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Northside previews 'Northside Connect' — a planned 100% virtual high school for 2026–27
Summary
District leaders described plans to launch a 100% virtual high school (Northside Connect) in 2026–27, with vendor RFPs underway, phased enrollment, special-education inclusion, and questions still pending about UIL participation and diploma/campus coding.
Administration told trustees Tuesday it is working to launch a 100% virtual high school for grades 9–12, provisionally branded "Northside Connect," and plans to present a vendor recommendation in January.
Superintendent Dr. Craft and Dr. Jordan said an outside vendor will likely be required to provide a turnkey solution for instructional delivery, student supports and marketing. Administration described several decision points: whether the virtual campus will receive its own campus code and diploma, how UIL extracurricular participation would work for online students, whether enrollment would be limited to in-district students or open to out-of-district students, capacity limits for year-one, and how special-education services would be delivered.
"This will, in essence, be a program that we'll be able to provide not only to in district Northside ISD students, but potentially also out of district, students," Dr. Jordan said. Staff said an exit survey of recent withdrawing families cited flexibility as the leading reason for leaving.
Trustees asked about screening for students who can succeed in an online modality, recovery/remediation plans if students struggle, potential partnerships with local colleges or Alamo Colleges for dual credit, and cost estimates. Administration said registration and marketing would begin in January/February after vendor selection and that more detailed cost estimates and a formal recommendation will return to the board on Jan. 13.
