About MNVS
Minnesota Virtual Schools™ is one of the oldest and largest online K-12 schools in Minnesota. We provide a high-quality, flexible education for students in grades K–12. Through our online platform, we deliver accredited courses that open up a world of learning opportunities—perfect for students whose needs aren’t met by traditional schools. Whether you’re looking to catch up, get ahead, or learn at your own pace, MNVS is here to help you succeed and graduate with confidence.
MTCS is home to Minnesota’s largest K–12 charter school community. As a tuition-free public school, we offer seven unique school options—serving students across the Twin Cities metro area through our brick-and-mortar campuses, and reaching learners statewide with flexible online programs.
Common Questions
Yes! We have a comprehensive technology team at MNVS to support all tech needs for our students.
For current students experiencing technical difficulties, please reach out to our tech team for assistance at MNVSTechHelp@emailmtcs.org
Students are highly encouraged to use school-provided Chromebooks in order to ensure smooth access to courses, curriculum, and tools provided by our technology team to assist with their schoolwork.
All students K-12 receive a school-provided chromebook for their learning.
Yes! Every MNVS student receives a Chromebook.
Yes! We will have an in-person picture day scheduled for students to participate in. The dates and times will be sent out to families once it is scheduled with the photography company.
All re-takes are done during that time, as well, so there is not a school picture re-take day.
Yes! Students can attend classes from anywhere in Minnesota. If you’re planning extended travel, especially out of state, email us at mnvsadmissions@emailmtcs.org and also communicate these plans with your student’s teacher(s).
Yes, we offer services for multilingual learners.
We have a comprehensive special education program to provide support for students with existing IEPs to ensure all of their learning needs are met.
Yes, students may participate in co-curriculars, such as sports, offered by their home district.
Yes! MNVS offers over 20 clubs and activities for students to participate in, including some at the elementary level. You can view some of our club offerings here.
Yes! MNVS graduates receive a state-recognized diploma and may participate in our in-person graduation ceremony.
MNVS teachers are highly qualified and fully licensed in the state of MN, and are specially trained to teach in virtual settings.
- Elementary and Middle School: Most teachers release one unit at a time to keep students on track, but some may allow students to work ahead in specific subjects. Teachers are happy to collaborate on personalized learning plans as needed.
- High School: Students are free to work ahead in most high school courses, but some teachers may release one unit at a time depending on the design of the course. Students should reach out to teachers if they have any questions or concerns regarding course pacing.
Yes! We build in time for non-screen activities and encourage physical movement throughout the day.
- Daily morning meetings in grades K-5
- Beginning of class time during direct instruction in grades 6-12
- All teachers look to foster community within their classes
- Student clubs
- Regular field trips throughout the school year
For elementary students, Flex Time is a daily open work period after lunch where students can catch up, get ahead, or work independently. Also, Flex Time is another major part of Tuesdays, as students meet for morning meeting with their class, then the remainder of the day is Flex Time to ensure they are on pace with their synchronous and asynchronous coursework.
For middle school students, most class instruction takes place in the mornings and students continue to work on their courses independently in the afternoon. Students can reach out to any of their teachers in the afternoon to schedule one-on-one support.
- Elementary: Primarily synchronous, with 3 hours of daily live teaching each day with the exception of Tuesdays (it is a Flex Day for students to work asynchronously); Students still engage in morning meeting on Tuesdays before Flex Time.
- Middle School: Math, English, Science, and Social Studies courses meet synchronously 2 – 4 times per week depending on grade level. Students also take two additional elective classes that are asynchronous and work independently.
- High School: All courses are asynchronous and allow students to work at their own pace, although students may receive Special Education and English Language services in synchronous settings.
Yes! All students have asynchronous time built into their schedules, with more flexibility at older grade levels. All coursework must be completed by the end of the semester for students to receive credit.
Workload varies by grade level and course.
- Students engage in live instruction and use independent time for assignments.
- Most students can complete their work during the school day with help from teachers.
- Elementary: StrongMind is our main curriculum for all content areas. We also utilize UFLI, Morphology, Reveal Math, and Character Strong.
- Middle & High School: Utilization of various curricula products including curriculum developed internally by our teachers based on their content expertise.
- Elementary: Typically 8-13 students with the cap limit of 20 students per classroom.
- Middle: Typically 5–20 students for synchronous classes
- High School: Typically 5–20 students for synchronous classes
MNVS stands out for its high level of teacher-student interaction.
- Elementary: Live, daily instruction with licensed teachers, and the ability to take STEM-focused electives. We also have regular field trips and live experiences for all students to have the opportunity to engage in to build a strong school community.
- Middle School: Students are able to participate in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses that balance flexibility with direct teacher support. Students are able to participate in a variety of afterschool clubs and activities and join in regular field trips that build community.
- High School: Students are able to work on their coursework asynchronously and at their own pace. Our teachers and support staff regularly reach out to students to check on progress and offer assistance with course work and setting pacing goals. We offer more than 20 afterschool clubs and activities that are open to all students, and host field trips on a regular basis.
Schoolwide K-12: We also provide a wide range of student services including special education, English language support, social work, and mental health services.
MN Virtual Schools is only available to students who live in Minnesota.
Yes, students may enroll up to age 21.
Yes. Students are required to attend state-mandated testing in person, such as the MCAs and ACT. Locations vary across Minnesota and are also available at our office in Roseville.
Yes, all students will complete an online orientation before their courses.
For elementary students specifically, we expect learning partners (parents/guardians) to go through the orientation alongside the student.
We partner with Northern Star Online to offer summer course offerings for students. Current students should reach out to their guidance counselor for more information.
All course materials are accessible once orientation is completed.
Students are encouraged to enroll as early as possible. We will have windows of time, such as during our standardized testing season, where enrollment is paused. Contact us at 763-260-4133 with further questions and enroll online.
You’ll need:
- A completed enrollment application
- Student identification (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
- Proof of MN residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement)
- Health & education records (e.g., immunization records, IEP/504 if applicable)
Visit our enrollment page or call 763-260-4133 to get started.
Any K–12 student residing in Minnesota can attend MN Virtual Schools for free.
Yes! MN Virtual Schools is a free public charter school available to all K-12 students who reside in Minnesota.
Our Mission
Minnesota Virtual Schools provides a personalized online learning experience in which our students prepare to be successful contributors in an evolving global community.