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Midway ISD launches virtual school with full‑time, hybrid and a la carte options; early enrollment grows
Summary
Midway ISD told trustees it has launched a virtual school with three pathways, reported more than 100 applicants and early enrollment of 40 full‑time, 55 hybrid and 5 a la carte students, and said Pearson Connexus will provide Texas‑certified teachers for online instruction.
Midway Independent School District on Tuesday outlined the district’s new Midway Virtual School and early enrollment figures, describing three program pathways — full‑time virtual, hybrid and a la carte — and program rules for participation, testing and accountability.
Superintendent Dr. Becky Otagijima and program staff said Pearson Connexus will be the district’s course provider and that courses will be taught by Texas‑certified instructors employed by Pearson. “Those full time virtual students are enrolled as Midway ISD students,” Dr. Otagijima said, adding that students will be held to district codes of conduct and must take state tests in person at district facilities.
Administration reported early interest: "When I submitted this, a week ago, Monday, we had a 106 applicants," the presenter said. Current enrollments at the time of the briefing were 40 full‑time virtual students, 55 hybrid students and 5 a la carte students. The district said 18 new‑to‑district students applied from surrounding public schools, three from private schools, three from other virtual schools and 18 from homeschool families.
Staff described three pathways: full‑time virtual (100% online with daily expected engagement and in‑person testing), hybrid (4+ courses online with face‑to‑face classes for electives and eligibility to participate in UIL activities when in‑person course time meets requirements) and a la carte (single‑course enrollment available to non‑Midway students for a fee). The district said parents will be responsible for hybrid students’ transportation and that orientation for parents and students is scheduled for August 11 with device pickup planned the same night.
Trustees asked about services for students with individualized education plans (504/ARD); administration said the district will review each case, coordinate accommodations and provide necessary services where possible, and require families to sign waivers if services cannot be provided virtually. The district plans weekly family check‑ins during the program’s startup period to track engagement and academic progress.
Administration said the district would cap initial enrollment (they had discussed a 200‑student cap) and will consider program staffing and potential creation of a virtual‑program administrator as the program grows.
The board did not take formal action on the program during this meeting; administration said several procedural and orientation items will appear in August as enrollment and logistics firm up.
