Education Plan Overview

Creating an education plan is the first step in customizing your student's learning journey with OpenEd.

It's a simple but powerful tool that outlines what your student will study throughout the year.

It also serves as a personalized roadmap for their education.

Your student's plan connects their learning to academic tracking and available funding, giving you access to the support and flexibility needed to design a school year that fits their unique needs.

Please keep in mind: Plan requirements may vary slightly depending on your student's grade level.

Why We Have an Education Plan – And Why It Matters

At OpenEd, the education plan is more than just another form to fill out. It's the foundation of how we personalize learning, connect families to funding, and build trust with our school partners. If you're wondering why this plan matters so much, here's what every parent should know.

A Bridge Between Trust, Funding, and Flexibility

The education plan benefits everyone: it gives your family the freedom to shape your student's education, and gives our team the structure we need to support you with confidence.

The Education Plan Represents Both Commitment and Opportunity

Commitment: Participation

When you create your student's education plan, you're setting the foundation for weekly participation in their core subjects. OpenEd teachers use the plan to track learning throughout the year; this record of participation becomes the pass/fail grade submitted to your student's partner school.

It's all about having a clear, meaningful record of your student's educational journey.

Opportunity: Funding

Because no two learners are the same, we know education often extends beyond traditional subject lists. The education plan allows you to add new areas of study mid-year—perfect for when your student discovers a new passion or learning need.

As long as a subject is included on the plan, your wallet funds can be used for educational resources that support that area—even if it wasn't part of your original plan. This flexibility is one of the most empowering aspects of learning with OpenEd.

Why It Matters for Your Family

1. It personalizes your student's learning.

You'll design a plan that reflects your student's interests, goals, and learning pace—while still meeting your school's basic academic requirements.

2. It guides your year.

The education plan helps you decide which subjects your student will explore. On their weekly learning log, your student will share a short reflection on any subject area or competency that they focused on during the past week.

State-Specific Information

Utah

Includes details about required subjects vs independent studies
Explains that required subjects cannot be changed after school year begins while independent studies can be added/deleted anytime

Keep in mind:

On your student's education plan, you'll see two types of subjects: required subjects and independent studies.

Independent studies can be added or deleted to your student's education plan at any time. Required subjects can't be changed after the school year begins.

Montana

Includes details about required subjects vs independent studies
Explains that required subjects cannot be changed after school year begins while independent studies can be added/deleted anytime

Keep in mind:

On your student's education plan, you'll see two types of subjects: required subjects and independent studies.

Independent studies can be added or deleted to your student's education plan at any time. Required subjects can't be changed after the school year begins.

Minnesota

Includes specific section about earning a state-certified diploma
Mentions state graduation requirements and approved providers requirement

Earning A State-Certified Diploma

In Minnesota, students pursue a state-certified diploma through their school of enrollment by meeting the state graduation requirements.

Your student will need to choose classes from a specific list of providers approved by their school of enrollment (more info coming soon).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an education plan and why is it important?

An education plan is a personalized roadmap that outlines what your student will study throughout the year with OpenEd. It's important because it connects learning to academic tracking and funding, allows you to customize your student's education while meeting school requirements, and serves as the foundation for weekly participation tracking.

How does the education plan relate to funding?

The education plan determines which subjects are eligible for wallet fund spending. As long as a subject is included on the plan, your wallet funds can be used for educational resources that support that area—even if it wasn't part of your original plan. You can also add new areas of study mid-year when your student discovers new interests.

What's the difference between required subjects and independent studies?

Required subjects cannot be changed after the school year begins, while independent studies can be added or deleted from your student's education plan at any time. This applies in states like Utah and Montana where this distinction is made.

How does the education plan affect my student's grades?

OpenEd teachers use the education plan to track your student's weekly participation in core subjects throughout the year. This record of participation becomes the pass/fail grade that gets submitted to your student's partner school.

Can I modify my student's education plan during the school year?

Yes, you can add new areas of study mid-year, which is perfect for when your student discovers a new passion or learning need. However, in some states, required subjects cannot be changed once the school year begins, while independent studies can be modified anytime.