Editor's note: The article has been corrected to reflect that the program is called Clear Tech.
Elementary to ninth-grade students at Clear Creek ISD will have the opportunity to enroll in online courses through the Texas Tech K-12 program for the 2026-27 school year, according to a March 3 news release from the district.
While the district has launched the partnership with Texas Tech University, district officials will still need to finalize a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, following approval at the March 2 board of trustees workshop.
About the program
Students enrolled in the program, called Clear Tech, will complete asynchronous, Texas Essential Knowledge of Skills-aligned, or TEKS, coursework through the Texas Tech K-12 program, according to the news release.
According to the news release, the full-time and tuition-free virtual learning model is ideal for:
- Students with demanding schedules due to competitive sports and club programs
- Homeschool families seeking curriculum with flexible in-person support
- Families looking for a non-traditional school day option
The program will be available to elementary, intermediate and ninth-grade students for the 2026-27 school year, with additional high school grade levels offered for the 2027-28 school year, according to the news release.
Those interested in the program are encouraged to apply by May 15.
What parents should know
The district will host multiple informational meetings through March and April, including:
- March 19: virtual Zoom session, options include 10:30 a.m., noon and 6:00 p.m.
- March 24: virtual Zoom session, options include noon and 5:00 p.m.
- April 2: in-person meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Clear Brook High School, located at 4607 FM 2351, Friendswood
“This groundbreaking virtual education brings together two world-class educational institutions to offer students a rigorous academic program with the added benefits of in-person support and enrichment opportunities,” Superintendent Karen Engle said in the news release.
Why now?
Senate Bill 569, passed during the 89th legislative session in 2025, increased flexibility for districts to offer virtual and hybrid learning opportunities, allowing for instruction through individual courses, programs or full-time virtual and hybrid campuses, according to Texas Education Agency documents.
The district’s current virtual options include:
- Flexible scheduling, which allows high school students to take virtual courses during first and seventh periods
- Clear Access, which offers six different courses taken outside of the school day to accelerate learning
- Clear Stars, which is the district’s virtual credit recovery program
- Dual credit and hybrid options, which are offered through partnerships with College of the Mainland and San Jacinto College’s south campus for CCISD students to attend courses both virtually and in person
The program is part of an initiative to target students living within CCISD boundaries but not attending CCISD schools due to their enrollment in other virtual programs, as previously reported by Community Impact.
