Texas Districts Add Full-Time Virtual High School

High school families in Round Rock and Hays CISD now have a full-time online option, though early enrollment has been modest.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Distance Learning

Screen-print poster illustration of an empty wooden desk by a sunlit window with a closed laptop, a blank notebook, and a green plant, with open Texas sky beyond. — Round Rock and Hays CISD launched full-time virtual high school academies this school year, but Hays enrolled only 13 students of 25,500 despite about 180 applicants. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Round Rock ISD and Hays CISD launched virtual academies at the start of the 2026 school year, with Round Rock enrolling about 200 students in August. Hays CISD's academy, open to high school students, drew about 180 applicants but only 13 students out of 25,500 are enrolled.

Why it matters

Virtual academies give Texas families a full-time online option for high school, which matters for students who need flexible schedules or cannot attend in person. Districts add these programs partly because state funding rises with enrollment, so families are seeing a new option shaped by budget incentives as well as demand.

Round Rock enrolled about 200 students in its virtual academy in August, while Hays CISD enrolled 13 of its 25,500 students after receiving about 180 applications. Hays Virtual Academy is open to high school students.

The players

Round Rock ISD

A large public school district in Williamson County, Texas, serving families near Austin.

Hays CISD

A public school district in Hays County, Texas, serving about 25,500 students south of Austin.

The details

Hays CISD opened its academy just before the school year began, leaving little time to publicize it, and some applicants did not meet requirements or did not complete enrollment, which narrowed the final count. Round Rock initially planned to extend its program to middle school next year but has decided to focus on high school for now. Hays CISD hopes to expand the program and has discussed a hybrid model that would combine online and in-person learning.

August 2026: Round Rock ISD and Hays CISD launched their virtual academies at the start of the school year.
Next school year: Round Rock had planned a middle school expansion, which it has since put on hold to focus on high school.

Education Landscape

Texas districts receive state funding based on enrollment, which gives them a reason to offer online pathways that keep students in the system. Virtual academies have grown as families seek flexible options, and these first-year launches show how districts are testing demand before expanding.

Families considering a virtual academy should ask their district's enrollment office about eligibility requirements, start dates, and whether a hybrid option is planned. Students who did not qualify or did not finish enrollment can contact the district to learn what steps are needed for future sessions.

The takeaway

Virtual academies are still small in Texas, but they show how districts are building online options as enrollment becomes more important to funding. Families interested in a virtual program should confirm eligibility and enrollment deadlines directly with their district.