Overview
Great Falls Public Schools Summer Virtual Academy
- GFPS Virtual Academy F.A.Q.
- GFPS Summer Virtual Academy
- GFPS Virtual Academy More Information & Registration
GFPS Virtual Academy F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When does registration open?
Registration for the 2025 Virtual Academy will open at 8 am on April 1, 2025.
Q. Are there orientation sessions?
The mandatory orientation sessions will familiarize students with the computer-based course format. They will also meet with their course-specific instructors for vital information and practice working in the online environment and within their specific virtual classrooms. Students must plan to attend ONE of the two sessions:
Tuesday, June 3rd from 5:30-7:30 p.m. OR Wednesday, June 4th from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Q. Do I need a computer and the Internet to take an online course?
Yes, Internet access at home is mandatory. Students also need a “back up plan” should Internet access or computer accessibility at home become compromised. The high schools have computer access during summer school hours. Not having access for any time during the summer does not change expectations or assignment deadlines. It is NOT realistic to expect to participate in online courses entirely on a smartphone or tablet.
Q. Who is eligible to take these courses?
Any student entering grades 9-12 for the upcoming year who needs a credit in one of the offerings. The courses are available for students wishing to get a head-start on taking courses. Virtual Academy is not a credit recovery platform. If you are in need of a credit recovery option, please talk to your counselor.
Q. Will I be able to take more electives during the school year if I take Virtual Academy courses?
Although taking a Virtual Academy course will open a slot in your schedule, you are not guaranteed a seat in the elective course of your choice. If all electives are full, you may be placed in a study hall.
Q. What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Cancelling by midnight on June 12, 2025 will result in a full refund with no grade penalty.
Q. What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Cancelling by midnight on June 12, 2025 will result in a full refund with no grade penalty.
Cancellations on June 13, 2025 will result in no refund and no grade penalty.
Dropping any course after June 13, 2025 will result in an F on the student's transcript and fees will not be refunded. All cancellations must be done in writing by email: beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us
Q. Why should I consider an online course rather than one that meets face to face?
Online learning is a flexible option for students who work during the day or need to spend the summer away from home. It is also another way of earning credit for those who prefer working on their own or wish to free up space in their high school schedule.
Q. How much time each week will I spend doing coursework?
Students can expect to dedicate roughly 8-15 hours per week on each semester-long course (the semester, which is typically 90 days, is condensed into 8 weeks.) In general, students should log into their courses every day, just like attending face-to-face classes. Time spent online will depend on reading fluency and how quickly students can complete assignments. There is no specific time requirement each day as long as a student is making progress toward course completion.
Q. How does online PE work?
Click here to find out!
Q. What if I need help with the course?
Our instructors are experienced in working with students in an online environment and are more than willing to help those who need it with course materials. The orientation session will explain all of the options to the students.
Q. Why should I consider an online course rather than one that meets face to face?
Online learning is a flexible option for students who work during the day or need to spend the summer away from home. It is also another way of earning credit for those who prefer working on their own or wish to free up space in their high school schedule.
Q. How much time each week will I spend doing coursework?
Students can expect to dedicate roughly 8-15 hours per week on each semester-long course (the semester, which is typically 90 days, is condensed into 8 weeks.) In general, students should log into their courses every day, just like attending face-to-face classes. Time spent online will depend on reading fluency and how quickly students can complete assignments. There is no specific time requirement each day as long as a student is making progress toward course completion.
Q. How does online PE work?
Click here to find out!
Q. What if I need help with the course?
Our instructors are experienced in working with students in an online environment and are more than willing to help those who need it with course materials. The orientation session will explain all of the options to the students.
Q. What are my options for payment?
Payments for all courses, EXCEPT HPE, are due on May 30, 2025 at 3pm. HPE courses always fill and have a waiting list. Because of this, all HPE fees must be paid within 48 hours of registration to secure a place in the class.
ONLINE
Visit https://www.myschoolbucks.com and create a free account. Sign in. Choose "School Store" in the upper right. Click on "Browse All Items." On this site, you have the option of paying with a check (entering your routing number and account information) or with a credit or debit card. NOTE: myschoolbucks.com assesses a fee (Approximately $5 per 1/2 credit.) Please do not pay online until you have registered for a course.
