Original Research by School Decision on Level up K-5 Virtual Academy
Level Up K-5 Virtual Academy is a Minnesota public charter school serving kindergarten through fifth grade entirely online. With a very small enrollment, it represents a specialized option within the broader educational landscape of White Bear Lake and Ramsey County, one that fits families who prioritize a fully remote elementary experience over a traditional brick-and-mortar setting.
The school draws students from across a wide geographic area, though its administrative address is in White Bear Lake, a lakeside suburban city roughly 20 miles north of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. White Bear Lake retains a distinct small-town identity despite its proximity to the Twin Cities. Its downtown core along Highway 61 is walkable and features restaurants, bars, and shops, plus a weekly summer Marketfest. The lake itself is central to community life, supporting sailing, fishing, ice fishing, and other seasonal recreation. Major employers headquartered there include Smarte Carte and Magnepan, and International Paper operates a large facility. The city’s population has been relatively stable, with a slight recent decline; an ongoing civic concern involves managing the lake’s water levels, which have fluctuated and prompted study proposals. Schools in the area, including this virtual academy, operate on campuses separate from the downtown core. The district overseeing the school is Level Up Academy, and a search for recent district-level changes did not turn up any with lasting, parent-relevant impact.
The school’s student body of about the size one would expect for a niche virtual program is diverse in its racial and ethnic composition. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on the share of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and English Learner status was not available. The school’s charter status means it operates independently under a contract, with a specific instructional mission that is fully virtual for its K-5 grade span.
Because the school serves only kindergarten through fifth grade, there are no state testing results or a graduation rate to report. This is a natural consequence of the grade band, not a reflection on the quality of instruction. The absence of these metrics means a parent cannot compare academic proficiency in the usual way. What is known is the school’s structure: it delivers instruction remotely, and the small enrollment suggests a close-knit, potentially highly individualized setting.
There were no program offerings listed for the school. Families considering this academy will want to learn directly from the school what its curriculum looks like, how live instruction and independent work are balanced, what supports are available for students who need extra help, and how the school fosters social connection among students who do not share a physical classroom. The virtual format is the defining characteristic, and a parent’s fit depends heavily on whether that model matches their child’s learning style and their family’s capacity to support at-home learning.
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