Virtual High School FAQs

General Information

What is the BISD Virtual Program?

The BISD Virtual Program provides families and students grades 9-12 with the flexibility to take classes virtually through an asynchronous classroom setting. The program provides 2 types of models for families and students to select that fits their needs. Students will be provided with BISD certified teacher instruction, feedback, and support. Along with classroom support, students will have access to BISD resources, technology, and regular check-ins by BISD staff.


How do I know if this program is right for me?

This program is designed for students who are self-motivated, highly driven, and capable of taking ownership of their learning. Ideal students are independent learners who manage their time well, solve problems effectively, and advocate for their own needs. They communicate clearly in both writing and speaking, are comfortable using technology, and benefit from a flexible schedule. Additionally, students who have consistent support at home will be best positioned to succeed in this learning environment.


Why is BISD providing this now?

Texas Senate Bill 569, passed in 2025, allows districts to offer more flexible learning models. BISD virtual program provide families more flexibility and more choices while providing a quality education for students by BISD certified teachers.

Why should we choose BISD?

Parents and students should choose Brazosport ISD because it offers a high-quality, accredited education taught by highly qualified teachers who are committed to student success and engagement. The district provides a broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities—including advanced academics, dual credit, career and technical education, fine arts, athletics, and student organizations—that help prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond graduation. BISD’s mission is to graduate each student to be future ready, reflecting its focus on equipping learners with the skills and confidence to excel in an ever-changing world.

What is the difference between the full-time and hybrid program?

Full-time virtual students will take all coursework online. Hybrid students will take only the core coursework online (math, science, social studies, and reading) while their electives will be taken in person. Depending on the electives, the hybrid student will complete the core coursework online in the first 4 periods of the day or the last 4 periods of an 8 period day.

What steps is BISD taking to handle online safety?

Students are expected to demonstrate responsible technology use and positive digital citizenship aligned with district standards. Students must acknowledge the student handbook and code of conduct. All students are held to the code of conduct.

Who can I contact?

The virtual program coordinator is Lisa Whitlow and can be reached by email at [email protected]

Extension 11638


Is BISD Virtual High School a good match for your learning style and academic needs?

Consider the questions below to help you decide.


Why attend the BISD Virtual High School Program?

Students who do well in a virtual environment typically enjoy working independently, staying organized, and taking initiative in their learning. If you have experienced success with virtual learning before, this program may be a strong fit. Students who have experienced virtual classes already know that it requires more time and commitment than the traditional classroom. Do not consider the virtual program because you think the work will be easier than in a traditional class.


Are you able to schedule time to work on assignments and follow through to meet deadlines?

Good time-management skills are essential for successful online learning. Students must be disciplined and structure their own schedules. It is very easy to become distracted by personal or work commitments when you are not in the traditional school setting.


Are you comfortable with computers?

You don’t have to be a computer genius to succeed in an online course. You should possess basic computer skills: finding, opening, saving, printing, and managing files using Google Drive, Google applications; and be able to use Google Meets for video conferencing. Additionally, you must be able to manage emails, send file attachments, and search the web.


If you are easily frustrated or intimidated by computers, this may not be the best academic setting for you.


Are you willing to ask for clarification or help?

If you experience difficulty on any level (either with technology or the course) you must communicate this with your instructor immediately. Many of the non-verbal cues instructors use in determining whether students are having problems (confusion, boredom, frustration) are not visible in the online environment. The instructor may never know there is an issue if you do not reach out.


What are the requirements and characteristics of a successful virtual learner?

Characteristics of successful Virtual Learners:

  • Demonstrated appropriate conduct with no significant disciplinary concerns
  • Independent Learner
  • Self-Motivated and disciplined
  • Willing to seek help when needed
  • Behavior reflects kindness, scholarly participation, and collaboration
  • On track to be college, career, or military ready prior to senior year

Requirements of Virtual Learners:

  • Attend in person for state-mandated and district testing
  • May be required to attend in-person sessions with their teachers periodically
  • May be required to attend virtual sessions with their teachers periodically
  • Have support at home from caretaker or *Virtual Learning Coach

Caretaker or Virtual Learning Coach:

  • Set up designated workspace
  • Stay in communication with school and teachers
  • Create a structured schedule and routines for the asynchronous coursework during the day
  • Help train student(s) how to manage time effectively

Enrollment and Registration

Can students switch back to on-campus learning or hybrid?