AT A SCHOOL
The Finance Offices at GFH and CMR will take payments until May 30, 2025. After this date please choose contact Beckie Frisbee beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us. If you choose to pay at a finance office, AFTER you have registered, you need to print a payment form and take it to the finance office to pay. The finance office will issue you a receipt, write payment information on the form, and will get the form to Virtual Academy.
BY MAIL OR IN PERSON
AFTER you have registered, you need to print a payment form and mail or deliver a check made out to GFPS to:
GFPS Virtual Academy
ONLINE
Visit https://www.myschoolbucks.com and create a free account. Sign in. Choose "School Store" in the upper right. Click on "Browse All Items." On this site, you have the option of paying with a check (entering your routing number and account information) or with a credit or debit card. NOTE: myschoolbucks.com assesses a fee (Approximately $5 per 1/2 credit.) Please do not pay online until you have registered for a course.
AT A SCHOOL
The Finance Offices at GFH and CMR will take payments until May 30, 2025. After this date please choose contact Beckie Frisbee beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us. If you choose to pay at a finance office, AFTER you have registered, you need to print a payment form and take it to the finance office to pay. The finance office will issue you a receipt, write payment information on the form, and will get the form to Virtual Academy.
BY MAIL OR IN PERSON
AFTER you have registered, you need to print a payment form and mail or deliver a check made out to GFPS to:
GFPS Virtual Academy
GFPS District Offices
1100 4th Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
GFPS Summer Virtual Academy
GFPS Virtual Academy 2025
During the summer of 2025 (June 9 - July 31), GFPS will again offer a number of courses, open to students entering 9th through 12th grades. Each 1/2 credit costs TBA. All registrations will be done online. Payment may be made with credit/debit card taken at MySchoolBucks OR credit/debit card, cash or checks made out to GFPS in person at the GFHS or CMR Finance Office OR checks made out to GFPS mailed directly to GFPS Virtual Academy.
Registration will open on April 1, 2025 at 8 AM.
SAVE THE DATE – ORIENTATION SESSIONS
The mandatory orientation sessions, each starting in the CMR auditorium, will familiarize students with the computer-based course format. They will also meet with their course-specific instructors for vital information and practice working in the online environment and within their specific virtual classrooms. Students must plan to attend ONE of the two sessions:
Tuesday, June 3th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. OR Wednesday, June 4th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the CMR Auxiliary Gym.
Course Titles
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English Department English 7 (senior - 1/2 credit) English 8 (senior - 1/2 credit) English 5-6 (junior - 1 credit) Social Studies Department Essentials of World History 1-2 (9th - 1 credit) Montana Studies (10th-1/2 credit) US History 1-2 (11th - 1 credit) Government (12th - 1/2 credit)
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Business Department Finance & Career Prep (1/2 credit) Work Experience (1/2 credit) Health Enhancement Department Health & PE 1-2 (1 credit - freshman) Health & PE 3-4 (1 credit - sophomore) Health Science Department Dual Credit Medical Terminology (1/2 credit) |
Course Descriptions
All courses with sufficient enrollment on May 23 will run; students who register for a course that does not have sufficient enrollment at that time may choose another course OR receive a full refund.
Full course descriptions can be found in the course catalogs at each high school.
Business Courses
Finance & Career Prep ($127)
Course Information & Prerequisites: During the summer, this course is open to all students. Finance & Career Prep is a graduation requirement.
This course focuses on financial management (budgeting, investing, insurance, banking, credit, payroll, W4, taxes, saving, math, loans and interest) in a real world format. Finance & Career Prep equips students with important skills they will need when entering the workforce.
Questions about Financial Tech Skills can be directed to the teacher,
Work Experience ($127)
Course Information & Prerequisites: Must have a part-time job, weekends will count towards hours too.
Earn school credit while working outside of school. Students must work a minimum of 12-15 paid hours per week and no less than 100 total hours for the 8 week time period. You can take this course for 4 semesters. Take advantage of it this summer! You will already be working, get credit for your time! “Learn & Earn”.
Questions about Work Experience can be directed to the teacher,
Health Enhancement Courses
HPE courses always fill and have a waiting list. Because of this, all HPE fees must be paid within 48 hours of registration to secure a place in the class.
Health & PE 1-2 ($254) and Health & PE 3-4 ($254)
Course Information & Prerequisites: Health & PE 1-2 (1 full credit that must be taken together) is typically taken by freshmen; Health & PE 3-4 (1 full credit that must be taken together) is typically taken by sophomores. Both full credits of HPE are graduation requirements.
