Online Junior High

For 25 years, McKenna Online has proudly served Idaho families as the state’s first virtual public charter school.
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, we are expanding our trusted online learning model to include a dedicated junior high program for students in grades 7–8.
As a tuition-free, statewide public charter school, McKenna Online gives Idaho families access to a flexible, high-quality education option at no cost.

How It Works

A Flexible & Engaging Learning Experience

Our asynchronous learning model allows students to learn on a schedule that works best for their family while staying aligned with Idaho academic standards. With clear pacing and support from certified Idaho teachers students build confidence, independence, and strong academic habits. Through a project-based curriculum, students engage in meaningful, hands-on learning that strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Five Courses at a Time. A New Focus Every Three Weeks.

Our junior high schedule is designed to give students structure while keeping learning fresh and engaging.

Students take five courses at a time, combining consistent core instruction and rotating microcourses throughout the school year.

Advisory: Students meet with their advisory group once a week through Google Meet. Advisory provides a consistent opportunity to connect with teachers and peers, build relationships, and receive guidance and support.
Math & English: Students complete focused 3-week microcourses in Math and English throughout the year, allowing them to concentrate on specific skills and concepts before moving into their next course.
Science, Social Studies & Exploratory: Students complete two additional rotating microcourses. These courses cycle through science, social studies, and exploratory subjects, giving students the opportunity to discover new interests and experience a broad range of learning.

This approach keeps students focused on a manageable number of courses while providing variety throughout the year.

Start Strong With Student Orientation

Before students can begin their first Junior High courses, they must complete a required one-week Student Orientation course.

Orientation helps students and families get comfortable with the online learning experience before coursework begins. Students will learn how to navigate their courses, understand expectations, use important tools and resources, and prepare for success in an asynchronous learning environment.

Important: Orientation Comes First

Students must successfully complete the one-week Student Orientation course before they can begin their first set of courses.

Be sure to allow enough time to complete orientation before your preferred course start date.

Start Dates

Choose Your Course Start Date

McKenna Online offers multiple Junior High course start dates throughout the school year, giving families flexibility in choosing when to begin.

2026–2027 Course Start Dates

August 24
September 14
October 5
October 26
November 16
December 14
January 18
February 8
March 1

Planning to Start?

Remember: Student Orientation must be completed before your student can begin their first Junior High course.

Plan ahead so your student has time to complete the required one-week orientation before the course start date you choose.

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Explore Junior High Courses

Students participate in engaging 3-week microcourses, giving them opportunities to explore new interests, develop practical skills, and dive into focused, high-interest topics in dynamic short-term sessions.

Course Catalog Course Catalog

Beyond the Screen

Building Community Connection is an important part of the junior high experience. Students will have opportunities to participate in:

Student activities and virtual events
In-person field trips across Idaho
Clubs and interest-based groups
Community-building experiences with peers

Why Families Choose McKenna Online

Tuition-free public charter school
Serving students statewide across Idaho
Flexible asynchronous learning model
Project-based curriculum
Engaging 3-week microcourses
Student activities, field trips, and clubs
Certified Idaho teachers
25 years of virtual education experience
Established high school pathway

Whether your family is seeking flexibility, a personalized learning environment, or a consistent statewide online option, our new junior high program continues the trusted legacy Idaho families have relied on for decades.