Legacy Virtual High School Brings Katy ISD Education Statewide as Virtual Enrollment Grows in Texas
Katy ISD is taking a bold step into the future of education with the upcoming launch of Legacy Virtual High School, a new fully accredited online campus set to open in Fall 2026. Designed to serve students across Texas, the program will offer both full-time and part-time enrollment, blending the district’s well-known academic excellence with the flexibility of a virtual format.
For families across Katy ISD and beyond, the new school presents an opportunity to customize high school learning in a way that fits each student’s needs—whether that means advanced coursework, a more flexible daily schedule, or online-only instruction due to personal circumstances.
What Legacy Virtual High School Offers
Legacy Virtual High School is the centerpiece of Katy ISD’s Innovative Pathways initiative, a districtwide effort to expand personalized education choices. Starting in February 2026, enrollment will open for:
- Free, full-time virtual learning for eligible Katy ISD and other Texas students
- Tuition-based, part-time courses open to both in-district and out-of-district students
- AP, dual credit, original credit, and core subject classes, with endorsement pathways in STEM-Computer Science, Business & Industry, Arts & Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies
- Certified teachers, all credentialed by the State Board of Education and trained in virtual instruction best practices
“Our expanded virtual options will be designed to provide students with access to the same exceptional, rigorous education Katy ISD is known for, now in a virtual format that offers flexibility, accessibility and convenience,” said Katy ISD Deputy Superintendent Leslie Haack. “It’s all about personalized learning, expanding the District’s ability to better support students with unique learning needs.”
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Online School Enrollment is Growing Fast in Texas
The launch of Legacy Virtual High School comes as virtual education continues to grow across the state. According to the Texas Education Agency and reporting from Government Technology, more than 62,000 students statewide are enrolled full-time in public virtual schools during the 2024–25 school year—up from just 5,000 students a decade ago. Texas now has more than two dozen full-time public virtual schools serving students from a wide variety of backgrounds and learning needs.
This dramatic rise was made possible in part by new legislation like Texas Senate Bill 569, passed during the 89th Legislature, which expanded district authority to offer full-time and part-time virtual instruction to eligible students across Texas.
Weighing the Benefits and Considerations of Virtual High School
Research suggests online schools work best for self-motivated learners who can thrive in less structured settings. Students gain access to a broader variety of courses, the ability to work ahead or slow down when needed, and fewer distractions compared to some in-person settings. For student-athletes, performers, or those managing health needs, the flexible schedule can be a game changer.
However, multiple studies—including a 2023 analysis by the National Education Policy Center (NEPC)—have raised concerns about student outcomes in virtual-only programs. Some fully online schools report lower graduation rates, particularly for students without strong support systems at home. In addition, families should weigh the loss of in-person interactions, extracurriculars, and on-campus experiences that traditional high school provides.
Katy ISD’s approach—rooted in years of virtual summer and supplemental programming—aims to offer the best of both worlds: top-tier instruction with Texas-sized flexibility.
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How to Stay Informed
Families in Katy ISD and beyond who are interested in enrolling or learning more should complete the Legacy Virtual High School Interest Form, now available on the Katy ISD website. This form ensures you’ll receive timely updates on eligibility requirements, application windows, and program details ahead of the February 2026 launch.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for the latest updates on enrollment, deadlines, and how Legacy Virtual High School may impact high school options for families.
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.
