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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

A logo with a stylized 'B' in blue and gray, surrounded by a circle with a palm tree and the word 'os' in blue.

  • Who can enroll in Brainerd Online School?
    •  Any high school student in the state of Minnesota including students from outside the Brainerd District and charter school students.
    •  Students who are fully enrolled in Brainerd Public Schools can choose to take all or some of their classes online through Brainerd Online School. Students from outside districts who are taking supplemental courses can enroll in up to 50% of their coursework through Brainerd Online School.

    How do I register for an online course with Brainerd Online School?
    •  For students outside of the Brainerd District, complete the out-of-district registration process.
    •  BHS students will register for their online courses during the spring registration week.

    What are the enrollment deadlines?
    •  August 26, 2024 is the deadline for fall registration.
    •  January 20, 2025 is the deadline for winter registration.
     Note: Depending on class size, students may be able to enroll past the final deadline, with approval. Please email brandy.haglin@isd181.org to inquire about late enrollment options.

    How does having a BOS class affect my in-person registration? 
    •  BHS students enrolled in BOS online courses will be given a corresponding open hour during the school day. 

  • What are the course start and end dates?
    •  Fall courses begin September 3, 2024 and end on January 23, 2024.
    •  Spring courses begin January 27, 2025 and end on June 4, 2025.

    Will I receive credit for courses I take online?
    •  Yes. Brainerd Online Courses will count the same and meet the same requirements for credit as any traditional class. Students will receive course credit and a letter grade upon completion.

    How many online classes can I take?
    •  Students who are fully enrolled in Brainerd Public Schools can choose to take all or some of their classes online through Brainerd Online School. Students from outside districts who are taking supplemental courses can enroll in up to 50% of their coursework through Brainerd Online School.

    What is the expected workload for an online class?
    •  Although there is flexibility for students to determine when during the week they can complete their coursework, there is an expectation that students complete the assigned work each week. Generally, students can expect to spend 5-7 hours per course each week, similar as if they were attending class in person.  
    •  Students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses may experience the need for increased time during the week to complete the assigned work.

    Do students need to log in to their online classes everyday?
    •  No. Students do not need to log in everyday and they do not need to log in at a specific time. The expectation for weekly attendance is that students log in and engage with their coursework a minimum of three times during a given week.

    How are the classes graded?
    •  Online classes are graded in a similar manner as a traditional in person course using formative and summative assessments. Students will be provided continual timely feedback to support student learning.

  • How does online learning work?
    •  Brainerd Online School teachers will release course content once each week in the D2L learning management system. Although students have the flexibility to work on coursework based on their schedule there will be target deadlines students will be expected to meet. Teachers will provide a structure and pacing guide for students to stay on track and maintain progress.  
    •  Students will have opportunities for collaboration with other students, virtual meetings, will receive support from their teacher each week.

    Why should I take an online class?
    •  Online learning through Brainerd Online School provides students personalized learning opportunities with high quality instruction in a flexible, dynamic and responsive online environment.
    •  Brainerd Online School students will have opportunities to build transferable technology skills for post-secondary and work success.

    How do I know if I am ready to take an online class?
    •  Successful online students share the following characteristics: good time management, effective communication skills, self-motivation, independent study habits, at or above grade level reading skills, and a self-advocate.
    •  To find out more, take the Student Online Readiness Self-Assessment.

    How can I support my student with online learning?
    •  Make efforts to provide a safe, effective and appropriate space for study and learning.
    •  Help your student build a study plan which includes structure and routines.
    •  Communicate regularly with your student about their progress.
    •  Encourage your student to persist.
    •  Encourage your student to communicate with their teacher regularly.
    •  Communicate as needed with your student’s teachers.
    •  Monitor regular progress and current status within each class.
    •  Monitor attendance (sufficient progress over time).
    •  Communicate any concerns you have with teachers/administrators/counselors.