If you don’t find your question addressed below, contact the SOCRATES Online Office
What is online learning through SOCRATES?
SOCRATES Online is a program certified by the state to offer online learning courses to students that are enrolled in public school at no cost to the student. The courses offer rigorous, student-centered learning in a flexible format that allows students to work at their own pace, place and time. The online courses are generally taken in place of courses otherwise scheduled at the local school or during a study hall period.
Why take online learning?
There are many reasons that students and schools are interested in taking advantage of online learning. The most frequent reason students enroll in online classes is because the course is not available at their local school. Online learning additionally provides students with the opportunity to access courses for enrichment, dual credit (college and high school), and remediation and credit recovery.
Online learning also supports new ways of teaching and learning using methodology that emphasizes building 21st century skills such as creativity and innovation; critical thinking and problem solving; and communication and collaboration.
Who is eligible to enroll in a SOCRATES Online learning course?
Currently enrollment priority is given to students from schools that are members in the SOCRATES network. If your school is not a SOCRATES partner, you can register online and our program will be in contact with you and your school counselor to determine if enrollment is available.
How many courses can a student take through online learning?
A student may take up to 50% of their instruction through SOCRATES Online while remaining enrolled at their local school. The student must meet with their local school counselor to adjust their schedule so the total classes in which they are enrolled does not exceed full time or 12 semester courses per year.
If a student adds classes outside of a full schedule or during the summer, he or she will pay tuition since this is not funded through the state.
Do I need to contact my school counselor to register for online learning classes through SOCRATES Online?
Yes, your school counselor should help you adjust your schedule so you are enrolling in the appropriate online course(s) and not exceeding a full time course schedule. They will be sent an email that will ask them to confirms that the online course(s) fit into your schedule and meet the graduation requirements at your local school.
I’m a private school student. Can I take online classes from SOCRATES Online?
There is not public funding for nonpublic education students. You can take an online learning course with special arrangement for the payment of tuition for the course. Please indicate during the online registration process that you are a private or home schooled student and will pay tuition for which you will be billed or contact the SOCRATES Online Office for further information.
How do I register and enroll in an online course?
Follow the instructions on the registration page of the website for a description of the enrollment process.
What are the requirements to enroll in online learning at SOCRATES Online?
- Notify and work with your local district online learning contact person or counselor.
- Submit an online enrollment request form through the Online Registration system. Your counselor and parent or guardian will be notified by email to authorize your request to enroll in online learning. Once all the authorizations are complete and the SOCRATES Online program has confirmed a seat in the class, you will be notified about how to start your class. If you have any questions, please contact the SOCRATES Online student support services coordinator who will help you.
- Have regular access to a computer and the Internet. Please note technical guidelines for the program.
How do I drop or withdraw from an online course?
Students may drop or withdraw from an online course in the first two weeks of classes. Withdrawal from classes after the first two weeks is not recommended.
Any changes in enrollment must be made by submitting a "Drop Request" through the Online Registration system which will be submitted to the SOCRATES Online Office. Your parents or guardians and school counselor will need to authorize or "sign off" on this change in your enrollment through the after they receive an email notification about your drop request.
What qualities does a successful online learning student have?
Online learning suits some students very well and poses a challenge for others. Even though students may not start a course with all the characteristics of a good online learning student, they can develop the necessary qualities to be successful during the course, including self-directedness, self-discipline, strong organizational skills and taking responsibility for their learning. A key characteristic for successful online learning is persistence; a quality that enables a student to spend time on task, keep on pace and continue with their work even if they have setbacks. A student can expect to read and write extensively in their online learning course.
Can a student with a disability enroll in online learning?
Yes, a student a disability and in an individualized education program (IEP) may enroll in online learning. The online program will work in collaboration with the local IEP team to provide accommodations as recommended.
What are some considerations for parents of students taking online learning courses?
Parents play a critical role in the success of their student. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in tracking their student's progress in the course through the parent portal in the Online Registration system, supporting the student schedule for assignment completion and expressing interest in their son or daughter's engagement in the online learning course. SOCRATES Online program staff and teachers welcome parents to contact us with questions or concerns. There is more information at the parent page about supporting your student’s success in online learning.
How will I know if my son or daughter is ready to take online learning?
Review the considerations for parents on the website that addresses ways to assess your son or daughter’s readiness for online learning.
Complete the "Is Online Learning for me" assessment and use it to discuss what it is like to be successful in an online learning course with your student.
Feel free to contact the SOCRATES Online learning program office with questions about online learning readiness.
Do the courses meet standards for high school graduation in Minnesota?
Yes, all state required academic standards are embedded in the courses where required. All SOCRATES Online teachers are Minnesota licensed teachers in the subject area that they teach.
Can I enroll in additional courses if I pay separately for more than 12 semester-long course credits?
Yes, additional courses can be taken if the student agrees to pay for the tuition and any course fees. This includes courses for enrichment or credit recovery.
Copyright 2011 SOCRATES Online
