Is MNOHS free?

MNOHS is tuition-free during the regular school year for eligible Minnesota students enrolled full time or part time through another Minnesota public school. 

Tuition may apply to students who:

• live outside Minnesota;
• attend a private school or homeschool and want to take MNOHS courses part time; or
• request courses beyond what is covered through public-school enrollment

Because enrollment situations can vary, contact MNOHS before enrolling if you have questions about eligibility or tuition. Visit the MNOHS enrollment page or call us at 1-800-764-8166 ext. 137.

Where am I required to reside to attend MNOHS?

MNOHS enrolls students who are domiciled in the state of MN. This means that they are physically located in MN as they complete schoolwork with us. Students who live outside the state of Minnesota can enroll at MNOHS as a tuition-based student and pay tuition for courses.

What is the difference between full-time and part-time enrollment?

Full-time students choose MNOHS as their school and work with a MNOHS counselor to build a graduation plan and course schedule. Full-time students earn a MNOHS diploma after completing graduation requirements.

Part-time students remain enrolled at another Minnesota public school and take one or more MNOHS courses. Their enrolling school must confirm that the MNOHS courses fit their graduation plan.

Is MNOHS a homeschool?

No. MNOHS is a public charter school. Courses are taught by Minnesota-licensed teachers, students are expected to make progress each week, and MNOHS provides instruction, feedback, academic support, and school services.

Students who are currently homeschooled may apply to attend MNOHS full time. Homeschool and private-school students who want to take only individual MNOHS courses may be responsible for tuition. 

How is MNOHS different from other online programs?

MNOHS offers the flexibility of online learning with real relationships and individualized support. Students learn through Canvas, communicate regularly with teachers, receive feedback on their work, and can get help from counselors, case managers, and the Academic Success Center.

The school year is organized into four eight-week quarters. This structure helps students focus on a smaller number of courses at a time while continuing to make progress toward graduation.

What does a flexible schedule mean?

Most MNOHS learning is asynchronous, which means students do not have to be online for a full school day or attend every class at a set time. Students can build a daily schedule that works with jobs, appointments, family responsibilities, health needs, activities, and other commitments. 

Flexibility does not mean there are no deadlines. Students are expected to:

• log in to Canvas regularly;
• work in each course throughout the week;
• meet assignment and course deadlines
• respond to teachers and school staff; and
• attend required meetings or complete the alternative provided by the teacher.

Students are encouraged to work Monday through Friday so they can ask questions and use teacher feedback, but some schoolwork may be completed in the evenings or on weekends.

What is Canvas?

Canvas is the learning management system MNOHS uses for courses. In Canvas, students can:

• open lessons and learning activities;
• view assignments and due dates;
• submit schoolwork;
• read teacher feedback;
• check course grades; and
• find course announcements, meeting information, and support resources.

New students complete the MNOHS SWIM orientation to practice using Canvas and learn where to find their courses, assignments, support team, and other school tools.

Current students can access Canvas, Microsoft 365, Infinite Campus, technology support, and other tools from the Student Login page. 

How much time should students plan to spend on schoolwork?

The time needed varies by student and course. As a general guideline, students should plan for about five focused hours per week for each course. A full-time schedule requires a significant weekly commitment, similar to attending school in person. 

Some assignments may take more or less time. Students who are falling behind or spending much longer than expected should contact their teacher, counselor, or case manager right away. Staff can help students make a plan and connect them with support.

Are there teachers?

Yes. MNOHS courses are taught by licensed teachers who provide instruction, answer questions, give feedback, and help students make progress. Depending on the course, students may participate in class meetings, watch recorded instruction, communicate by email or Microsoft Teams, meet one-on-one with a teacher, or visit the Academic Success Center for additional help.

Online learning at MNOHS is flexible, but students are not expected to learn alone.

What should I do if I need help with a class?

Start by contacting the course teacher. Students can also:

• attend teacher office hours or scheduled course meetings;
• visit the Academic Success Center;
• review feedback and course announcements in Canvas;
• contact their counselor or case manager; or
• submit a technology support request for problems with Canvas, course access, or a device. 
• When reporting a technology problem, explain what you were trying to do, describe what happened, and include a screenshot of any error message when possible.

What courses does MNOHS offer?

MNOHS offers required high school courses and electives in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, health and physical education, world languages, career and technical education, and other areas. Course availability may vary by quarter.

Students may also have access to options such as project-based learning, work experience, transition and career-planning courses, multilingual learner supports, special education courses, honors or advanced courses, and Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO).

View current offerings on the Course Schedule and Descriptions page. 

What do you mean by flexible pathways?

