs, your child's teacher will identify resources and supports to best support your child's learning. Students who enroll in Big Lake online school will also have access to our school's counselors and social workers.

Yes, if your child needs a device, we will provide them with a district-issued iPad for students in grades K-2 or a Chromebook for students in grades 3-12.  Please email BLonline@biglakeschools.org to request a device. Students working from home must have their own internet connection able to stream videos and be able to maintain Zoom calls.

Yes! To ensure a smooth transition for your child and to provide time for your child’s in-person classroom teacher to identify your child’s needs, transition between online to in-person learning will be available at the end of each trimester. Class sizes and school schedules are impacted by these transitions. If there are extenuating circumstances, the school’s principals will meet with your child and you before transitioning to in-person learning.

As a student in Big Lake Online, your child is a member of Big Lake Schools. We encourage students and families to explore, in partnership with your child’s school, the activities and athletic programs that may be available.

One of the commitments that Big Lake Schools has to families is to provide support for students and families who attend Big Lake Online. We are committed to ensuring exceptional results for your child and want to be certain the quality of instruction online and the coaching provided from Big Lake teachers meets your child’s needs.  To learn more about Edgenuity, please visit: Elementary Online School Curriclum and  Online Courses and Curriculum (6-12)

You can also learn more about the awards and recognitions they have received and the correlation to results for students in Minnesota.

• Awards and Recognition
• Correlation Studies for Edgenuity in Minnesota

Absolutely.  Big Lake Schools is committed to partnering with students and families to ensure the online learning experience results in student engagement and learning. With standards-aligned learning, Big Lake Teachers feedback, intelligent design, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences, Big Lake Online will support your child’s needs.  On top of that, you will have access to caring, responsive Big Lake teachers.

A case manager will work with your child and you to guide how you access the instructional materials and resources your child needs. More guidance will be provided in conjunction with your child’s IEP meetings. Some services may need to be provided in person.

Click here to see the many course offerings for students in grades 6-12.