FAQs

If you are a supplemental online student, please note that you are not able to stay at STMA High School for your STMA Online class. You will need to leave the building and find your own transportation to do so.

Yes. STMA Online is a comprehensive and supplemental program. What does this mean? Comprehensive enrollment means all of your classes would be online; supplemental enrollment means part of your day would be in school and part of your day would be online.  STMA students can take up to 2 online courses per trimester (6 courses per year) to remain an STMA high school student working towards a diploma.  Students have the option of taking the course(s) within their 5 period day at no cost or in the summer for a fee. 

Yes. Courses are taught by highly-qualified licensed STMA teachers who promote engagement in the online environment. Teachers strive to foster an online community with their classes. 

Each course is designed specifically for online learning to ensure students receive an exceptional experience. There are a variety of methods for instruction depending on the particular courses and their requirements ranging from digital textbooks, video lessons, online simulations, tutorials, readings, discussion boards, and online quizzes.  Instruction will be different depending on the age level as well.

Students enrolled in STMA Online courses in grades 7-12 use an online curriculum called Edmentum Courseware. STMA staff go through the courses to ensure the curriculum aligns with state and STMA standards. 

Students are required to login to each course at least once every day. You should plan on completing 1-2 activities per day in order to stay on pace. These activities are Tutorials, Mastery Tests, Discussion Posts, or Unit Activities. You should start at the top of the Courseware list and work your way down until you have everything completed.  Students must stay on task, meet deadlines, and seek help from the teacher when needed. Since students have access 24 hours a day, it is suggested that students check the course frequently to view new announcements and discussion postings.

Course sessions align with the St. Michael-Albertville School District calendar.

Yes. STMA Online courses count just the same as traditional courses. St. Michael-Albertville School District students will receive a letter grade and credit for courses completed through STMA Online on their transcripts. For 9-12 students, classes are worth 1.0 credits. 

Grading will closely align with in-person STMA classrooms and have both formative and summative assessments. Feedback will be continual and timely in an effort to maintain high levels of student success. 

Yes, a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan may enroll in online learning, as appropriate to their educational needs. A special education case manager and the IEP team will work to determine appropriate coursework and any necessary accommodations or modifications. Special education services are offered in person at this time. Parents may contact their child's IEP case manager with questions regarding special education.

This is a common question for students considering an online course. While the coursework and assignments can be done when they fit a student’s schedule, there is still an expectation of regular work in all courses. A general rule of thumb is about 5-7 hours per week for each course. 

Full-time online learning students are limited to a maximum of 15-trimester courses a year. Students seeking supplements to local course offerings may take up to 2 online courses per trimester (6 courses per year) to remain an STMA high school student working towards a diploma.  Students have the option of taking the course(s) within their 5 period day at no cost or in the summer for a fee.  

If taking supplemental courses, the student should meet with their guidance counselor to adjust their schedule so they do not exceed the maximum number allowed.

No. You will be expected to stay on pace with the course and must complete the course on schedule to receive the grade you have earned.

STMA Online courses serve students grades 7-12 across Minnesota, including students from Districts outside STMA, charter schools, private schools, and students who are in homeschool.

This can be a supplemental program that allows you to take up to half of your classes online while staying in your home district or program.

• Course sessions align with the St. Michael-Albertville School District calendar.
• In-District Students should sign-up for classes during the regular registration window
• STMA students should talk to their school counselor if they want to register after StudentVue registration closes. STMA students will pay for Supplemental Courses using Fees in ParentVue.
• Note: Depending on class size, we may be able to enroll students past the final deadline, pending approval. Please email Principal Jansen to inquire about late enrollment.

The deadline to drop a course without an incomplete to the student's transcript is in the first two weeks of the course.  No drops are allowed in the last two weeks of any course.

If you are taking an STMA Online course as a part of a regular school schedule, there is no charge for an STMA Online course.

However, if you are taking an STMA Online course as an additional course outside of your regular schedule (for example, if you have a 5-period schedule and you take an STMA Online course as a 6th class) there is a fee of $250* per Semester 1 Credit Course. 

*Fees are subject to change.

STMA District families will pay using Fees within ParentVue.

Out-of-District families will be sent an invoice from the Business Services department from STMA School District. Additional payment information will be included in your Welcome Letter.

Summer Courses
Payment is due before the first day of the course. After payment is received, allow two-three business days to gain access to the course. 

School Year Courses
An invoice and payment details will be emailed from our Business Office to the parent email address provided on the Registration Form.  In district, families should pay using Fees with ParentVue. 

Students need an Internet connection and a device 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, or other locations as is a suitable device.

When you attend a public school and STMA Online is part of your regular schedule within the school day and during the school year, there is no charge for an STMA Online course. If you are taking an STMA Online course and attend a private school or are homeschooled, there is a fee.

When you are taking an STMA Online course as an extra class or over the summer, there is a fee. These fees would the family's responsibility.

Refund Policy*

*Note: Weekend days are included in the calculation of class days.

• Full refund if the course is canceled.
• Full refund if the course is dropped before the first day of the course.
• Full refund less $100 Administrative fee if the course is dropped within the first 14 days (2 weeks). Ex. $250 course fee - $100 Admin fee = $150 refund.
• No refund if the course is dropped after the 14th day.

Yes, STMA Online is NCAA approved.

Please check out this video which walks you through the Edmentum program for more information.

Credits earned in all STMA Online courses will appear just like any other credit that students may earn while in high school. St. Michael-Albertville does not differentiate between an online and a traditional course in content or expectations, therefore there is no difference on a student transcript. 

 A Chromebook may be checked out prior to classes starting. Please contact the Principal for more details. 

All online students must report to an on-site location to take any required MCA, ACT, or AP exams.

Full-time STMA Online enrolled students and current STMA students taking supplemental courses are welcome to participate in sports and/or activities offered through St. Michael-Albertville Public Schools. All other students are welcome to explore additional sports and recreational activities available through Community Education.

The intent of STMA Online is not to replace the rich learning experience that takes place in a traditional classroom, but rather to supplement this experience with new opportunities for students. Our goal is to provide a flexible learning experience that provides students with more course options and increased flexibility in scheduling.  STMA is looking to provide an additional learning opportunity to those students that choose a more flexible learning structure.

Becoming a successful online learner is an integral skillset that students should master to thrive in the 21st Century. Many students will take online courses in college or post-secondary careers and find themselves with no preparation for success. Online learning through STMA Online allows you to experience online learning with the guidance of a highly-qualified instructor that is dedicated to ensuring your success in the course and the support of a highly-structured program.