Any student may take these courses.
Students in Health & PE classes will be required to take the district assessment posttest. The post test will be administered at the same time as their final exam in person (near the end of July). Students will also be required to take a midterm exam in person (near the end of June).
Course Descriptions:
Health 1-2 includes introduction to health, relationships, human body systems, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nutrition and body image, reproductive health, personal health and noncommunicable diseases.
Health 3-4 emphasizes healthy choices; decision-making skills, managing stress, mental health/problems, resolving conflict/preventing violence, human body systems, human development/reproduction, life cycle and communicable diseases/STDs.
PE 1-2 AND PE 3-4 focus on fitness with basic skills being reinforced. Conditioning will be stressed. Introduction to life-long fitness/games and activities.
How does online PE work? http://bit.ly/how-does-pe-work
Additional information can be obtained from Health/PE Teacher, Mrs. Amanda Ferderer.
English Courses
English 5-6 ($254)
Course Information & Prerequisites: This is the two semesters of English typically taken during the junior year. Students entering grade 11 may take these courses. English 5-6 is a graduation requirement.
These courses are designed to allow students to earn a full credit for English 5-6 during the short summer session. The course must still meet all curriculum standards, even though it is abbreviated. Students should be prepared to logon and participate consistently. Students will write their junior research paper and read The Crucible by Arthur Miller and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Students wishing to start on the novels ahead of time should visit with Ms. Wilcox in order to get assignment specifics.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting English 5-6 teacher, Ms. Karen Wilcox.
English 7 ($127) & English 8 ($127)
Course Information & Prerequisites: These courses are the two semesters of English typically taken during the senior year. Students entering grade 12 may take these courses. English 7-8 is a graduation requirement.
These courses are designed to allow students to earn a full credit for English 7-8 during the short summer session. The course must still meet all curriculum standards, even though it is abbreviated. Students should be prepared to log on and participate consistently. In English 7, students will complete their senior research paper and focus on World Literature as well as read Night by Elie Wiesel. In English 8, students will focus on World Literature, the argumentative district assessment, poetry, contemporary short stories, and memoir writing. Students wishing to start on the novels ahead of time should email the teacher using the form below in order to get assignment specifics.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting English 7 & 8 teacher, Ms. Karen Wilcox.
Social Studies Courses
Essentials of World History ($254)
Course Information & Prerequisites: This course is open to any student; it is a graduation requirement that is typically taken during the freshman year.
Students will study a year of world history from the Renaissance to modern times, which will include cultural, political, military, and economic factors in the development of world cultures and their impact on modern society. The year is divided into units covering the history of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, including some emphasis on geography.
Questions about Essentials of World History can be answered by EWH teacher, Mrs. Jolyn Kimmet.
Montana Studies ($127)
Course Information & Prerequisites: This course is open to any student; it is a graduation requirement that is typically taken during the sophomore year.
This one semester required class will cover the history and growth of Montana and its state government. A specific focus will be given to tribal government and to the unique status of the tribes as provided by the U.S. Constitution, Treaties and Federal Laws. Questions about Montana Studies can be answered by MT Studies teacher Mrs. Jolyn Kimmet.
U.S. History 1-2 ($254)
Course Information & Prerequisites: U.S. History is a two-semester course, typically taken during the junior year. Students may choose to take either both semesters or just one semester during Summer Virtual Academy. This course is open to students entering grades 10-12. U.S. History 1-2 is a graduation requirement.
US History Online students are expected to possess strong reading skills, self-discipline, the ability to work mostly independently on tasks with occasional guidance, and a willingness to write. In addition to assignments and reading guides students will complete online, there will be time-limited exams for each unit (Each semester has six (6) units of study), and a final, proctored exam in person at the conclusion of each semester's work. Students will also complete a research project for each semester which will include a presentation component completed either through submission of a digital video file or in-person.
Additional information may be obtained from the U.S. History teacher, Mr. Alex Rosenleaf.
Government ($127)
Course Information & Prerequisites: Government is a one-semester course, typically taken during the senior year. There is no prerequisite. It is open to students entering grades 11 and 12. Government is a graduation requirement.
Students need to be self-disciplined and have regular access to a computer and the internet and demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of Moodle and how to work within Moodle when they meet with the instructor at the beginning of the course. Students will submit their work, except for the final exam, back to the instructor through Moodle. Students will complete eight (8) units which encompass reading, writing short essays (2 – 3 paragraphs), assessments, and a proctored District Assessment in person as the final at the conclusion of all the course work.
