Northern Star Online

Northern Star Online offers online courses developed by one or more of its partner members: the school districts of Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Edina, Bloomington and Osseo and the educational service agencies, Intermediate District 287 and TIES. These courses have been approved by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Northern Star Online has a number of online classes available to high school students from the participating districts, including Intro to Computer Science, Advanced Web Design, Gifted Algebra, Gifted Geometry, AP Statistics, AP U.S. History, Constitutional Law, Physical Education, Health Science, Chinese, and Japanese. Schedules follow similar program calendars of member districts and have specific deadlines for completion and assessment. Occasional chat sessions may be held for class communication.

These classes are free to EPHS students if the combined course load at EPHS and Northern Star Online is not more than 16 credits and if the student informs his counselor 30 days before the start date of the online course. This option can be especially helpful for students who are in music and have a difficult time fitting some courses in their schedules. Courses over 16 credits may be taken and paid for by the student. No notice to the school is required if the student’s family is paying for the course. Summer course offerings are primarily tuition-based.

Starting in 2005-06, Northern Star Online will offer an Advanced Middle Math program for high ability students. This program will teach the 7th & 8th grade Connected Math Program and CORE PLUS levels two and three, preparing graduates of the classes for high school Pre-Calculus. Most interested students in the 4th, 5th or 6th grade would take the qualifying test for participation as 7th graders. The program will combine on-line learning and classroom seminars.

With the exception of the Advanced Middle Math course, any student not yet in secondary school would need special permission to enroll in a class. Adult learners are also welcome to sign up for classes but must pre-pay tuition and fees.

See www.northernstaronline.org for more information.