Frisco ISD has entered into a new partnership with Elite Hockey Academy.
The academy is a hockey development program that aims to prepare students for success academically and on the ice, according to the website. The partnership is expected to provide more academic opportunities for student-athletes through the Frisco Flex virtual learning program, according to an April 9 district news release.
What's happening?
The agreement went into effect March 9 and allows FISD to offer full-time instruction through its Frisco Flex program to students competing in high-level hockey.
The Frisco Flex program is new virtual learning option for high school students across Texas, which the district will start in the fall 2026, according to its website. It provides both a fully online and hybrid program.
The fully online model provides a path to graduation through online courses taught by FISD teachers. The program is available to Texas residents, and coursework must be completed within Texas. The hybrid program will combine online and on-campus learning. Students who take a minimum of four courses will be considered hybrid. This program is available for current FISD students and incoming ninth graders enrolled in Access Frisco, according to previous reporting.
“This partnership is about doing what we’ve always done—putting students first and helping each one reach their full potential,” Superintendent Todd Fouche said in the news release. “Frisco Flex allows student-athletes to pursue elite training opportunities while staying connected to the strong academics, relationships and supports that help them succeed.”
Some context
FISD continues to face declining student enrollment and recently launched its Access Frisco program, which allows kindergarten through seventh-grade students from surrounding areas to attend FISD schools. The program started in the 2025-26 school year.
The details
Under the agreement, FISD will oversee academics, including managing student records and delivering a curriculum that meets state standards. A certified teacher will also be assigned to provide academic support at practice facilities, with the goal of allowing students to balance schoolwork with training.The cost of the on-site teaching position will be shared between the district and Elite Hockey Academy until the 2028-29 school year, when the hockey program assumes full program costs, the news release stated.
The news release details that under the agreement:
