Locally-Based K-12 Online Learning
About UpNorth Virtual
Enroll Today!
Traverse City Area Public Schools is pleased to offer families a full-time K-12 online learning program. Open to K-12 students in the five-county region, UpNorth Virtual (UPNV) K-8 and the Compass Learning Center 9-12, provide a unique opportunity for students to receive 100% of their courses virtually while still being part of a local school community.
Every student learns differently and what works for one, may not work for another. No matter the reason, whether, you are homeschooled or you just prefer to work at your own pace, we are here for your learning journey.
For more information about enrolling in UpNorth Virtual, please contact your student's home school.
What Makes UpNorth Virtual Unique?
UpNorth Virtual allows families to choose a full-time online learning program, while still being part of a local school community, including opportunities to participate in school activities and events and to utilize school resources, like counseling services, while taking courses completely online.
The district utilizes Lincoln Learning, an online platform for K-5 students and Edgenuity for secondary students (grades 6-12). The curriculum is aligned with state standards. In addition, the district will offer local connections and enrichment opportunities. Local learning labs will be held where students can study from school libraries and receive support from a teacher or mentor.
UpNorth Virtual On Demand Available
Full-time, self-paced virtual learning opportunity utilizing Lincoln Learning (K-5) and Edgenuity (6-12) taught by Michigan certified teachers with TCAPS staff support. Students can make arrangements where they can study from school libraries and receive support from a teacher or mentor. Contact your mentor to schedule an appointment.
Note: When a student with a disability, or the student’s guardian, requests registration for virtual learning, the IEP team must convene to consider how registering in virtual courses will impact provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for a student with a disability. The IEP team will need to determine if virtual education is appropriate for the student to receive FAPE. Additionally, the IEP team must make decisions about virtual registration and develop an IEP that describes how FAPE will be provided in conjunction with virtual courses before registration is considered at the district level.
Students will also be able to connect to a school community and access services like counseling. Available for students in grades K-12.
Elementary UPV On Demand: Start of School / Mentor Information
UpNorth Virtual On Demand - Elementary
Elementary 2023-2024 UpNorth Virtual Learning
The enrollment period is now open for families wishing to request participation in UpNorth Virtual OnDemand. For more information or to enroll now, please contact your student's home school.
Program Overview
UpNorth Virtual On Demand Elementary Overview
For Technology Issues
For technology issues, please complete this 
Tech Help Request Form, or contact the student help desk at tech-info@tcaps.net or 231.933.3328.
Teacher Mentors
Every On Demand student is assigned to a TCAPS Mentor. They will be checking in with you weekly to make sure you are making the progress needed and are finding success in your online learning. Students may arrange for in-person meetings by appointment.
Teacher of Record/Mentor
Rhonda Busch
Email: BUSCHRH@tcaps.net
Learning Labs
Students can make arrangements where they can study from school libraries and receive support from a teacher or mentor during. Contact your mentor to schedule an appointment.
Learning Platforms
- For school each day you will be logging in to Lincoln Learning (https://pulse.llsapps.org). This is where all of your learning will take place.
- Your username for Lincoln Learning is the same as your username and password for all TCAPS programs. If you do not know this, please contact your mentor. They will help you get logged in to Lincoln Learning. If that still doesn’t work, please contact info@tcaps.net.
Secondary UPV On Demand: Start of School / Mentor Information
UpNorth Virtual On Demand - Secondary Students
Secondary (6-12) 2023-2024 Virtual Learning
The enrollment period is now open for families wishing to request participation in UpNorth Virtual Programming. Please keep in mind that learning option selections require a semester-long commitment and are contingent on space availability. The deadline to request a UpNorth Virtual Programming is August 19th, 2022.
All secondary (middle school and high school) students that desire UpNorth Virtual Programming should complete the corresponding form below and connect directly with the Middle School or High School:
- East Middle School: 231.933.7300
- West Middle School: 231.933.8200
- TCAPS Montessori: 231.933.6420
- Central High School: 231.933.6500
- West Senior High School: 231.933.7500
- Traverse City High School: 231.933.5860
Please note virtual learning is not always an appropriate educational option. TCAPS will make placement decisions for the UpNorth Virtual Learning program based on the individual learning needs of each student. Students who previously struggled with online learning or require more intensive assistance than currently available through the UpNorth Virtual platform will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for enrollment. For more information, please contact your student’s building.
For Technology Issues
For technology issues, please complete this Tech Help Request Form, or contact the student help desk at tech-info@tcaps.net or 231.933-3328.
Learning Labs for On Demand Students
Every On Demand student is assigned to a TCAPS Mentor. We will be checking in with you bi-weekly to make sure you are making adequate progress and are finding success in your online learning.
Time slots to meet may be available by appointment only. Contact your mentor by contacting your school to schedule an appointment.
Virtual Course Offerings
The district utilizes Lincoln Learning, an online platform for K-5 students and Edgenuity and Michigan Virtual for secondary students (grades 6-12). All curriculum aligns with state standards.
For Homeschool Students
UpNorth Virtual is a tuition-free, full-time online public school option. Perfectly designed for homeschool students and students seeking an education outside of the traditional classroom, this program uses a personal approach to empower students to learn in a way that is suited to their strengths and needs.
UpNorth Virtual Offers
- A high quality, free K-12 in-home, 100% virtual learning experience
- Flexible pacing with an individualized approach to learning
- Support from passionate, experienced, professional teachers and/or mentors
- Local learning labs available for students to study in school libraries
- Local connections and enrichment opportunities offered
- Option to belong to participate in school events and activities
- Option to participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities
- Access to school resources, like counseling services, technology, etc.
- Access to courses anywhere, anytime
- An active, supportive school community
For More Information
For more information, please contact Kelly Walter at 231.933.1775 or walterke@tcaps.net.
Enroll Now
For UpNorth OnDemand enrollment please contact your student’s home school directly.
