FRISCO (WBAP/KLIF)-Frisco ISD has been working over the last several months to create a permanent, full-time Virtual School to serve FISD students starting in the 2021-22 school year. Virtual class offerings for students in grades 3-12 are currently being planned to meet all grade level and graduation course requirements.
“While FISD is still waiting for the Texas Legislature to pass legislation that would allow this opportunity to become a reality for our district, we are encouraged with several bills that are currently making their way through the legislative process,” said Dr. Wes Cunningham, Chief Academic Officer.
“Although we may not know final details of a new law related to online learning for several weeks, we believe it is in the best interest of our students and families to begin formal preparations for a Virtual School at this time. In order to ensure the new school is ready to serve students in the fall, it is vitally important that the District has a firm understanding of the number of students who will attend the Virtual School for planning and hiring purposes.”
The structure of the program will vary from the virtual learning option offered to students during the 2020-21 school year and is subject to change based on guidance from the state. Due to staffing considerations and the desire to provide as much continuity for students as possible, students admitted to the Virtual School will commit to the school for the entire school year. Full-time staff will work exclusively with virtual students throughout the school year.
In addition, in Virtual School, students will take all of their courses online. Students will have the opportunity to take the courses they need to meet requirements, but secondary electives will be limited. Participation in extracurricular activities such as athletics and fine arts will not be an option in the full-time Virtual School. More information about this option is available online at friscoisd.org/virtual-school.
Parents who would like their student/s to attend the Virtual School for the entirety of the 2021-22 school year are asked to submit an application form. The form will be available starting next Wednesday, April 28 via the District’s secure parent portal, called The Gateway.
“Frisco ISD is excited to provide students with permanent access to online learning through the introduction of the Virtual School as the newest Frisco ISD School of Choice,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mike Waldrip. “While we have been studying this learning option for our community for some time, COVID-19 gave us the opportunity to push this priority to the forefront and we hope it will provide families with desired flexibility now and into the future.”