Course Offerings
Your High School Experience, Upgraded
Big changes are underway at Stillwater Area High School to better meet the needs of our students! Starting in 2026-27, SAHS students will have more room in their day to take elective courses, more ways to earn college credit without leaving campus, and more flexibility to complete coursework when and where they’d like.
- Time To Take More Elective Classes
New class schedule allows you to take 8 more electives during your 4 years at SAHS - More Ways to Earn College Credit. Right Here.
Earn up to 60 college credits - even get a two-year college degree - without ever leaving campus - Industry Certifications
Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or earn Digital Technologies certifications - Online Academy
Core classes taught by Stillwater teachers for flexible, fully online learning - Expanded Career and College Pathways
Explore careers, gain real-work experiences, and plan for your future
2026-27 Course Registration Guide
Explore Your Course Options
Beyond the required core classes, Stillwater Area High School offers a wide variety of elective options. Students can choose classes that match their passions, earn them college credit, or prepare them for a career.
For a full list of classes, descriptions, and prerequisites visit SchooLinks.
College Credit
More Ways to Earn College Credit
You don't have to leave campus to take high-level courses or earn college credit. Whether you're headed to a four-year university, technical college, the military, an apprenticeship, or straight into the workforce, Stillwater gives you more routes to get there.
Why Choose
- Save Money: Earn up to two years of college for free, saving families $24,000+ in tuition and fees.
- Save Time: You can start college with all of your general education requirements completed and begin your major and minor classes sooner.
- Guaranteed Transferability: Your credits are transferable to all public state colleges and universities and the University of Minnesota.
- Build Confidence: Experience college-level learning with the built-in support of your Stillwater teachers and counselors.
College Credit Opportunities
College Acceleration - Start Your Future Now!
Imagine starting your university career as a junior - That’s the power of our College Acceleration program. You can pursue two distinct options for college acceleration, with the Minnesota Transfer Credit (MnTC) Certification serving as the necessary foundation for the Associate of Arts Degree.
MInnesota Transfer Credit (MnTC) Certification
Guaranteed to fulfill all lower division general education requirements at every public college and university in Minnesota (including the University of Minnesota system)
Enter college with your general credits satisfied.
You will still need to complete specific pre-major or elective courses that were not covered
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree
The AA degree transfers seamlessly to Minnesota state colleges and universities and is accepted at most four-year schools across the country.
Enter college with your general education courses done and ready to focus entirely on credits required for your major
Industry Certifications
Healthcare Endorsement Program
Earn College Credit, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification and Gain Real-World Experience
Our Healthcare Program of Study prepares our students for high-demand healthcare careers starting in high school at no cost to families.
Students gain access to real-world learning from:
• Bethel University
• Presbyterian Homes & Services/Boutwells Landing (CNA sponsor)
• HealthPartners
• Gillette Children’s
Digital Technologies Program
Build In-Demand Tech Skills, Earn College Credit and Prepare for Future Careers
Our Digital Technologies Program is a career-aligned pathway designed to help students develop the skills needed for the fastest-growing careers in technology.
Students will explore computer science foundations, build real-world coding experience, and learn the digital tools and industry practices driving today’s innovation economy.
Online Academy
Online Academy
We’re committed to serving a diverse community of students who want a flexible, high-quality educational experience. Our program provides a personalized path to success that values student voice and choice, adapts to different learning styles and schedules, and builds the digital skills students need for future careers and lifelong learning.
Why Choose Stillwater Online Academy?
- Stillwater Curriculum – Courses aligned with Minnesota state standards and district goals.
- Stillwater Teachers – Experienced, licensed educators from your community.
- Your Community – Stay connected to Stillwater schools, activities, and athletics while learning in a flexible environment.
With Stillwater Online Academy, you can expect:
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A flexible schedule that works with your life.
- A personalized learning path that matches your goals.
High-quality courses designed and taught by Stillwater teachers. - A support system of caring teachers to help you stay on track.
Key Features of Our Online Academy
- Courses Available – Students can choose from a wide range of core classes, including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health & Physical Education. These courses are aligned with district curriculum and provide the same high-quality instruction as in-person learning.
- Student Orientation – Every student and family participates in a guided orientation that introduces the online learning platform and expectations. This orientation helps build confidence and ensures students know how to navigate Schoology, access resources, and communicate with teachers.
- Engaging Instruction – Online courses combine video lessons, interactive activities, projects, an d virtual discussions to keep learning dynamic and meaningful. Teachers provide multiple ways to learn and demonstrate understanding, giving students choice in how they engage with the material and show what they’ve learned.
- Supports and Resources – Students have access to teachers, technology support, counseling, and academic help throughout the program. These supports are designed to ensure every learner stays on track and feels connected to their school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment & Registration
Who can enroll in SAOA?
Students in grades 9–12 within Stillwater Area Public Schools may enroll.
How do I register?
Register through your school counselor during the regular registration window.
Can my student transfer back to in-person school mid-year?
Students commit to a semester at a time. Transfers typically occur at the start of a new semester or school year.
