Frequently Asked Questions

New Code Academy teachers are MN licensed, Bloomington Public Schools teachers. New Code Academy offers a high quality, standards-aligned online learning experience created and taught by licensed Bloomington Public Schools teachers. They spend a year designing their individual courses, collaborating with other teachers, taking coursework in online design and receiving one-on-one support in developing and teaching online curriculum. The New Code Academy staff also includes counselors, social workers, support staff and administrators. 

All children of residents of the state of Minnesota are eligible to apply to New Code Academy and attend tuition free; students can live anywhere in the state.  Students who live outside of Minnesota are eligible to apply and would be charged the tuition rate set by the Bloomington Public Schools School Board. 

Families who live outside the Bloomington school district should complete the open enrollment process and select “New Code Academy”. If you live in Bloomington and would like to transfer schools, please refer to the intra-district transfer page.

New Code Academy provides a range of services to students, including special education support and identification, support for English language learners, support for gifted students, and more. Like all our services, they are delivered online using a balance of learning experiences on screen and off.

For special education services, we have designated Multi-Categorical Special Education Teachers who provide small group services as well as one to one support.  Services are determined through a team meeting prior to or upon enrollment.

All students will be enrolled in and expected to attend grade level classes, have their cameras on during instruction, and respond to all staff in class/breakout rooms verbally or through chat options. A student's IEP may address individual needs regarding engagement in the accommodations identified by the team.

 The Special Education Teachers collaborate with the General Education Teachers to ensure provision of accommodation and determine where any modifications may need to take place.  They also provide case management for all students who receive special education services. An Early Childhood Special Education representative is available for consult for early learners.

Related Services (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Developmental/Adapted Physical Education, Speech, Social Work, Visual Impairment, Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Nursing) provision will also be reviewed prior to or upon enrollment to determine updated service minutes in accordance with the online schedule.

Online class sizes mirror class sizes in face-to-face courses. Our average class size for Kindergarten is 24 students; 1st-3rd is 28 students; 4th-5th Grade is 29 students, and 6th-12th is about 30 students.

New Code Academy teachers balance on screen time with off screen time, including intentional brain breaks and movement breaks throughout the day.  They are also intentional about ensuring the majority of screen time is active - students are creating, communicating, or collaborating - rather than simply passively receiving information. On a typical day, a student would spend 3.5 to 5 hours connecting with their teacher and classmates online.