Students come to MNOHS with different credits, experiences, strengths, and goals. A counselor helps each student build an individual graduation plan that may include:

• standard high school courses;
• credit recovery;
• project-based learning;
• work experience;
• career and educational planning;
• PSEO college courses; 
• summer courses, when available; and
• additional academic or transition supports.

course choices depend on a student's transcript, graduation requirements, interests, support needs, and plans after high school.

Does MNOHS offer special education services?

Yes. MNOHS provides a continuum of special education services for eligible students. Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) work with a case manager and IEP team to identify needed services, accommodations, modifications, annual goals, and transition supports.

Because MNOHS is an online school without a physical school building, some services may be provided through partnerships or contracted providers. Students receiving special education services are expected to stay in regular contact with their case manager. 

Learn more on the Special Education Services page.

Does MNOHS support multilingual learners?

Yes. MNOHS provides services for eligible multilingual learners. Supports are based on each student's language-development needs and may include specialized instruction, language-development courses, and support in general education classes.

Families who would like more information or need language assistance should contact MNOHS at 1-800-764-8166.

Can I play sports in my local district and still attend MNOHS?

To ensure eligibility to participate in sports in your local or resident district, students are encouraged to apply as a supplemental student at MNOHS. This can be a complicated process if a student attempts to apply full time and still participate in sports in their local district. If you have questions about athletics or MSHSL activities prior to enrolling please contact Executive Director, Tracy Quarnstrom, at [email protected]. 

Is a MNOHS diploma a real diploma?

Yes. MNOHS is a public charter high school, and its diploma confirms that a student has met Minnesota and MNOHS graduation requirements. MNOHS is also nationally accredited. 

Students planning to participate in college athletics should work with their counselor to confirm that their specific courses meet current NCAA eligibility requirements.

How long will it take to graduate?

The answer is different for every student. Graduation timing depends on:

• how many credits the student has already earned;
• which graduation requirements have been completed;
• the student's course load and successful course completion;
• whether the student needs credit recovery; and 
• the student's individual graduation and postsecondary plan.

After enrollment records and transcripts are received, a MNOHS counselor works with the student and family to create a graduation plan. MNOHS requires 21.5 total credits for graduation. Current details are available on the About MNOHS page.

Does MNOHS hold a graduation ceremony?

Yes. MNOHS celebrates graduating students each year. Details about the date, location or format, participation requirements, and senior activities are shared with graduating students and families during the school year. 

Can a part-time student graduate from their local school?

Yes. Part-time students remain enrolled in their local public school, and that school awards the diploma. Before registering, the local school counselor should confirm that each MNOHS course will meet the student's graduation requirements.

Full-time MNOHS students graduate from MNOHS.

Who attends MNOHS?

MNOHS serves students with many different strengths, needs, responsibilities, and goals. Students may choose MNOHS because they: 

• want a flexible schedule;
• prefer learning online;
• need to balance school with work, health, family, athletics, or the arts;
• want a smaller, more personalized learning community;
• need a different pathway toward graduation;
• want access to individual courses or PSEO; or
• are looking for stronger academic or student support.

Why can't I complete MNOHS on my phone?

A phone can be useful for checking messages, announcements, or due dates, but it is not a reliable primary device for online high school. Many assignments require students to open several tabs, type and revise longer documents, upload files, use spreadsheets or presentations, participate in online meetings, and complete interactive course activities. 

Students need regular access to a laptop or desktop computer or a compatible Chromebook. A tablet or phone may be used as a backup for some tasks, but it should not be the student's only device. 

What if I can't afford a computer or reliable internet?

Please contact MNOHS. Depending on a student's circumstances and available resources, the school may be able to provide a loaner computer or help the family identify internet-access support. Current students should contact their counselor, special education case manager, school social worker, or the MNOHS Technology Support team. 

Families considering enrollment can call 1-800-764-8166 or use the MNOHS Contact page.

Students should have regular access to a supported laptop, desktop computer, or Chromebook. If purchasing a refurbished device, choose one that still receives security and browser updates. Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025, so a Windows 11-capable computer is the safer long-term choice. A currently supported version of macOS or ChromeOS can also work. Phones, tablets, and Kindles should not be sued as a student's only school device.

These organizations may also help eligible households find lower-cose technology or internet service:

• PCs for People: Low-Cost Computers offers refurbished computers to eligible individuals and families. 
• PCS for People: Low-Cost Internet provides internet options in eligible service areas.
• Internet Essentials from Xfinity offers lower-cost home internet to qualifying households in participating service areas.
• EveryoneOn helps families search for available low-cost internet and computer offers by ZIP code.
• Lifeline is a federal program that may reduce the monthly cost of phone or internet service for qualifying households.

Programs, prices, eligibility rules, and service areas can change. Families should review the provider's current requirements before applying or purchasing equipment.