The Hidden Skill Set Behind New Code Academy

In today’s world, students aren’t just learning math, reading, and science. They’re learning HOW to learn — online, independently, and confidently. At New Code Academy, we consider this an essential part of our curriculum, and many families say it makes all the difference. 

Learner Presence Coach Alexandra Anderson works with students every day to build the habits and skills that set them up for success. Part intervention teacher, part guide, part co-navigator, her role focuses on supporting students in math, reading, social-emotional growth, and — just as importantly — the “how” of learning online.

“Kids are so quick to learn how to navigate everything,” she says. “A big part of my role is helping them understand the buttons, what to do, how to get help, and giving them a few chances to practice before they’re out on their own.”

“We’re always here to help students navigate online learning, but we’re also helping them build their own independence. Parents are amazed at how quickly their kids learn to navigate technology.” Alexandra adds that students are taught not just how to do something, but how to reach out for help when they need it, and how to look for resources and support.

That onboarding process matters. Students don’t just jump into remote learning — they learn how to manage tools, communicate clearly, advocate for themselves, and organize their day. These are skills they’ll use long after they log out of class. They’re often called executive functioning skills, and for a long time, schools just assumed students would develop these abilities naturally–but learning how to plan, schedule, and keep focus are skills you build over time. Alexandra believes that students need support to learn and practice these skills, and she takes her role very seriously. 

Younger students build these habits through play as much as academics. Teachers lead virtual playgroups, encourage movement breaks, send home materials for tech-free days, and design hands-on lessons that help students practice following directions, sharing ideas, and collaborating. “It’s not just sitting and typing all day,” Alex says. “Teachers do such a good job bringing play into the classroom. Kids are building skills in so many fun ways.”

As students get older, the skills expand: independence, task management, digital citizenship, and even AI literacy. “The world is all technology all the time now,” she says. “Being able to teach kids the technology piece is so helpful. When I was in school, tech was something you used for one assignment. Now we’re teaching kids how to use it successfully and responsibly, in real life.”

Middle schoolers meet with Alex for an hour each day to talk about the ins and outs of online learning and build a portfolio of their skills — almost like a starter version of what adults create in the workplace. They learn how to balance responsibilities, communicate professionally, and problem-solve when technology doesn’t cooperate. These are real-world skills, taught in a supportive, structured environment.

Families often choose New Code because their child wasn’t getting what they needed in a traditional school — sometimes due to bullying, sometimes due to learning differences, sometimes because they simply needed a smaller, more responsive environment. Alex sees firsthand how that shift opens doors. “It’s easier for kids to get what they need in an online school, especially one this size,” she explains. “When everyone is online and available, it’s so much easier to reach people.”

That accessibility is a quiet strength of New Code. Teachers, support staff, and specialists collaborate quickly. Students get help when they need it, not days later. And relationships feel surprisingly personal — even from across the state.

Some students live in the Twin Cities. Others join from Duluth, Rochester, or even split time between cities due to family circumstances. Some students travel with their parents, whose work requires a more mobile lifestyle. Still, they stay connected, supported, and engaged because online learning adapts to their lives — not the other way around.

Alex says the true magic comes from the teachers who make online learning look effortless. “They’ve been doing this long enough that they do it flawlessly,’ she said. “Teaching online well is a real skill, and it’s amazing to watch. The teachers keep kids’ attention, teach, offer support, and still find plenty of time to be fun and silly.”

In many ways, that’s the heart of New Code: a place where students learn how to learn — with support, structure, and people who genuinely care about their growth. The result is a generation of learners who are not just academically strong, but confident, adaptable, and ready for the world they’re growing up in.