Education
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
Katy ISD to launch full-time virtual high school campus in 2026
Katy ISD is set to expand its digital learning landscape with the launch of Legacy Virtual High School—a full-time virtual campus set to open in fall 2026. The school is made possible by the 89th Leg- islature’s passage of Senate Bill 569 that authorizes public school districts to operate virtual schools. Since 2011, officials said KISD has integrated vir- tual learning into its programs and began certifying in-house virtual teachers in 2015-16. This summer alone, over 6,900 students participated in virtual instruction, with growing demand for full-time. Who’s eligible? Emily Craig, assistant superintendent of school leadership and support, said LVHS aims to serve a diverse student body, including those seeking flexible schedules, accelerated learning or special- ized courses unavailable in their local schools or homeschool programs. The school will offer free, full-time enrollment to Katy ISD students and Texas residents, per a Sept. 22
news release. Part-time, tuition-based courses will also be available for students seeking advanced, accelerated or supplemental classes not offered at their home campuses. Out-of-district students must apply to enroll for access to part-time courses. The financials Full-time enrollment at LVHS will generate aver- age daily attendance funding for Katy ISD, including the basic allotment of $6,215 and applicable weights for special programming—allowing the program to be free for eligible students, officials said. For part-time learners, Superintendent Ken Gregorski said tuition rates will be competitively priced to align with the state’s Texas Virtual Schools Network, which currently charges between $300 and $500 per semester. Next steps Craig said a website is set to launch in
Recruiting virtual instructors The district anticipates recruiting teachers from several sources for these adjunct positions, including: Current KISD instructors and nonteaching staff Former KISD instructors in nonteaching roles Individuals who left the classroom but want to continue teaching part-time Retired personnel Substitutes or teachers employed in other districts NOTE: UNLIKE TRADITIONAL TEACHING ROLES, ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS WILL BE COMPENSATED PER COURSE AND PER ENROLLED STUDENT—SIMILAR TO THE PAY MODEL USED IN HIGHER EDUCATION.
SOURCE: KATY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
mid-October with enrollment opening in February. Interested families can complete the interest form on the district’s website to stay informed on application timelines, course offerings and eligibility requirements, per the release.
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KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION
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