Students are expected to remain in their selected learning environment for the entire semester. Any changes may only be made at the start of a new semester and must be coordinated with the student’s assigned campus counselor.

What is the process for application?

Current Brazosport ISD Students

Planning to be a Virtual or Hybrid Student at your Zoned High School

Planning to be a Virtual or Hybrid Student at a High School you are not zoned for.

Example: You are a current student but plan to take in-person electives offered only at the other HS (such as cosmetology or ROTC). 


New or Returning Brazosport ISD Students


New or Returning to BISD Students (Out of District)

  • Complete the Virtual HS Program Application. (Open April 16 - May 7)

  • Complete the Student Transfer Form. (Open May 1)

  • Note: Both the transfer form and virtual application must be approved for full acceptance into the virtual program.

  • The campus clerk will contact the parent via email with further instructions.


New or Returning to BISD Students (In District)

  • Complete the Virtual HS Program Application. (Open April 16 - May 7)

  • Note: The virtual application must be approved for full acceptance into the virtual program.

  •  The campus clerk will contact the parent via email with further instructions.

What are the application dates?

Applications open on April 16 and close on May 7. There will be a second round of applications in July only if space allows.


What are the qualifications?

9th-12th grader for the 2026-2027 school year


Earned average of 80 or higher in prior coursework.


Maintains good standing with a record of positive conduct and no disciplinary concerns.

‘Meet’ Grade Level on each STAAR assessment in the last 2 years.

*If the student has not taken the STAAR test in the last 2 years, the student will be notified to complete a screening assessment.

Seniors in the 2026-2027 school year must have obtained their CCMR indicator.


What is the cost?

The program is free to all eligible students. Students must provide their own stable internet and a workspace for virtual learning and meetings.

Who can enroll?

Students in grades 9 through 12 residing in the follow counties beginning in the 2026–27 school year: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Matagorda, and Wharton. Current BISD students, incoming ninth graders, students out of district, and students in other virtual programs.

What if my student does not reside in Brazosport ISD?

Students living outside of the Brazosport ISD school zone can apply for the Brazosport ISD Virtual Program by completing the steps below:

Step 1: Complete the virtual program application
Step 2: Complete the Transfer Request Form when it becomes available

Final acceptance into the Virtual Program is dependent upon approval of the Transfer Request. Transfer decisions are based on attendance, behavior, and academic history.

Can a student with an IEP enroll?

Yes. An ARD meeting must be held when a virtual or hybrid placement is being considered. The ARD committee will determine if the student’s IEP can be appropriately supported online and adjust accommodations for the online learning.


What happens after I apply?

The application deadline is May 7. All applications will be reviewed May 8-14. 

Communication to all applicants will begin in mid-May


When do classes start?

The virtual program follows the BISD school calendar. August 12 is the first day of school for the 2026-2027 school year.

What part of the day would hybrid students be in-person?

The campus academic counselor will assist with selecting a schedule that fits the requested courses and meet the needs of the student and family.

Student Services and Supports

How do I get to school if I am a hybrid student?

Hybrid students are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus. Students have access to transportation at the beginning of the school day or end of the school day.

How will teachers communicate to students?

Teachers will communicate with students and guardians through the following methods but not limited to: the learning platform, google classroom, email, and phone calls.

What technology is required?

BISD will provide a district-issued chromebook. Students must have reliable internet access at home.

What student supports are available?

BISD teachers support students academically in their course content. Teachers will have virtual office hours and in-person tutoring. Students have access to the virtual coordinator and counselors for academic and social-emotional support

Who is my counselor?

Each campus has an assigned academic counselor. The academic counselors create a personalized schedule for each student to fit the graduation requirements. Academic counselors can support students and guardians with course selection questions and how to be future ready.

How can a student receive help for a class?

Teachers provide tutoring and office hours each week. If any support is needed outside of those hours, the student will need to communicate with the teacher in order to coordinate additional support.

How do families stay connected?

Guardians will have access to the online learning platform. Guardians will receive weekly bulletin updates from the virtual coordinator. Guardians can also access each google classroom.

Academics

Will students have to take STAAR tests?

District and state exams must be taken in person. This includes but not limited to: 

Practice STAAR

STAAR

PSAT/SAT

TSI

Final exams


What online learning platform and curriculum will be used?

The students will be utilizing a digital platform from Imagine Learning called Edgenuity. The instruction will align with the TEKS and district curriculum. Students will use the Google platform for email, google meets, classroom announcements, and calendar events.

