If We Built a School Online… It Would Look Like This

Imagine an online school built from the ground up—not just as a “learn anytime, anywhere” platform, but as a true school. At New Code Academy, we’ve done just that. We reshaped what works best in traditional schools for a virtual space, creating a connected, engaging, and supportive environment. Here’s how we bring this vision to life:

Structured for Growth

Our online elementary school isn’t a “do as you will” setup. It’s structured to support focus, build strong habits, and help students succeed. We have scheduled live classes, clear expectations, and dedicated teachers to guide students every step of the way, all without the typical distractions of a physical classroom.

Engaging Lessons That Bring Learning to Life

Our students don’t just watch screens—they fully engage. In interactive discussions, group projects, and creative assignments, they actively participate, ask questions, and connect with each other. 

For example, in a recent project, students wrote poems, created custom characters in Scratch, and brought their work to life with animation and recorded voiceovers. Whitney Determen, our K-5 Computer Science Integrationist, explains, “We’re not only teaching students to use technology; we’re helping them find their voices and express themselves creatively.” Those comfortable recording used their voices, while others chose automated voices, allowing everyone to participate in a way that felt right for them.

Computer Science Beyond Coding

Computer science at New Code Academy isn’t just about coding but sparking curiosity and teaching real-world problem-solving. Our younger students start with unplugged activities like sequencing (designing their secret handshake!) and move on to programming with simple tools like Blue Bots. Whitney Determan describes this focus: "We’re not aiming to create a bunch of mini-coders; instead, we’re nurturing creative problem-solvers who can tackle real-world challenges with resilience and perseverance.” By the time they’re creating digital projects in Scratch, students aren’t just learning technology; they’re building skills that carry over to any subject. And it’s incredibly fun learning!

Flexible and Personalized for Every Family

We know families need flexibility, but we balance that freedom with a supportive structure. Students can adjust their schedules to fit their unique needs, with guidance from teachers who help them stay on track. It’s an approach that offers independence with support, so every child can thrive.

A Real School Community

School is more than academics—it’s a place to connect and grow. Our students build relationships through virtual clubs, social events, and in-person meetups. Recently, we hosted a fall-themed family night where students and families joined in for bingo, movement breaks, and art activities. Whitney Determan shares, “Our goal is to make everyone feel part of the community, whether they’re joining us for a virtual event or connecting in class. Students enjoy these positive connections, and so do their families.” Events like these help bridge the gap for students who might otherwise miss the day-to-day connections of a physical school.

Future-Ready Learning

From foundational subjects to early computer science, we’re preparing students for a tech-driven world. Even our kindergarteners learn valuable skills like problem-solving and digital literacy through playful activities. Parents sometimes wonder, “Why computer science for kindergarten?” But our focus isn’t coding for coding’s sake—it’s about nurturing curiosity, resilience, and real-world skills. Technology is all around us—in every job, in every field. We believe every student in Minnesota deserves computer science education, and we’re helping to bring our mission to life every day, in every class.

Choosing the Right Online School

Families choose New Code Academy because it’s the closest thing to an in-person school experience, but with the flexibility and support only online learning can offer. Our state-certified curriculum provides structure, community, and a focus on the skills students need to thrive. 

So, if we built an online school from scratch? We’d build New Code Academy all over again: structured, engaging, and tailored for success, with computer science immersion you can’t get anywhere else!