LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Lubbock Independent School District Board of Trustees has approved a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech University to create Lubbock ISD Virtual Education, known as LIVE, a tuition-free online education program for eligible students.
“We understand that the very best and most effective way for public education is in a face-to-face traditional school, and the majority of our students fit in that pathway,” said Misty Rieber, Lubbock ISD chief academic officer. “But we also know there are students where a face-to-face education doesn’t work for their family. We are proud to offer this option for them with a partner that has a longstanding history of success in virtual education.”
LIVE will operate asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework online at their own pace. Courses will be taught by Texas Tech K-12 certified teachers, and students will have access to 24/7 tutoring and academic support resources.
Students enrolled in LIVE will retain access to Lubbock ISD’s in-person support system, including technical assistance, counseling and academic guidance. Lubbock ISD and Texas Tech K-12 will monitor student progress, engagement and attendance throughout the school year, with Texas Tech K-12 providing regular updates to each student’s home campus.
Eligibility and enrollment
To be eligible for LIVE, students must:
Be a Texas residentBe able to provide proof they are reading on grade levelHave reliable high-speed internet access and adult support in their home
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are open and will close Aug. 10. Space is limited. Accepted students will begin the school year Aug. 12, alongside in-person students, and will follow the district’s academic calendar.
LIVE students will be connected to the district through specific campuses. Elementary students will be registered with either Honey Elementary School or Whiteside Elementary School. Secondary students may register with any middle or high school campus, with the exception of Commander William C. McCool Academy and Talkington School for Young Women Leaders.
High school and middle school students who live within the district are eligible to participate in University Interscholastic League activities and career and technical education courses at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center, as space allows. Secondary students who physically reside in the attendance zone of their home campus will be UIL eligible.
Students who participate in UIL activities must meet all course requirements, including in-person class attendance, and participate in before- and after-school practices, rehearsals, performances, games and competitions.
“Just like any other student, we will have tryouts, and they will have to maintain the academic requirements for participating in UIL,” Rieber said. “Families will have to transport the student to school for the class period, for rehearsals or practices, for games or performances, because if you’re going to be a part of an orchestra, a golf or a swim team, we want to make sure you’re a team member that they can count on and that you’re there on a regular basis.”
“LIVE is one more way our district is fulfilling our mission of preparing students for life by nurturing, developing and inspiring every child, every day,” said Lubbock ISD Superintendent Kathy Rollo. “We knew there were families who wanted to be part of our district, who wanted their children to be able to participate in UIL activities or CTE courses at our campuses, but, for one reason or another, traditional Monday through Friday, in-person participation just didn’t work for them. Now, we have a way to welcome them into our district and provide them with an option that meets their needs where they are.”
“Strong partnerships create stronger opportunities for students,” said Texas Tech K-12 Superintendent Robert Bayard. “Our collaboration with Lubbock ISD reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality virtual education while supporting the diverse needs of students and families.”
Texas Tech K-12, a division of Texas Tech University, has more than 30 years of experience providing accredited virtual education to students across Texas.
For more information or to apply, visit lubbockisd.org/LIVE.
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