Bryan ISD previews tuition-free Virtual Academy opening August 2026; 148 applicants under review

Bryan Independent School District trustees received a detailed update on the district's new Bryan Virtual Academy, which is scheduled to open August 2026 and will be tuition-free for students zoned to Bryan ISD and for eligible out-of-zone applicants. "As of this afternoon, we have 148 applicants for the virtual academy," Associate Superintendent Dr. Barbara Ybara told the board, noting applications are under review.

Dr. Christina Richardson, director of advanced academics, described the program design: grades 3— will follow core in-person-like schedules with core courses and optional electives, while grades 7'12 may enroll fully online or in a hybrid model that allows students to attend on-site for performance-based electives such as CTE classes, band, athletics or choir. Richardson said the program will offer asynchronous coursework plus live instructional support and targeted interventions. "We will be monitoring attendance, progress and grades," she said, adding the district will recommend in-person tutoring or a return to on-campus instruction if students do not progress.

Officials said the website and application are live, two of four parent informational sessions have been recorded and posted in English and Spanish, and the district will administer placement assessments for applicants who lack comparable prior testing. Priority enrollment closes August 10; the district plans a parent orientation on August 4 and a virtual orientation window for students between August 4 and 11, with the first day of school set for August 12. Chromebooks will be checked out to students at the end of July/beginning of August.

The district emphasized family engagement through an "observer" role that lets parents view assignments, teacher communications and grades in the learning platform. Officials also described partnerships to support dual-credit opportunities: a meeting with a community college partner is scheduled for June 16 to aid students interested in dual credit and concurrent enrollment.

Dr. Ybara and Dr. Richardson said the academy is designed to meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards and to keep virtual students connected to campus life, including clubs, prom, homecoming and UIL participation for zoned students who meet eligibility. Officials said out-of-zone students' eligibility for UIL will be evaluated under Texas UIL rules.

Next steps for the board include ongoing admissions work through the summer and a fuller course list expected after final approvals. The district will review priority applicants in June and continue case-by-case enrollment throughout the term.