Bryan ISD trustees took steps May 4 to launch a new tuition-free virtual learning option for students, approving a contract to move forward with the district's Virtual Academy beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
Long story short
The Bryan ISD Virtual Academy will serve students in third through 12th grade and offer two different virtual programs: a full-time virtual program and a hybrid option, which combines online instruction with limited on-campus learning. The hybrid option will only be available for seventh-graders and higher.
Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Barbara Ybarra said the program, associated with Connections Education LLC, is designed to provide families with more flexibility while maintaining academic discipline, success and support access to traditional school opportunities.
How it works
Students enrolled in the virtual academy will still be connected to Bryan ISD campuses and may participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics, fine arts, career and technical education programs and student organizations.
Coursework will include Advanced Placement classes, dual-credit opportunities and college- and career-ready pathways. Admission will be based on a review of academic performance and state testing results to ensure students are prepared for the demands of online learning.
Teachers participating in the program will receive specialized training and agree to teach in a virtual environment under new state guidelines, set by Senate Bill 569 during the 89th Texas Legislature.
The program includes several requirements:
- Students must log in daily and meet attendance expectations.
- Families must provide a dedicated learning space and parental support.
- Students may be required to go to a physical campus for testing or technical courses.
How we got here
Under Texas Education Agency guidance tied to the new law, districts may use virtual or hybrid programs within existing campuses without creating a separate school, provided virtual enrollment remains below 50% of campus totals.
Ybarra said the program aims to serve students who may benefit from a nontraditional setting, including those with health needs or families seeking flexible schedules.
In similar news
Trustees also approved policy updates allowing certain advanced academic programs—including the virtual academy—to accept out-of-district students, pending available space.
Before you go
The virtual academy will be free to families, with early enrollment open through Aug. 10 ahead of the program's August launch.
There will be several informational meeting opportunities to learn more about the virtual academy. In-person sessions will be held at Bryan ISD, 801 S. Ennis St., at 5:30 p.m. May 13 and 19. The district said there will also be recorded Zoom sessions at noon on those days, but did not include links to those calls.
Also on the agenda
Trustees also received informational presentations from the Texas Association of School Business Officials and a district budget development update. Data presented showed that about 70% of Texas school districts are expected to make budget cuts in the coming years, and Bryan ISD is carefully monitoring its expenses, noting that payroll makes up roughly 85% of the budget.
