Katy ISD Announces Virtual High School Creating More Academic Options for Katy Students and Beyond
- ncookclark
- 2 days ago
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 23, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy ISD announced at last night’s Board of Trustees meeting that they will launch its Innovative Pathways program, expanding virtual learning opportunities next fall.
Katy ISD plans to launch its Innovative Pathways program in Fall 2026, expanding virtual learning opportunities for students both in-district and statewide. This initiative is the Legacy Virtual High School, a forward-thinking virtual campus that combines innovative learning with Katy ISD's hallmark of unparalleled learning experiences.
“Our expanded virtual options will be designed to provide students with access to the same exceptional, rigorous education Katy ISD is known for, now in a virtual format that offers flexibility, accessibility and convenience," says Katy ISD Deputy Superintendent Leslie Haack.
This new virtual school will offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options to meet the diverse needs of students across Texas. Legacy Virtual High School enrollment will open in February 2026, with classes commencing in Fall 2026.
This expanded virtual learning option will be a game-changer for families, in-district and across the state, seeking the excellence and reputation of a Katy ISD education in a flexible, virtual environment.
Full time enrollment in Legacy Virtual High School will offer free tuition for eligible Katy ISD high schoolers and other in-state, full-time students. In addition, students will have access to tuition-based part-time courses, giving them the opportunity to supplement their district graduation plan with core and original credit courses, advanced placement (AP) and dual credit courses that may not be available at their local school districts or through a home school program.
“It’s all about personalized learning, expanding the District’s ability to better support students with unique learning needs, including those seeking additional core and original credit course opportunities, accelerated coursework or those in need of a more flexible schedule,” explains Haack.
The virtual high school will offer a robust menu of courses along with graduation plans with endorsements that may include multidisciplinary, arts & humanities, business & industry and STEM-computer science. All virtual learning teachers hold State Board of Education Certification and complete extensive additional training to deliver virtual instruction.
This is not the District’s first endeavor into virtual learning. Katy ISD first offered virtual summer semester courses in 2011 and expanded to provide additional virtual courses in the spring of 2025. Texas State Senate Bill 569, passed in the 89th Legislature, opened the door for districts to expand virtual learning options and serve more students.
In-district and state-wide full-time students will be able to attend Legacy Virtual High School for free. Out-of-district enrollees will need to complete an enrollment application to attend, or to take tuition-based, part-time courses.
Future students interested in Legacy Virtual High School are encouraged to complete the Legacy Virtual High School Interest Form to receive updates on program criteria and upcoming deadlines.