Is this program available for short-term needs (illness, travel, etc.)?
No. Online Academy is designed for full-term enrollment. Families needing short-term flexibility should contact their counselor.
Courses & Academics
What courses are offered?
Students can take a wide range of core classes, including:
- Online English 10
- Online English 11
- Online English 12
- Online Algebra 2
- Online Algebra 3
- Online Pre-Calc
- Online Chemistry
- Online US History
- Online Economics
- Online Government and Politics
- Online Personal and Community Health
- Online Fitness for Life
Will my student be on track for graduation?
Yes. Online students earn the same credits as in-person students, and all courses count toward graduation requirements.
Are honors or advanced courses available?
Not at this time, but may be considered for the future.
What is the expected workload?
Students should plan to spend 5–6 hours per week per course; this is similar to an in-person course.
How does grading work?
Grading policies match those used in Stillwater Area High School. Feedback is timely, and students are evaluated through both formative and summative assessments.
Learning Experience
Do students follow a daily schedule?
Online high school courses are intended to be self-paced and courses are primarily asynchronous, meaning students can choose when to complete work each day. However, students are expected to log into Schoology daily and show consistent progress.
What does a typical course include?
- Video lessons
- Readings
- Interactive activities
- Projects and assessments
- Online discussions
Teachers may provide pacing guides and suggested weekly schedules.
How do students interact with teachers?
Courses are taught by licensed Stillwater teachers who provide feedback, host office hours, and communicate regularly. Some courses may include optional synchronous sessions.
Is orientation required?
Yes. Students and families complete a required in person or virtual orientation to learn how to use Schoology, manage deadlines, and access resources.
Technology
Will students receive a device?
Yes. Each student receives a district-issued Chromebook.
What if we don’t have internet access?
Families needing internet support should contact SAOA staff to explore assistance options.
What platforms are used?
- Schoology (grades 4–12)
- Other district-approved EdTech tools (Nearpod, Padlet, Brisk, etc.)
Attendance & Accountability
Do students need to log in every day?
Yes. Students must check Schoology daily and make progress each week. A good benchmark is completing 8–10% of a course per week.
How is attendance tracked?
Regular log-ins, assignment completion, and communication with teachers are used to track attendance and engagement.
What happens if a student falls behind?
Teachers will reach out, and students may be required to attend office hours (in-person or virtual) until they are back on track.
Student Life & Supports
Can students participate in extracurriculars and athletics?
Yes. SAOA students remain enrolled in Stillwater Area High School and are eligible for athletics, clubs, and activities (following MSHSL/WIAA guidelines).
Where can students complete their coursework?
Students may work from home, or they may use dedicated supervised spaces at Stillwater High School if they prefer in-school support.
What supports are available?
- Teacher office hours
- Tech help desk
- Counseling services
- Special education and 504 supports
- Academic interventions for students not on pace
How are social-emotional needs supported?
Teachers and counselors integrate SEL (social-emotional learning) check-ins and activities. Families are encouraged to communicate needs early so support can be provided.
Parent & Family Support
What is expected of parents/guardians?
Parents play an active role in student success by:
- Providing a distraction-free study space at home
- Encouraging consistent daily routines
- Checking Schoology Parent Access for progress updates
- Talking regularly with their student about coursework
- Encouraging students to contact teachers directly
How do families communicate with staff?
- Teachers respond to emails or voicemails within one business day
- Families receive monthly newsletters with course updates.
- Parent-teacher conferences follow the district model (currently in-person, with virtual options expanding).
General Questions
Why choose SAOA?
- Flexibility to learn on your own schedule
- Same rigorous curriculum as Stillwater schools
- Taught by Stillwater teachers you know and trust
- Preparation for college and careers through digital learning skills
Will online courses prepare my student for the future?
Yes. Online learning develops independence, responsibility, and digital literacy—skills essential for success in college, careers, and life.
Unique Academic Options
Minnesota Bilingual Seals are an official academic recognition of a student's bilingualism and biliteracy. The Seal recognizes a student's linguistic and intercultural competence, and it can enhance college applications and job prospects. The Seal can also earn students free college credit at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Pathways
Find Your Path
Stillwater’s Pathways Program helps you explore careers, discover your strengths, and plan your courses to match your future goals. Whether you’re curious about healthcare, technology, business, or the arts, Pathways gives you the tools, experiences, and guidance to start building your future while still in high school.
How Pathways Works:
• Course Exploration: Take classes in various pathway areas to see what sparks your interest.
• College and Career Exploration: Attend career fairs, college tours, or guest speaker events.
• Real-World Experience: Participate in internships and job-shadowing opportunities.
• Support & Guidance: Pathways coordinators help you select courses, plan your schedule, and connect you with opportunities. Pathway Coordinators help connect students with industry partners, internships, volunteer opportunities, and future careers.
Why It Matters:
• Explore different careers before committing to college or a job.
• Build a resume or portfolio that sets you apart for college or work.
• Make meaningful connections with local businesses, colleges, and mentors.