Each course is developed to adhere to the district curriculum, which includes the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, according to the website.
KVS online classes allow secondary students to acquire graduation credits—or expand their learning opportunities—to supplement high school credit courses that may not be available at the campus they attend in person.
The cost per semester is $200, and the district offers reduced or waived fees for economically disadvantaged students, according to the release.
Diving in deeper
All KVS educators are certified teachers who have successfully completed a virtual instructor certification program through either Texas A&M University or the KISD Online program, according to the release. Those who teach advanced courses also have to meet special approval processes for advanced level instruction.
KVS offers over 60 courses providing students a range of categories, including:
- Advanced Placement
- Career and technical education
- English
- Non-native languages
- Math
- Social studies
- Physical education
- Provides scheduling flexibility
- Allows students to get ahead on credits
- Is available to incoming ninth grade and current KISD high school students
- Allows future KISD students from outside Texas to meet graduation requirements
Susan Richards, KISD Instructional Technology e-Learning manager, cited the high demand for e-learning among high school students as the driving factor behind the growth of the program.
"This innovative approach not only aligns with graduation plans but also ensures the delivery of quality instruction to Katy ISD learners beyond traditional school hours,” Richards said in the release. “KVS courses empower students to gain credits proactively while providing access to courses that may not be available at their home campus."
The backstory
KISD has been offering online coursework since 2010. The program was expanded in 2014 to include a greater variety of courses.
Annual enrollment in the program exceeds 4,000 high school students in the KVS program, which was designed to give students the flexibility of other online learning options at the collegiate level.
In addition, KVS courses are NCAA approved for college-bound student athletes, according to the release.
What else?
For more information on the Katy Virtual School:
- Visit the Katy Virtual School website
- Email [email protected]
- Visit on-site campus counselors
