HOUSTON – High school students in Houston Independent School District(HISD) will soon have a new, flexible way to earn their diploma.
HISD announced Tuesday it is launching a new districtwide virtual school called Virtual LaunchPad, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
The program is designed for high school students who are working on grade level but need more flexibility in their daily schedules.
How the Virtual LaunchPad works
According to the district, students enrolled in the Virtual LaunchPad will:
Remain enrolled at their home campus
Complete all coursework online
Participate in a blend of live, teacher-led lessons and independent learning
The program will initially serve 9th and 10th-grade students, with additional grade levels planned for the future.
Who it’s designed for
HISD says the option is meant for students whose life circumstances can make a traditional school schedule difficult to manage.
That includes students who:
Work jobs
Have medical needs
Participate in athletics
Help care for family members
“The Virtual LaunchPad represents an important step in expanding how we support students across Houston ISD,” said Gillian Quinn, HISD’s Executive Director of Career and Technical Education.
“By pairing high-quality instruction with greater flexibility, we’re opening doors for students whose schedules or life circumstances make traditional school models harder to navigate,” Quinn said. “Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their pathway, has access to rigorous learning, strong support, and opportunities that prepare them for college, careers, a thriving future, and a livable wage.”
The Virtual LaunchPad is part of Accelerate Houston, HISD’s broader effort to modernize learning and ensure students have access to tools, spaces, and opportunities designed for a future-focused world.
What parents need to know
Applications open in March
Parent information sessions will be offered in English and Spanish
Families interested in learning more can visit accelhou.houstonisd.org/virtual-school.
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