Katy ISD Opens Enrollment for Legacy Virtual High School, Bringing Statewide Access to Tuition-Free Education
In a move that reflects both innovation and growing demand for flexible education in Texas, Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) officially opened enrollment for its new online campus, Legacy Virtual High School, on February 2.
Announced by Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski and Principal Kelley Kirila at a press conference on January 30, the fully accredited virtual high school will begin serving 9th through 11th grade students statewide in Fall 2026, with 12th grade being added the following school year.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Legacy Virtual High School is Katy ISD’s newest venture under its Innovative Pathways initiative, designed to expand personalized learning opportunities for students with diverse academic needs, schedules, or personal circumstances. Whether students are seeking advanced placement coursework, managing medical needs, participating in competitive athletics, or simply seeking a more flexible academic environment, the new program offers a responsive and robust educational alternative.
“Legacy Virtual High School builds on the exceptional academics of our brick-and-mortar schools, enabling us to expand the district’s proven success across the region and state,” said Dr. Gregorski. “Through a combination of innovation and student-centered learning, our virtual high school reflects the same high standards that define the Katy ISD experience and outcomes.”
The program will offer tuition-free, full-time virtual instruction to eligible students throughout Texas, along with fee-based supplemental coursework for in-district and out-of-district learners.
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Course Offerings & Structure
Legacy Virtual High School will provide a comprehensive suite of academic offerings, including:
- Core high school courses
- Advanced Placement (AP) classes
- Original credit options
- Select Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses
- Endorsement pathways in STEM-Computer Science, Business & Industry, Arts & Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies
All instruction will be delivered by State Board of Education-certified Katy ISD teachers who have received additional training in best practices for virtual education. Courses will be accessed via the district’s secure online learning platform, complete with safeguards for digital security, academic integrity, and regular communication between families and staff.
Principal Kelley Kirila emphasized the intentional structure and supportive environment of the virtual campus. “The school is designed to feel personal, structured and supportive,” she said. “Our goal is to combine flexibility with clear expectations, consistent instruction and strong relationships so students can thrive in an online environment.”
Why Now? A Growing Demand for Virtual Education in Texas
The opening of enrollment comes amid a statewide increase in interest for public virtual school options. According to the Texas Education Agency, more than 62,000 students were enrolled full-time in Texas public virtual schools during the 2024–25 school year—a significant jump from just 5,000 a decade earlier. New legislation, including Senate Bill 569 passed in the 89th Texas Legislative Session, has empowered districts like Katy ISD to offer virtual and hybrid instruction with expanded flexibility and clarity.
Legacy Virtual High School is Katy ISD’s response to this growing demand, leveraging over ten years of experience in virtual summer courses and supplemental programming. This foundation sets the stage for a successful launch designed to maintain academic excellence while providing increased accessibility to students throughout the Lone Star State.
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Technology, Enrollment & Next Steps
Katy ISD zoned students can use their district-issued devices or personal laptops, while out-of-district students may either use their own or purchase a cost-effective device through the district to ensure a smooth virtual experience.
Families interested in enrolling or learning more about the program can now access the Legacy Virtual High School Interest Form on the Katy ISD website. Completing this form ensures families receive timely updates about program specifics, eligibility guidelines, and application deadlines.
Enrollment is now open as of February 2, with classes scheduled to begin in August 2026.
For families in Katy, Houston, and across Texas exploring flexible high school options, Legacy Virtual High School offers a new path forward. With its strong foundation in Katy ISD’s proven academic programs, the virtual campus provides a full-time, accredited alternative that’s both accessible and thoughtfully designed for today’s learners.
Stay up to date with My Neighborhood News for continuing coverage on Katy ISD programs and updates on Texas education.
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.
