Our Story
Our Story: The Journey of Cyprus Academy Online
March 2020: A New Chapter Begins
For years, families from outside the Twin Cities asked if Cyprus Classical Academy could offer its award-winning gifted program online. When COVID-19 forced schools to shut down in March 2020, we saw the opportunity to bring this idea to life.
Unlike most schools that pivoted to asynchronous learning, Cyprus launched 100% live, teacher-led online classes, preserving our students’ daily routines and academic momentum. Even in a time of uncertainty, our students stayed connected, supported, and challenged.
July 2020: Opening Our Virtual Doors Worldwide
By summer, Cyprus Academy officially launched its online school to students across the country. With small, ability-based virtual classes, live instruction, and a strong sense of community, we brought the full Cyprus experience to families who had long dreamed of access, and as it turned, out, several students traveled worldwide with continuity in learning.
2020-2021: An Expansive Community of Gifted Learners
During the 2020-2021 school year, we enrolled students from many US States. Our students experienced something rare: an ability-based education tailored to their pace and level—no matter where they lived. They formed meaningful friendships across time zones, working together and growing as a truly global learning community.
Recognizing the power of these social connections, we made it a priority to continue fostering deep student relationships—even after local learners returned on-site.
Planning for a Unified Community
As the school year continued, we prepared to move into our new building in Burnsville, MN. Knowing the importance of maintaining our online community, we redesigned our classrooms for integrated learning - equipping them with technology that allowed every student, online or on-site, to see, hear, and fully engage with one another.
April 2021: Integrated Learning in Action
When the new campus opened in spring 2021, our integrated model came to life. Online and on-site students participated together in live, interactive classe-sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, and even forming friendships that led to cross-country visits. Our vision for a unified learning community became reality.
2021–2022: Expanding with Intention
In our first full year of integrated learning, we welcomed even more students from states throughout the country. We also discovered that while some classes thrive as fully integrated, others work best in distinct online or on-site formats. We continue to refine placements with one goal in mind: to create the strongest learning and social environments for every student.
2023–2024: Strengthening Our Online Program
With continued growth and momentum, we welcomed a dedicated online teacher to our staff—an experienced educator who specializes in engaging gifted students in virtual settings. Our commitment to high-quality online education remains strong, and our program continues to evolve to meet the needs of gifted learners everywhere.
For years, families from outside the Twin Cities asked if Cyprus Classical Academy could offer its award-winning gifted program online. When COVID-19 forced schools to shut down in March 2020, we saw the opportunity to bring this idea to life.
Unlike most schools that pivoted to asynchronous learning, Cyprus launched 100% live, teacher-led online classes, preserving our students’ daily routines and academic momentum. Even in a time of uncertainty, our students stayed connected, supported, and challenged.
July 2020: Opening Our Virtual Doors Worldwide
By summer, Cyprus Academy officially launched its online school to students across the country. With small, ability-based virtual classes, live instruction, and a strong sense of community, we brought the full Cyprus experience to families who had long dreamed of access, and as it turned, out, several students traveled worldwide with continuity in learning.
2020-2021: An Expansive Community of Gifted Learners
During the 2020-2021 school year, we enrolled students from many US States. Our students experienced something rare: an ability-based education tailored to their pace and level—no matter where they lived. They formed meaningful friendships across time zones, working together and growing as a truly global learning community.
Recognizing the power of these social connections, we made it a priority to continue fostering deep student relationships—even after local learners returned on-site.
Planning for a Unified Community
As the school year continued, we prepared to move into our new building in Burnsville, MN. Knowing the importance of maintaining our online community, we redesigned our classrooms for integrated learning - equipping them with technology that allowed every student, online or on-site, to see, hear, and fully engage with one another.
April 2021: Integrated Learning in Action
When the new campus opened in spring 2021, our integrated model came to life. Online and on-site students participated together in live, interactive classe-sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, and even forming friendships that led to cross-country visits. Our vision for a unified learning community became reality.
2021–2022: Expanding with Intention
In our first full year of integrated learning, we welcomed even more students from states throughout the country. We also discovered that while some classes thrive as fully integrated, others work best in distinct online or on-site formats. We continue to refine placements with one goal in mind: to create the strongest learning and social environments for every student.
2023–2024: Strengthening Our Online Program
With continued growth and momentum, we welcomed a dedicated online teacher to our staff—an experienced educator who specializes in engaging gifted students in virtual settings. Our commitment to high-quality online education remains strong, and our program continues to evolve to meet the needs of gifted learners everywhere.
|
Building Traditions - Together for Visit Week
Since 2021, we’ve invited our online students from around the country to join us in Minnesota for Visit Week, a beloved end-of-year tradition. During this week, students participate in a wide range of on-site events alongside their peers, including:
|
|
|