About

Flexible, equitable and personalized learning in a supportive virtual environment

196Online offers a high-quality online learning experience, continuing the commitment to student growth and potential. It replaced the 196 Digital Academy, created during the pandemic. The online school's development began in 2021 with over 60 staff involved in visioning sessions across all levels. These discussions focused on staffing, scheduling, co-curriculars, and equitable access, leading to a foundation that emphasizes an equitable, personalized, and flexible virtual community that fosters relationships and learner development.

Beliefs of 196Online

WE BELIEVE an equitable learning community in 196Online honors the unique qualities and backgrounds of every learner through intentional representation in the curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

WE BELIEVE a learning community is built upon the development of strong relationships through multiple layers of structures and supports within a comprehensive program. It is composed of students, guardians, teachers, support staff, administration, and community partners. As a part of this community, students will participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning as they access the curriculum, be a member of an Advisory or Morning Meeting with an identified adult mentor that will monitor the academic and social emotional growth of the student. 

WE BELIEVE a personalized learning environment honors students’ individual identities and strengths by offering multiple levels of feedback, representation, support and rigor appropriate to each learner while the progress of the individual student is monitored through data-informed practices. 

WE BELIEVE a flexible learning environment affords students choice and fosters a sense of agency through opportunities to work independently and collaboratively. Student voice is developed through course design with multiple methods of assessment as students are supported in the construction of knowledge and demonstration of their learning.

What is the 196Online experience like?

• 196Online will be a centralized districtwide school program with a dedicated leadership, teachers and support staff, similar to an additional school
• More flexible schedule with mainly independent work time with layers of live connections with staff and classmates over Zoom including instruction, collaboration, and support
• Using an advisory program where student has a dedicated staff person checking in regularly
• A remote learning environment 
• Access to content using Schoology
• Access to the same academic supports as in school buildings 
• Opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities, athletics, and enrichments in attendance area school
• High-quality licensed District 196 teachers
• Curriculum meets or exceeds all Minnesota state standards
• Combination of digitally delivered coursework and hands-on, tangible learning experiences
• Access to available district assessments (e.g. MCAs)

Highlights of 196Online

• Our program provides a high-quality, rigorous, comprehensive and fully online learning experience for grade 12. 

• Curriculum meets or exceeds all Minnesota state standards.

• Students receive the structure of live academic learning opportunities while still maintaining the flexibility of completing work independently on their own personal and academic schedule.

• The program combines digitally delivered coursework with hands-on, tangible learning experiences.

• An advisory program provides students with a dedicated staff person who checks in regularly regarding academic progress, social-emotional connections, and builds connections with fellow students. Provides options and choices to keep students engaged with content that is relevant, authentic, and meaningful.

• Student voice is amplified through learning opportunities that are student-directed.

• All courses are facilitated by licensed Minnesota teachers.

• All 196Online staff work in partnership to provide comprehensive support based on areas of need.

• 196Online will establish partnerships with similar grade levels/departments at District 196 schools to provide an aligned learning experience.

• Dedicated support staff to work with students and families, including counseling supports, technical assistance, cultural family advocates and specialized positions such as English Learner and special education.