Will summer courses be available?

Summer 2026 virtual courses are not available at this time. Future summer courses for the summer of 2027 will be determined at a later date.

Can I take dual credit classes at the same time?

Yes, students can enroll in dual credit classes at the same time as being a virtual student. The student and parent are responsible for contacting the dual credit counselor and registering for dual credit classes.

How are classes structured?

The Brazosport ISD Virtual High School Program allows students to learn on a flexible schedule while receiving guidance, support, and monitoring from a certified teacher. All coursework is primarily asynchronous with opportunities to receive support from the instructor.

Student Expectations:

  • Learn through engaging lessons, videos, readings, and assignments
  • Work on coursework on their own schedule while meeting set deadlines
  • Receive regular feedback from their teacher
  • Ask for help through teacher office hours, tutoring, or conferences
  • Participate in live virtual sessions as required

Teacher Expectations:

  • Implement and customize district-provided curriculum to meet TEKS requirements
  • Facilitate live virtual sessions as needed
  • Monitor student engagement and progress
  • Provide regular feedback to students for ongoingsupport
  • Offer virtual tutorials and office hours

What are the student expectations for the virtual learning?

Expectations

  • Be prepared to engage in the lessons
  • Seek help when needed
  • Communicate with your teacher
  • Check your classes often
  • Academic integrity is expected just as it is in a face-to-face classroom
  • Mic on mute and unmute when speaking with teacher or class during virtual meetings
  • Camera on during virtual meetings
  • Be fully dressed and in a quiet, public space in your home

Do the grades count toward GPA and class ranking?

Virtual students, whether full-time or hybrid, will be ranked with their graduating class.

Only full-time in-person students are eligible for the honor of Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the last two school years.

What can we expect from teachers?

BISD teachers will communicate with students specific deadlines each week. Teachers will enter grades each week to provide feedback. Teachers will offer office hours each week. Communication will be made to parents on progress or concerns. 

What are the courses offered on campus for the hybrid students?

Hybrid students will be offered electives, CTE, fine arts, and athletics courses to select from. The academic counselors will assist with course selections based on the student's interest.

What courses would the hybrid students take online?

Hybrid students will take their 4 core subjects online. Those courses are Social Studies, Math, Science, and English.

How will students receive feedback and grades?

Teachers grade assignments and assessments using the same grading policies as on-campus courses. Grades and progress updates are updated weekly per the district policy of 2 grades per week. Grades can be accessed using the TEAMS portal.

Student Life

Will students be able to attend games, homecoming, prom, athletic events, and graduation?

All students enrolled in the virtual program have the opportunity to participate in many traditional high school experiences such as athletic events and dances. Students will have to follow all school rules and the student code of conduct.

What supplies are needed for virtual learning?

  • Reliable internet connection
  • Chromebook-technology may be provided by the district
  • Basic school supplies (paper, pencils, etc.) For Hybrid Learning: Supply needs for in-person courses will be provided by individual classroom instructors.
For Hybrid Learning: Supply needs for in-person courses will be provided by individual classroom instructors.

How is attendance tracked?

TEA is finalizing details for how virtual schools and programs will record and take attendance.

We anticipate daily engagement will be required for attendance purposes.

Additional information will be shared once TEA has finalized.

How does a student get a chromebook?

Students will pick up their chromebook at orientation.

Can students enrolled in the virtual program participate in UIL-sponsored extracurricular activities at Brazoswood or Brazosport High School?

Yes. Students enrolled in the Brazosport ISD virtual program who reside within the Brazosport ISD school zone may participate in any UIL-sponsored extracurricular activity at Brazosport High School or Brazoswood High School based on the campus they are zoned.

Students who do not reside in the Brazosport ISD school zone may not participate in any UIL-sponsored activities according to UIL guidelines.

Virtual program students must complete all required participation steps, including tryouts (if applicable), attend regularly scheduled classes, practices, rehearsals, contests, games, and performances in person.

Transportation: Students/families are responsible for transportation to and from campus for classes, practices, and rehearsals. For off-campus events, students are responsible for getting to campus to travel with the team/group unless other arrangements are communicated by the sponsor/coach.

How can students interact with peers?

Virtual students can participate in all campus events such as attending athletic events, clubs/organizations, and fine arts events.

How does a student get a student ID?

Students traveling to campus or campus events will need a student ID. Students will receive a student ID on the Chromebook pick up and orientation.





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