Virtual and Hybrid Campus - Standard Authorization

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Contact Information

virtual.hybrid@tea.texas.gov

TEA is excited to announce the launch of the authorization process for full-time virtual and hybrid campuses, expanding access to high-quality, flexible learning opportunities for students across Texas.  

This page serves as a guide to virtual and hybrid campus standard authorization. It provides key information, processes, and resources designed to support school systems in navigating authorization requirements.

Authorization is granted only to school systems that demonstrate robust planning and preparation, including documented board approval, as evaluated through a rubric-based review process. The Commissioner may authorize a virtual or hybrid campus only when it is determined that the proposed campus is likely to result in improved student learning opportunities.

2027-28 Virtual and Hybrid Campus Authorization Timeline

School systems engaging in the standard authorization pathway will complete a full year of planning and pilot implementation. This process ensures systems are fully prepared to implement with fidelity and sustainability. This pathway allows school systems to complete planning and pilot implementation while preparing for full campus launch in the 2027–2028 school year.

Review the timeline below for key milestones and deadlines in the authorization process.

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August 2026–February 2027 Conduct year of planning and pilot implementation
September 25, 2026 Standard application is posted to the TEA virtual and Hybrid campus web page
October 14, 2026 Mandatory Hybrid and Virtual Campus Authorization webinar (Option 1)
November 4, 2026 Mandatory Hybrid and Virtual Campus Authorization webinar (Option 2)
December 7, 2026 Notice of Intent form due
February 5, 2027 Application due
February 8, 2027–March 5, 2027 TEA application review
March 8, 2027–March 19, 2027 Capacity interviews 
April 28, 2027 Authorization announcements
May 31, 2027 If authorized, request county-district-campus-number (CDCN)
August 2027 Campus begins serving students

Pre-Operational Planning

School systems must engage in a year of planning before implementation. The planning phase ensures readiness across academics, operations, and student support systems. 

Select each section below to expand and view detailed planning requirements.

  • The academic plan must address:

    • Alignment of curriculum and instructional practices with essential knowledge and skills per TEC, Chapter 28, Subchapter A. 
    • Systems for tracking student progress and providing timely interventions. 
    • Supports for special populations and at-risk students that ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. 
    • Adherence to all statutory requirements under TEC, Chapter 30B. 

  • The operations plan must address:

    • Staffing structures, roles, and responsibilities. 
    • School leadership and designate campus leaders (e.g., principal, program directors). 
    • Professional development plans tailored to virtual or hybrid instructional needs. 
    • Strategies to foster meaningful student and family engagement. 
    • Calendar and schedules for the virtual or hybrid learning models. 
    • Enrollment eligibility and define criteria for student participation. 
    • Cybersecurity and data privacy measures to protect student information. 
    • If applicable, third-party services provided by private entities, including roles and oversight mechanisms. 

  • School systems must demonstrate readiness through planning, application, and interview processes. A pilot program is required before seeking authorization.

    • Data analysis showing alignment with strategic goals and student needs
    • Stakeholder engagement demonstrating interest and projected enrollment
    • Evidence of a pilot implementation

    A pilot is defined as a structured, time-limited implementation of a virtual or hybrid model or prior experience operating a similar program.

Pilot Program Details

Before receiving authorization, school systems must implement a pilot program for a virtual or hybrid model.

Two types of pilots may be implemented:

• A required pilot program 

• An optional pilot program (available for hybrid campuses only)

Successful implementation continues through a well-executed pilot phase. A structured pilot program allows school systems to test, refine, and strengthen practices before full-scale implementation.

Select each section below to explore requirements for each pilot program option.

  • A pilot of a full-time virtual or hybrid program must demonstrate the capacity to implement and sustain a full-time model in compliance with all applicable requirements. The pilot must meet the following criteria:

    Serve a defined cohort of full-time students in a hybrid or virtual model for at least one semester or 12 consecutive instructional weeks.
    The cohort must include either one full grade level or a minimum of 25 students.
    Utilize a technology platform (e.g., a learning management system) that supports course delivery aligned with the Texas essential knowledge and skills (TEKS).
    Provide academic instruction and ensure access to all required services and supports for students, including those with disabilities and other special populations, in compliance with applicable state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
    Include staff responsible for instruction and key operational roles aligned with the proposed campus model.
    Track student attendance and monitor engagement and academic progress.
    Establish a defined schedule that incorporates synchronous and/or asynchronous instruction.
    Collect and report data on student performance, engagement, and stakeholder feedback to support continuous improvement.

  • As an alternative to the full-time program pilot, school systems proposing a full-time hybrid campus may implement a hybrid or virtual course-level pilot. This option allows for the demonstration of capacity at the course level rather than through a full-program model. Pilots implemented under this option must meet the following requirements:

    Offer a minimum of three hybrid or virtual courses to a defined group of students for at least 12 consecutive instructional weeks.
    Utilize a technology platform (e.g., a learning management system) that supports course delivery aligned with the Texas essential knowledge and skills (TEKS).
    Provide academic instruction and ensure access to all required services and supports for students, including those with disabilities and other special populations, in compliance with applicable state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
    Include staff responsible for instruction and key operational roles aligned with the proposed hybrid campus model.
    Track student attendance and monitor engagement and academic progress.
    Establish a defined schedule that incorporates synchronous and/or asynchronous instruction.
    Collect and report data on student performance, engagement, and stakeholder feedback to support continuous improvement.

     

     

     

2026-27 Virtual and Hybrid Campus Authorization

For school systems that have engaged in robust planning and are ready to operate a hybrid or virtual campus, TEA will provide an accelerated authorization pathway for campuses to begin operating this fall. This accelerated pathway includes both expedited and standard authorization options for the 2026–2027 school year. For details on the expedited authorization process, please visit the expedited authorization web page.

Review the timeline below for key milestones and deadlines in the authorization process.

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July 2, 2026 Application posts
July 9, 2026 Mandatory informational webinar - Zoom link - 2:00-3:00 p.m. (Option 1)
July 9, 2026 Notice of Intent form due
July 14, 2026 Mandatory information webinar - Zoom link - 10:00-11:00 a.m. (Option 2)
July 22, 2026 Application due at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time
July 23–30, 2026 Application review
July 23–30, 2026 Capacity interview
August 5, 2026 Approval notification
August 15, 2026 Deadline to apply for a county-district-campus-number (CDCN)

Applications

The user guide is designed to support school systems in the planning process and to help prepare for completion of the official Smartsheet application. All responses and required uploads must be submitted through the Smartsheet form, which must be completed in a single session.

School systems must secure local board approval to submit an application for a full-time virtual or hybrid campus authorization. 

Applications must be submitted through the agency’s designated form and include all required evidence, including documentation of school board approval to establish the campus and any additional required artifacts. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.

State Law & Rule

See the following links for the relevant law and rules:

Law—TEC, Chapter 30B. Virtual and Hybrid Campuses, Programs, and Courses.
Rule—Texas Administrative Code (TAC) rulemaking will take place during the 2025-2026 school year.