Virtual Academy
Great Falls Public Schools Summer Virtual Academy
- GFPS Virtual Academy Payment Information
- GFPS Summer Virtual Academy Information and Course Descriptions
- GFPS Virtual Academy More Information & Registration
GFPS Virtual Academy Payment Information
Payment Options
1️⃣ Online (MySchoolBucks)
Visit: https://www.myschoolbucks.com
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Create a free account or sign in.
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Select “School Store” (upper right corner).
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Click “Browse All Items.”
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Select your course and complete payment.
Payment may be made by:
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Electronic check (routing and account number required)
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Credit or debit card
Note: MySchoolBucks charges a processing fee (approximately $5 per ½ credit).
2️⃣ In Person at a School Finance Office
Payments may be made at the GFHS or CMR Finance Office.
After registering:
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Print a payment form below.
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Bring the form with your payment to the finance office.
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The office will issue a receipt and forward confirmation to Virtual Academy.
If you are unable to pay at a finance office, contact:
Beckie Frisbee – beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us
3️⃣ By Mail or District Office Drop-Off
After registering:
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Print a payment form below.
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Mail or deliver a check (payable to GFPS) to:
GFPS Virtual Academy
GFPS District Offices
1100 4th Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
If you have any questions regarding payment, please contact Beckie Frisbee before the deadline.
GFPS Summer Virtual Academy Information and Course Descriptions
GFPS Virtual Academy – Summer 2026
This summer, GFPS Virtual Academy will offer online courses for students entering grades 9–12 from June 8–July 31, 2026.
Virtual Academy is designed for students who want to get ahead in their coursework. It is not a credit recovery program. Students needing credit recovery should contact their school counselor.
While completing a Virtual Academy course may open space in your school-year schedule, placement in specific elective courses is not guaranteed. If electives are full, students may be scheduled into study hall.
Time Commitment
Summer courses condense a traditional 90-day semester into 8 weeks.
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Expect 8–15 hours per week per semester course
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Students should log in daily
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No set daily time requirement, but consistent progress is expected
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Work pace varies based on reading fluency and assignment completion
Teacher Support
Our instructors are experienced in online learning and committed to supporting students throughout the course. The required orientation session will review course expectations, navigation, and communication tools.
Cost & Registration
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$139 per ½ credit
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$278 per full credit
Registration opens April 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM (online only).
Payment options:
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Credit/debit card via MySchoolBucks
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Credit/debit, cash, or check (GFHS or CMR Finance Office)
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Mailed checks payable to GFPS Virtual Academy
Courses must meet minimum enrollment by May 23 to run. Students may choose another course or receive a full refund if a class is canceled.
Mandatory Orientation (Attend One)
All students must attend one session at the CMR Auditorium:
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Tuesday, June 2 | 5:30–7:30 PM
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Wednesday, June 3 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Students will:
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Learn the online course format
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Meet instructors
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Practice navigating their virtual classroom
Summer 2026 Course Offerings
English
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English 5–6 (Junior – 1 credit)
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English 7 (Senior – ½ credit)
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English 8 (Senior – ½ credit)
English 5–6 includes the junior research paper and readings such as The Crucible by Arthur Miller and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
English 7 includes the senior research paper and Night by Elie Wiesel.
English 8 focuses on world literature, argumentative writing, poetry, short stories, and memoir.
All English courses are graduation requirements.
Social Studies
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Essentials of World History (1 credit – typically 9th)
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Montana Studies (½ credit – typically 10th)
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U.S. History 1–2 (1 credit – typically 11th)
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Government (½ credit – typically 12th)
These courses meet graduation requirements.
Business
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Finance & Career Prep (½ credit)
A graduation requirement open to all students. Topics include budgeting, banking, taxes, credit, loans, investing, payroll, and financial decision-making skills.
Health Enhancement (HPE)
These courses fill quickly. Payment must be made within 48 hours to secure placement.
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Health & PE 1–2 (1 credit – Freshman)
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Health & PE 3–4 (1 credit – Sophomore)
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PE 1–2 Only (½ credit)
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PE 3–4 Only (½ credit)
Health & PE credits are graduation requirements.
Courses emphasize wellness, fitness, mental health, decision-making, and lifelong physical activity.
Health Science
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Dual Credit Medical Terminology (½ credit)
Offered in partnership with Great Falls College–MSU for eligible students (age 16+). Students may earn both high school and college credit. Dual credit fees apply (approximately $165 for 3 college credits).
This course is required prior to senior-level health science classes.
For additional course-specific questions, students may contact their school counselor.
We look forward to supporting your summer learning!
GFPS Virtual Academy More Information & Registration
Information & Understandings about GFPS Virtual Academy
GFPS Virtual Academy – Summer 2026 Registration
Registration opens April 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Before clicking the registration button below, please review the information below carefully.
If you have questions, contact:
Beckie Frisbee
📞 406-268-6761
📧 beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us
Program Dates: June 8 – July 31, 2026
Technology Requirements
To be successful in an online course, students must have:
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Reliable home internet access (required)
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Regular access to a computer or laptop
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A backup plan if technology or internet access fails
High schools will provide limited computer access during summer school hours. However, lack of access at home does not extend deadlines or change course expectations.
Online courses cannot realistically be completed using only a smartphone or tablet.
Is Online Learning Right for You?
We want every student to succeed. Students are more likely to be successful if most of the following are true:
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I work well independently.
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I can log in and complete work at least five days per week.
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I have 3–4 hours most days to dedicate to coursework.
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I have easy access to an internet-connected computer.
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I am a strong reader and writer.
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I am comfortable using technology.
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I know how to upload, download, save, and locate files.
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I participate in online discussions.
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I can research effectively online.
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I understand plagiarism and copyright rules.
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I am willing to ask for help via email or discussion boards.
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I can come to school for face-to-face help if needed.
Mandatory Orientation (Attend One)
Students must attend one orientation session in the CMR Auditorium:
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Tuesday, June 2 | 5:30–7:30 PM
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Wednesday, June 3 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Students will:
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Learn the online course format
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Meet their instructors
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Practice navigating their virtual classrooms
Parent/Guardian Agreement
By clicking the registration button, parents/guardians acknowledge:
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Course grades (pass or fail) are recorded on the student transcript and impact GPA.
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Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to
beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us
Refund & Drop Policy
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Cancel by midnight, June 11, 2026 → Full refund, no grade penalty
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Cancel on June 12, 2026 → No refund, no grade penalty
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Drop after June 12, 2026 → No refund and an F recorded on transcript
All cancellations must be submitted by email.
REGISTRATION - Health and PE Courses
REGISTRATION - English, Social Studies, Finance & Career Prep, and Med Terms
