Currently known as Northside Connect, the program will be a virtual high school that offers a series of rigorous courses, which offer greater flexibility for students within the district.
The big picture
NISD Superintendent John Craft said the district began looking into forming the program for grades 9-12 after the approach was recently legislated by the state.
“We are actively aggressively pursuing constructing and preparing to launch a virtual high school for next school year," he said. "I can say this with full confidence, we will not be alone in this venture ... this is going to be a very transformative approach.”
Designed primarily for students who need flexibility, such as those who are traveling, participating in athletics or have health concerns, the program will offer standard high school courses and will potentially offer dual credit and college-credit opportunities. Craft said the program will give families currently choosing homeschool, charter or other online providers a pathway for education within NISD. The program will also be open to special education students.
“I would venture to say that this is going to be a very specialized niche that we're ... providing,” Craft said. “The student is going to be incredibly self‑motivated, and there's going to have to be [engaged] parental support for them to be successful.”
Program is designed for high motivated students who:
- Are able to handle rigorous online work
- Have strong parental/guardian guidance
- Have intense travel/competition schedules
- Who move frequently, including military families
- Potentially are out of the district
- Require American with Disabilities Act support
The program will also potentially include extracurricular activities at their zoned campuses and hybrid support, such as tutoring, check-ins and resources on campuses.
What’s next
District officials are currently narrowing down vendors from three to one, with a plan to bring a full proposal Jan. 13. The proposal will include costs, the selected vendor and the program’s structure, such as which local partners the program will use and dual credit options.
The district plans to announce the program and hold parent/student info sessions throughout January, with registration estimated to open Feb. 4.
