Parent Resources

Is Online Learning Right for Your Child?

To ensure academic success in online education, your child should have:

Maturity to complete tasks with little supervision from the class instructor
Motivation to complete work alone when you are not around
Time management skills to study and complete assignments
Technology skills required to take an online course
Students who are more successful in an online program are those who:
Have completed homework on a consistent basis in a traditional classroom setting
Have encouraging supervision at home
Have a positive attitude about school
Are conscientious and persistent in accomplishing goals

Frequently Asked Questions

Why take online learning classes?

There are many reasons students take advantage of online learning. Students who are successful in an online learning program have qualities such as self-directedness, self-discipline, strong organizational skills and taking responsibility for their learning. Students need to be able to pace themselves and stay on task to complete their coursework. In online coursework, students can expect to read and write extensively.

Who is eligible to enroll in a Princeton Online Academy course?

My child does not have a computer. Does the school provide one?

Yes. Any student can use a district provided Chromebook after parent/guardian signs a Responsible Use Agreement. A family can choose to purchase a protection plan for $30, put the Chromebook on their personal insurance, or waive this fee and agree to pay for any loss or damage to the Chromebook while it is in the student's possession. Agreement must be signed before Chromebook will be distributed to a student. The Agreement and Protection Plan documents can be found in Skyward.

Note: If family qualifies for free & reduced lunches, protection fee may be waived.

How many courses can a student take through online learning?

Full-time online learning students are limited to a maximum of 18 trimester courses a year. Students seeking supplements to local course offerings may take up to 50 percent of a full schedule of courses per term at their enrolling district. If taking supplemental courses, the student should meet with their local guidance counselor to adjust their schedule so they do not exceed the maximum number allowed.

How does online learning work?

All coursework will be completed online with support from licensed teachers and families. Courses are available 24/7. When the student logs into their courses, their learning begins. Licensed teachers are available to answer questions when students need help.

Students enrolled at Princeton Online Academy complete all of their school work online with the support of parents, families and licensed teachers. By working online, students and families have flexibility as to when the learning occurs. By taking online courses students can study where, how and when they want. Courses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once students login, their learning begins. Licensed teachers are also available to guide lesson pacing, answer questions, or help when students get stuck.

What are the costs to enroll in the Princeton Online Academy?

What other costs are there to attend Princeton Online Academy? Do I need my own device?

After enrollment is completed, students will receive a device on loan from the Princeton School District for use while in the program. Students need an Internet connection to access their coursework, and to complete and submit assignments. Internet access is the responsibility of the students and family, whether it be at home, library, Princeton Online Academy learning lab, or other locations.

How do I connect with my teachers when I need help?

Do students need to come to the Princeton to attend classes?

Can my student participate in sports and activities?

Do the courses meet standards for high school graduation in Minnesota?

Can a student with a disability enroll in Princeton Online Academy?

How do I register and enroll in an online course?

Request Odysseyware Parent Access

Odysseyware Parent Training Video Welcome Letter & Expectations

Supporting Student Success

Encourage your child and give positive feedback
Allow your child or teen to ask you for help
Encourage your teen or young adult to take responsibility for contacting his or her teachers, rather than having you contact them.
Familiarize yourself with the curriculum. Work with your child or teen to develop a manageable study schedule.
Model good time-management strategies, such as developing a personal schedule or daily to-do list. Help your child use these strategies.
Talk to your child or teen about appropriate ways to communicate with teachers and classmates.
Make sure your child has the necessary basic typing and computer skills.
Evaluate your child's level of self-motivation. Talk about the many advantages of getting an education and earning a degree.
Check your child's progress by using Skyward's Parent Portal. Talk directly with your child about his or her progress and grades and check in with the teacher periodically.
Provide an optimal study space at home with minimal distractions, good lighting, comfortable seating, working computer and good wrist support.
Never hesitate to call or email school staff when you have questions or concerns.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required of all students enrolled in Princeton Online Academy. In a traditional school, this is a straightforward process of counting the students in the classroom. At the Princeton Online Academy, attendance is measured more by demonstrated progression through lessons, as well as time logged.

Princeton Online Academy recognizes that the responsibility for student attendance belongs to the students and their parents/guardians in a partnership for overall communication and learning. The different responsibilities are as follows:

Student's Responsibilities:

Students make adequate weekly progress (an increase of 8-10% or more per course per week).
Students communicate questions, computer problems, and school struggles with their school counselor.
Students attend all required in-person testing days in required locations.

Parents/Guardian's Responsibilities

Parents/guardians ensure that the student is making adequate weekly progress.
Parents/guardians provide the student with access to the necessary tools for student success.
Parents/guardians inform the school in the event of an excusable student absence.
Parents/guardians work cooperatively with the school and the student to solve any attendance problems that may arise and take an active role in supporting the student in course completion.

Princeton Online Academy's Responsibilities

The school will monitor attendance, maintain accurate attendance records and apply attendance policies uniformly.
The school will provide reports to parents and students concerning progress and inform students and parents/guardians of any attendance issues.
The school will work cooperatively with students and their parents/guardians to resolve any attendance problems that may arise.

Click here to view the Student Services Handbook which outlines the attendance policy and definitions in detail.

Internet Safety

Internet safety is a priority for all our students. At home it is important to talk with your students about how to be safe while on the web. Here are some tips from Common Sense Media:

Never share names, schools, ages, phone numbers, or addresses.
Never open an email from a stranger--it may contain viruses that can harm a computer.
Never send pictures to strangers or view pictures that strangers send to them.
Keep passwords private (except to parents).
Tell a trusted adult if something mean or inappropriate happens on the internet.
Additional information for elementary students can be found at Common Sense Media.
High school students can also read about how internet safety is important for them at Advice for High School Students & Parents.

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