Online ExplorSchool
For Students in Grades 5 - 8
MITY’s Online ExplorSchool provides bright students with the opportunity to explore a topic of interest with similarly motivated peers. The goal is to keep students challenged and engaged as they build, create, and solve real world problems. Each class features a variety of activities that take students away from a screen as they use their hands to design and construct. Importantly, students also have opportunities to socialize with their peers through non-academic activities.
2022 - 2023 Online Program Dates:
Winter Session: TBA
Summer Session: TBA
Program Details
Technology Skills and Requirements
Students need reliable high-speed internet access and a desktop, laptop, or iPad with audio and video enabled. Students should be comfortable creating new documents, videos, and presentations, navigating the web to conduct research, and uploading documents. Students must also have a personal email account to use for the class. MITY does not utilize a Learning Management System such as Schoology, Canvas, or Moodle.
Parent Involvement
Some parent/guardian involvement may be required depending on a student’s comfort level with the technology being used. Parents/guardians are encouraged to talk to their student about what they are doing in their MITY coursework.
Class Size
Classes are kept small (capped at 16 students) to ensure individual attention and a high-quality experience for all learners.
Student Performance Evaluation
Each student will receive an end-of-session evaluation. No letter grades or numerical scores will be issued.
Admissions Criteria
There is no specific test score or GPA requirement. We are looking for students who perform well in school, are able to work independently, and are excited about learning.
Policies for MITY's Online Programs
All program participants and their parents or guardian are required to read and abide by the “MITY Online Expectations and Code of Conduct” and the “MITY Digital Citizenship Agreement.” Families are asked to acknowledge their understanding of and acceptance of these documents when they apply to a MITY online program.
How it Works
Classes feature a combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction. During the school year, each class meets synchronously for 3 hours per week; depending on the course, this may be divided over two days. During the summer session, each class meets synchronously for 3 hours each day for one week. Students may take more than one class per session. Each session runs independently from the others, so families can decide which session(s) work best for them.
Class Structure
Depending on the nature of the course, instruction consists of some combination of the following: live or recorded instructor video; audio, video, written texts, or other media; links to websites for research; other as appropriate. Students should expect to participate in whole class discussion forums and small group activities as well as perform individual tasks and reflection exercises. Some, but not all, classes culminate in a final product at the end of the session. Students who are unable to participate in a synchronous learning session should contact their instructor ahead of time to make alternate arrangements.
Time Commitment
Students should expect to spend 4-5 hours per week on each class during fall/winter/spring sessions and 4 hours per day on each class during the summer, including synchronous sessions, noting that this is an average and that some individuals may require more or less time with the material. Students are expected to be logged in on time for each class.
Social "Rec" Time
MITY’s educational philosophy focuses on whole-child development, and hence MITY staff also host non-academic virtual sessions to foster connections and enhance students’ social emotional skills. These social forums feature fun activities and some wacky challenges that enable students to socialize, build friendships, find peer support, explore new talents, take risks, expand their cultural awareness, and experience the joy that comes with being part of the MITY family. Students can also participate in MITY’s online chess tournament and other at-home activities.
What do people say about MITY’s Online ExplorSchool Program?
Parents:
"I love the topics that my child was able to choose from – so relevant to what is going on in the world today and different from what they are learning in school."
"The classes are so hands-on. My son loved every day of the session. He was forced to practice his skills and received constructive feedback in a way that didn’t seem too personal. Outstanding."
"MITY has small class sizes, interesting subjects, engaged teachers and a supportive community. It’s a winning combination!"
Students:
"MITY is fun and encourages you to learn in new, different and fun ways."
"Online ExplorSchool is totally, amazingly awesome!"
"MITY is the best thing I’ve done. I got to learn new things, have fun and meet new people."
Teachers:
"I love it! All of the students show up eager to learn. Such great kids!"
"I love working in the MITY program!"