Education

In response to the evolving educational needs of families across the district, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has unveiled a major initiative set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year. The new CFISD Virtual Pathways program was officially introduced during the Board of Trustees work session on November 6, 2025, marking a significant expansion in the district’s efforts to provide flexible, student-centered learning.

Thanks to the recent passage of Senate Bill 569 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, school districts like CFISD can now receive ADA (Average Daily Attendance) funding for students enrolled in approved virtual programs. This opens the door for districts to create robust, fully-supported online learning opportunities. CFISD’s move comes in direct response to growing demand—data from the 2024-25 school year shows that 1,112 CFISD-resident students were enrolled in virtual schools outside the district.

Tailored Learning for Every Path

Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, CFISD Virtual Pathways will offer three distinct options for families:

CFISD Virtual Academy

Designed as a full-time, online alternative for 4th–5th and 9th–12th grade students, the Virtual Academy provides a flexible but structured environment, blending asynchronous instruction with synchronous support, such as live virtual class sessions and small group instruction.

• Students remain connected to their CFISD campus, making them eligible for UIL sports, extracurriculars, and club activities.
• The district has plans to expand the program to middle school students by the 2027-28 school year as enrollment and interest continue to grow.

CFISD Flex Learning

This option offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take 1–2 classes asynchronously online while continuing to attend their home campus for the rest of the day.

• Ideal for students juggling jobs, extracurriculars, or non-traditional family schedules, this option supports flexibility without sacrificing in-person connection.

CFISD Supplemental Courses

For high school students needing to recover credits, graduate early, or open up their schedules for more electives, the Supplemental Courses option allows them to take online classes outside of the regular school day.

• This pathway is tuition-based, similar to summer school, and offers additional customization for motivated students.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

“Launching these three pathways allows CFISD to offer a comprehensive suite of virtual options: a full-time academy, flexible scheduling within traditional campuses, and tuition-based supplemental opportunities,” said Dr. Meredith Akers, Director of CFISD Virtual Pathways. “These options provide lots of reasons for families to choose CFISD.”

Enrollment Now Open

Families who are interested in any of the Virtual Pathways can begin the process by filling out the Virtual Pathways Initial Inquiry Form at virtual.cfisd.net.

• Priority enrollment for current CFISD students applying to the Virtual Academy or Flex Learning is open now and runs through December 18, 2025.
• The final enrollment deadline is set for February 16, 2026.
• Students not currently enrolled in CFISD can also fill out the Initial Inquiry Form to express interest and then complete New Student Registration when it opens in spring 2026.

A Vision for the Future of Education in Cy-Fair

CFISD's move to introduce this diverse range of virtual options reflects a larger vision to meet families where they are, whether that means offering full-time remote education, a blended schedule, or supplemental support. With flexibility, equity, and student success at its core, the CFISD Virtual Pathways program aims to become a valuable educational resource for students across the district—and a compelling reason for others to choose CFISD.

For more information about CFISD Virtual Academy, Flex Learning, and Supplemental Courses, visit virtual.cfisd.net.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.