Virtual and Hybrid Campuses
A full-time virtual and hybrid campus is a campus where 50 percent or more of the student population is enrolled in a full-time virtual or hybrid program. To operate such a campus, a school district or open-enrollment charter school must be authorized under Texas Education Code, Chapter 30B. The authorization process includes several key steps: submitting a notice of intent to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), completing a formal application, and participating in an interview process. These steps ensure that school systems are prepared to meet the instructional, operational, and accountability requirements associated with virtual and hybrid learning models.
- A full-time virtual campus is a school district or open-enrollment charter school campus where at least 50 percent of enrolled students participate in a full-time virtual program authorized under TEC, Chapter 30B, Subchapter C. Students receive instruction and access course content primarily through the internet. Learning may be delivered synchronously through live sessions or asynchronously at the student’s own pace. In-person attendance is minimal or not required.
- A full-time hybrid campus is a school district or open-enrollment charter school campus at which at least 50 percent of the enrolled students are enrolled in a full-time hybrid program authorized under TEC, Chapter 30B, Subchapter C. These programs combine online and in-person instruction. Students attend in-person classes for less than 90% of their total instructional time. These programs provide flexible learning formats, such as courses that combine virtual and face-to-face components, alternating daily schedules made up of virtual and in-person courses, or other customized approaches designed to meet a variety of student needs.
Full-time Virtual and Hybrid Campus Authorization
Senate Bill 569 establishes two pathways for school systems to complete an authorization process: expedited authorization and standard authorization.
Expedited Authorization
To qualify for the expedited authorization, school systems must meet one of the following criteria:
- Operated an electronic course or full-time program through the state virtual school network in accordance with TEC Chapter 30A, as the law existed immediately before the effective date of SB 569; or
- Operated a virtual education program during the 2022-2023, 2023-2024, or 2024-2025 school year, regardless of whether the district or school received funding for students enrolled in the program.
A virtual education program must meet all of the following:
- students were enrolled in a virtual or hybrid model and took four or more virtual or hybrid courses within a semester;
- the majority of instruction was delivered through the virtual or hybrid model as part of a cohesive instructional program with coordinated curriculum, staffing, and student supports; and
- the program was not limited to individual or supplemental virtual courses taken by students otherwise enrolled in and required to attend an in-person campus
School systems that operated a virtual education program during the 2022–2023, 2023–2024, or 2024–2025 school year must submit documentation demonstrating the existence and scope of the program.
Standard Authorization
All school systems that do not meet the qualifications for the expedited authorization process must complete the standard authorization process. This process includes completing a year of planning, implementation of a pilot, application submission, and a capacity interview. Most school systems in Texas will complete this authorization process.
Standard Authorization
Learn more about the standard authorization process.
Expedited Authorization
Learn more about the expedited authorization process.
Virtual Course List
School systems operating a full-time virtual and hybrid campus must annually certify, via the Virtual Course List Form, that each virtual course complies with the course guidelines in TEC, Chapter 30B.
2026-27 Virtual Course Submission Deadlines
- Fall courses: Due July 15
- Spring courses: Due October 15
- Summer courses: Due April 15
If you miss a deadline, please contact our team for assistance.
For attendance and funding guidance, please see the To The Administrator Addressed (TAA) correspondence dated August 21, 2025.
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.