Additional information may be obtained from the Government teacher, Mr. Gregg Dart.
Health Sciences Courses
Medical Terminology ($127 + Dual Credit Fees From Great Falls College MSU)
This course is offered for dual credit through Great Falls College – MSU for those students who qualify. This course will focus on the many components of a medical term by learning and recognizing word roots, prefixes, suffixes and abbreviations used in medical languages today. Learn how to combine words to create meaningful medical conditions as well as comprehend their definition and know the correct spelling and pronunciation. In this medical terminology course, we will cover medical terms related to all major body systems. This is an online class which is required prior to entering any senior level health science classes. Information about taking the course for dual credit will be posted when it becomes available. Dual credit means the student pays approximately $150 for the three college credits and earns high school and college credit simultaneously (for students 16 and older). Dual credit paperwork must be filled out and submitted to Mrs. Virts on the night the student attends orientation. Students who do not register for dual credit at orientation may take it for high school credit only.
Additional information may be obtained from the Medical Terminology teacher, Christi Virts.
GFPS Virtual Academy More Information & Registration
Information & Understandings about GFPS Virtual Academy
Registration will open on April 1, 2025 at 8 am
Please read this information before clicking on the registration button at the bottom. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Beckie Frisbee (406-268-6761 beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us )
before registering.
Virtual Academy runs from June 9 until July 31, 2025. Courses may require face-to-face sessions and all courses will require the district assessment to be taken IN PERSON. Students who will be gone for extended periods during the course timeline should NOT register unless they have consistent Internet access and the ability to work on the course daily during their absence.
We want EVERY student to be successful. Students should look over the list below and be sure most items are true for them. The more items that are true, the better your chances of being successful in an online class.
- I like to work independently.
- I will be able to log on to the Internet and do work at LEAST five days a week through June and July.
- I have TIME to work for 3-4 hours on the computer nearly daily through June and July.
- I have easy access to an Internet-connected computer.
- I am a good reader.
- I am a good writer.
- I like working on the computer.
- I like online discussion.
- I understand how to upload and download items and save and then find them on my computer.
- I am not afraid to ask for help through email or class discussion.
- I am good at researching topics on the computer.
- I understand copyright and plagiarism issues.
- I am able to come into one of the schools for face-to-face help if I need it.
HEALTH & PE NOTES:
- Health and PE are required courses for freshmen (Health 1-2 and PE 1-2) and sophomores (Health 3-4 and PE 3-4).
- Due to the way Health and PE are scheduled (on an every-other-day rotation), students taking the courses in the summer MUST take BOTH Health and PE.
- As with all courses, Health and PE have limited enrollment numbers due to the number of students one teacher can teach at a time. It is recommended that registration and payment be done early as the seats will fill in 5-7 minutes from the start of registration. HPE courses always fill and have a waiting list. Because of this, all HPE fees must be paid within 48 hours of registration to secure a place in the class.
- Once those classes are full, students are welcome to put their names on the waiting list in case of cancellations.
SAVE THE DATE – ORIENTATION SESSIONS
The mandatory orientation sessions, both starting in the CMR auxiliary gym, will familiarize students with the computer-based course format. They will also meet with their course-specific instructors for vital information and practice working in the online environment and within their specific virtual classrooms. Students must plan to attend ONE of the two sessions:
Tuesday, June 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. OR Wednesday, June 4 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
PAYMENT METHODS
All payment methods are listed on the FAQ page. Courses must be paid in full by the registration deadline of May 30, 2025. (Exception: Health and PE (HPE) courses always fill and have a waiting list. Because of this, all HPE fees must be paid within 48 hours of registration to secure a place in the class.)
PARENT UNDERSTANDINGS
Clicking the button below verifies that the parent understands:
- I/we understand that success or failure of an online course, as any course, is recorded on a student’s transcript and figures into his or her cumulative GPA.
- I/we understand that cancelling this registration can be done by emailing Beckie Frisbee (beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us)
- Cancelling by midnight on June 12, 2025 will result in a full refund with no grade penalty.
- Cancellations on June 13, 2025 will result in no refund and no grade penalty.
- Dropping any course after June 13, 2025 will result in an F on the student's transcript and fees will not be refunded.
- All cancellations must be done in writing by email: beckie_frisbee@gfps.k12.mt.us