Cy-Fair ISD parents will soon have more ways to customise their child’s education, with the district unveiling three new virtual learning pathways next school year.
The program was introduced by CFISD Director Dr. Meredith Akers during a board presentation on Nov. 6. She explained that the district designed the initiative in collaboration with Assistant Superintendent Melissa Martin, using parent survey data and enrollment trends to shape the new virtual options.
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“Online learning is not the next big thing, it is the now big thing,” Akers said. “With the passage of Senate Bill 569, districts now receive funding for students in virtual programs. We want to provide our families with multiple pathways to meet their needs.”
The Virtual Pathways Program will offer three distinct options for students:
CFISD Virtual Academy: A full-time, flexible learning experience for fourth and fifth graders and ninth through 12th graders. Students will remain enrolled at their home campus, allowing them to graduate with their cohort, participate in UIL activities, and join other extracurricular programs. The academy will include core courses, electives, advanced placement options, CTE classes, and dual-credit opportunities in partnership with Lone Star College. Middle school students will be added to the program in 2027-28 as enrollment grows.
CFISD Flex Learning: A hybrid model where students can complete one to two courses online while attending their home campus for the majority of their day. This option is designed for juniors and seniors balancing school with extracurriculars, jobs, or unique schedules. The program allows students to experience online learning while remaining in a traditional school environment.
CFISD Supplemental Courses: Tuition-based courses taken outside of the regular school day. These courses allow high school students to accelerate graduation, explore additional electives, or recover credits from previously failed classes. All courses will be taught by CFISD teachers, and eligibility is based on course requirements.
The rollout for the 2026-27 school year will include the Virtual Academy for fourth and fifth graders and high school students, Flex Learning for juniors and seniors, and Supplemental Courses for eligible high schoolers. The district plans to expand the academy to middle school students and offer additional Flex Learning courses in subsequent years. Virtual summer school options are also planned for 2028.
Akers said nearly 40% of surveyed families expressed interest in flexible online learning, demonstrating strong demand for the new program.
“Our goal is to give families more reasons to choose CFISD,” she said. “These pathways provide students with the flexibility to learn in ways that meet their individual needs while remaining connected to their campus community.”