The program is designed for:

• Students in grades 9–12; for the 26-27 school year, the program will launch with only students in grades 9 and 10
• Students who are on grade level academically (scoring meets on both math and reading STAAR)
• Students who may struggle with attendance but who are performing well academically
• Students who need flexibility with their schedule

No–it is a program within our district. Students will maintain enrollment in their home campus while attending all of their classes in a virtual environment. This allows students to stay connected to their school community and transition back to full on-campus learning seamlessly, if needed.

The Virtual School uses a blended model that includes:

• Asynchronous coursework for electives, and an increasing number of core classes as students progress
• Flexible scheduling options, including morning-only, evening-only, or limited-day schedules
• Fridays dedicated to tutoring, office hours, and student check-ins

Flexibility is earned and maintained based on student performance. Students who demonstrate mastery gain more independence, while students who need additional support receive more structured guidance. Support levels are reviewed every grading cycle to ensure students stay on track.

Students are placed into one of several support pathways, which may include:

• Required weekly structured support sessions;
• Daily check-ins or partial on-campus support, if students struggle academically;
• A full return to on-campus learning if virtual participation is no longer the best fit

Yes. Students are required to take all mandatory state testing in person, including STAAR end-of-course exams, PSAT, TSIA, SAT, and ACT testing.

Students will have access to:

• Core academic courses (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies)
• Asynchronous electives
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) options–both live at Barbara Jordan Career Center and virtual
• Dual credit and postsecondary pathway opportunities

Yes. The Virtual School includes postsecondary pathways that allow eligible students to earn college credit, pursue an associate degree through virtual coursework, graduate early, or continue into advanced CTE programs of study.

• Late March 2026: Application opens and community communications begin
• March–April 2026: Application window is open
• April 30, 2026: Application window closes
• May 2026: Lottery is conducted and families are notified
• June 2026: Students are enrolled
• May–August 2026: Applications may be accepted for any remaining seats

If a student is not successful in the virtual environment, they can transition back to their home campus with additional academic and attendance supports. The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to student needs.

Families will be invited to virtual information sessions and will receive access to recorded presentations, a Virtual School handbook, and direct support from program coordinators throughout the application and enrollment process.