Frequently Asked Questions

Students attend school online each day and work with their teachers to complete learning activities specifically designed for their grade level. Students learn the same concepts and curriculum as their in-school counterparts, but the delivery is adapted to help students succeed in an online environment. A typical school day is a balance of direct teacher instruction, independent work, group work and hands-on practice and creation. Students have access to all the academic supports and services that exist in a face-to-face classroom.

All children of residents of the state of Minnesota are eligible to apply to New Code Academy. Students can live anywhere in the state.  

Families who live outside the Bloomington school district should complete the open enrollment process and select “New Code Academy.” If you live in Bloomington and would like to transfer schools, please refer to the intra-district transfer page.

New Code Academy is a tuition-free online public school. Tuition is only charged to students who live outside of the state of Minnesota.

Our focus on computer science develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied to all academic subjects. In addition to the thinking skills, our computer science curriculum also helps students learn about computer science concepts like robotics, programming, designing to solve community problems, and more. It establishes a connection between technology, academics and community. At New Code Academy, we believe in:

• Dynamic personalized learning
• Nurturing curious minds
• Learning adaptability
• Modeling Innovation
• Connecting with community  

Each New Code Student will be provided a touchscreen Chromebook and case to use while they are enrolled at the school. In addition, students will need access to the internet. If your family needs assistance getting internet access, New Code Academy can help connect you to free and low-cost internet programs. We’ll also offer family welcome sessions to help students and families learn to navigate the technology needed to be successful at New Code Academy.

In Minnesota, online public schools are governed and supported by a public school district and school board. New Code Academy is governed by Bloomington Public Schools (MN) and adheres to the academic standards and accountability of the Bloomington school district. The program is also funded and supported by the district’s strong financial base in addition to state funding received for every pupil. While state education funding follows a student, school districts like Bloomington have a greater economy of scale than a charter school, meaning the same strong human resources, curriculum, financial services, student support services and technology services that support other students and programs in Bloomington also support New Code Academy. All New Code Academy teachers are employees of Bloomington Public Schools, which is known for attracting excellent teachers. Home to Mall of America and Fortune 500 companies, Bloomington Public Schools has a strong tax-base that supports its schools and is known for its high academic standards.  

Charter schools are independent public schools open to all students; there are more than 160 charter schools in Minnesota. Charter schools must have an authorizer approved by the Minnesota Department of Education. Charter schools are funded by state education funding that follows a student and may or may not have the financial support of their authorizer.

No. New Code Academy offers a high quality, standards-aligned online learning experience created and taught by licensed Bloomington Public School teachers. Courses are standards-aligned and hold students to the same level of rigor and assessment as the equivalent face-to-face courses. Students in online classes are monitored for progress in completion and toward career and college readiness and graduation by a team of personnel that includes teachers, counselors and administrators in the Bloomington Public Schools. The courses are designed to accommodate learners who encompass various learning styles. All courses adhere to copyright and accessibility requirements.

Students will be offered the opportunity to participate in statewide testing by coming to a Bloomington Public School at an arranged date and time, or by participating online if the specific test allows for it.

A transcript can be requested through the counseling office at either Jefferson or Kennedy High School. 

It is a state requirement that as a public school district we track immunization records for all students and request the required immunizations - we even track homeschool student's immunization records.

While we request the records, we will not withhold online school from anyone who chooses not to submit them or are not up to date. We cannot allow you to attend in person school events, however.