We are honored that you have selected us as a partner in supporting your educational journey. BlueSky has a rich history as Minnesota’s first 100 percent online charter school, and has been a pioneer in providing a quality online education tailored to students’ unique needs and creating a model that provides students the support they need to succeed.
2024–2025
2023-2024
Counselor Chronicle2023–2024
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The reading and mathematics tests are used to determine whether schools and districts have made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward all students being proficient each year. Science tests are required by ESEA but are not included in AYP calculations.
For more information on MCA testing, visit the Minnesota Department of Education Web site.
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements. Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead.
BlueSky’s online format and the large geographic area of our state present several challenges that have to be addressed to ensure that each student has ample opportunity to satisfy the Minnesota science, reading, and mathematics testing requirements.
To help meet these challenges, BlueSky offers several different testing opportunities. During April, the primary MCA testing window, BlueSky staff arrange and host a number of different testing locations across the state.
Testing will take place between April 3rd and April 28th. If additional testing is needed, makeup sessions may be arranged and scheduled until May 5th.
Grades 6 and 7 test in two subjects, Math and Reading, which can be done in one day. Students in 8th grade are recommended to test over two days of three subjects, Math, Reading and Science. Students in grade 9 do not need to take the MCA. Grade 10 will test in Reading and Grade 11 in Math. Once in high school, students currently enrolled in Biology B will also take Science.
Opportunities are scheduled in areas nearest to students at least once per year, with retesting notifications being sent out a month before testing begins.
BlueSky will also email or telephone students in regards to testing dates. Any additional questions or concerns regarding assessments can be directed to BlueSky’s dedicated testing coordinator, Melissa Vang, through e-mail at melissa.vang@blueskyschool.org or by phone at 651-202-2011.
Student forms can be accessed through the parent portal, they are important for the school’s records, and must be completed each year by new and continuing students. This information is required by the state of Minnesota for funding purposes, and is also critical for good communication between school staff and students and parents/guardians.
The Parent Portal can be accessed at bluesky.powerschool.com/public
Contact the BlueSky office with any questions regarding the completion of these forms. The forms include:
